Cultural Winter Retreat in Kyoto with Family

Kyoto's Culinary Heart and Soulful Heights

As our final day in Kyoto unfolded, I felt a bittersweet mix of emotions. This trip, conceived as a cultural immersion for our family, had exceeded all expectations. Kyoto, with its ancient temples and vibrant markets, had woven its magic around us. Today, we set out to explore two more iconic spots: Nishiki Market and Kiyomizu-Dera, each promising a unique experience.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Anzukko. David had read online that Anzukko was known for their inventive gyoza, and since we all love gyoza, we decided to give it a try. We found the cozy restaurant tucked away in a small alley near Sanjo Station. The place was small, but inviting. We ordered a variety of gyoza, including their signature Anzukko Gyoza and the Camembert cheese gyoza. The Anzukko Gyoza had a crispy, lacy bottom and a juicy filling, while the Camembert cheese gyoza was rich and creamy. Emily especially loved the seafood boiled dumplings filled with scallop and dried shrimp. It was a delicious and satisfying way to start our day.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Anzukko in Kyoto - renowned for exquisite gyoza and vibrant izakaya atmosphere.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we ventured into the bustling Nishiki Market. The market, often called Kyoto's Kitchen, was a sensory overload in the best way possible. The narrow, covered arcade was packed with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and pickles to sweets and kitchenware. The market was bustling with both locals and tourists, and the energy was infectious. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant displays of colorful pickles, a staple in Japanese cuisine. We sampled a few varieties, each with its unique flavor profile. Emily was fascinated by the tanks of live seafood, while David was intrigued by the displays of traditional Japanese knives.


Explore Nishiki Market, Kyoto's vibrant food market, where local delicacies meet rich cultural heritage in a delightful shopping experience.

The beauty of travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in experiencing them fully, engaging with the local culture, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

As we strolled through the market, we sampled various delicacies. I tried some fresh yuba (tofu skin), a Kyoto specialty, while David indulged in some grilled seafood. Emily, ever adventurous, tried some takoyaki (octopus balls), a popular street food in Japan. We also picked up some matcha sweets and senbei (rice crackers) to take back to Canada with us. The market was a true feast for the senses, and I could have easily spent the entire day there.

Leaving Nishiki Market, we made our way towards Kiyomizu-Dera, a temple perched on the hillside overlooking Kyoto. The walk to the temple was an experience in itself, with charming streets lined with shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. As we climbed higher, the views of the city became increasingly breathtaking. Finally, we reached the entrance to the temple complex. The temple was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto and derives its name from the fall's waters. Kiyomizu-dera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside. The stage affords nice views of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.


Experience the tranquility of Kiyomizu-Dera Otowanotaki Falls, a cultural and historical gem nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan.

The iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizu-Dera offered panoramic views of Kyoto, a breathtaking sight even in the winter. I tried to imagine the scene during cherry blossom season, a riot of pink and white cascading down the hillside. We took our time exploring the temple grounds, admiring the intricate architecture and soaking in the serene atmosphere. The crisp winter air added to the sense of tranquility, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city below. I found myself reflecting on our journey, feeling grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family.

One of the most memorable spots within Kiyomizu-Dera was the Otowa Waterfall, located at the base of the main hall. The waterfall is divided into three separate streams, and visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. Each stream's water is said to have a different benefit, namely to cause longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. However, drinking from all three streams is considered greedy.

Emily, ever curious, was eager to partake in the tradition. After a bit of maneuvering, we each managed to drink from one of the streams. I chose the stream said to bring longevity, hoping for many more years of travel and adventure with my loved ones. David opted for success, while Emily, with a twinkle in her eye, chose the stream promising a fortunate love life. It was a fun and lighthearted moment, adding to the charm of the experience.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to treat ourselves to a special farewell dinner at Masayoshi Japanese Dining. David made the reservation a few days in advance, after reading several rave reviews about the restaurant. Masayoshi is a one Michelin Star eatery offering an “omakase” experience, where the chef chooses the menu from the freshest ingredients on hand. The place is tiny with the minimalistic, modern and immaculate look that the Japanese are famous for. We were greeted warmly as we entered and the staff continued to fawn over us all evening. The appetizer courses were very fresh tasting – tiny portions of raw fish, vegetables and sauces that were presented as nigiri, soup, a sushi roll and various flavour morsels. Each piece of nigiri came out in its own unique decorative plate. The fish was fresh and flavorful, and the presentation was exquisite. We savored each bite, appreciating the artistry and skill of the chef.


Experience authentic Japanese steakhouse dining at Masayoshi in Kyoto—where tradition meets culinary excellence.

After dinner, we decided to have one last drink at the Kyoto Star Bar. The bar was located down a narrow alley off Pontocho Street along the Kamogawa River. The interior was dimly lit and intimate, with a long wooden bar and comfortable seating. The bartender was dressed in a kimono, adding to the bar's traditional atmosphere. The Kyoto Star Bar is a directly managed store of STAR BAR GINZA in Ginza 1-chome, Tokyo.


Discover the perfect blend of cocktails and coffee at Kyoto Star Bar, a stylish retreat in the heart of Kyoto's vibrant nightlife.

We ordered a round of cocktails, each choosing something different. I opted for a classic gin and tonic, while David tried a local sake-based cocktail. Emily, ever adventurous, ordered a concoction with yuzu and matcha. The cocktails were expertly crafted, and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed and reflective evening. As we sipped our drinks, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip. From the serene beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the vibrant energy of Nishiki Market, Kyoto had offered us a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

As I sat there, surrounded by my family, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This trip to Kyoto had been more than just a vacation; it had been a journey of discovery, connection, and shared experiences. As a translator, I've always been fascinated by the nuances of language and culture. Seeing my family engage with a culture so different from our own filled me with joy. I am already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may take us.

Tomorrow, we will be heading back to Canada. It’s always hard to leave a place that has captured your heart, but I know that we will carry the memories of Kyoto with us forever. Until next time, Kyoto!

As I reflect on our time in Kyoto, I'm reminded of a quote by the great travel writer, Pico Iyer: We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. This journey has certainly helped us do both.