Family Exploration of Kyoto's Cultural Treasures

A Day of Discovery in Kyoto

Today was one of those days that perfectly encapsulates why I love travelling. It was a whirlwind of vibrant colours, ancient history, and delicious food, all experienced with my family by my side. From the iconic red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousand Torii Gates) to the tranquil gardens of Tōfuku-ji Temple and the enchanting streets of Gion, Kyoto truly revealed its cultural heart to us.

Our adventure began early at the Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousand Torii Gates), famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up the mountainside. Ethan was particularly excited, having seen pictures of it in his history book at school. The train ride there was a breeze, and as we stepped out of the station, the sight of the entrance to the shrine was simply breathtaking. Olivia, ever the practical one, reminded us to pace ourselves, as the hike to the top is quite a climb.

The seemingly endless path of vermillion gates was an incredible sight. Each gate, donated by individuals and businesses, is inscribed with their names and dates, a testament to their devotion. We walked through what felt like a tunnel of vibrant red, sunlight filtering through the gaps, creating a magical atmosphere. Ethan, full of energy, raced ahead, eager to discover what was around the next bend. Olivia and I took our time, soaking in the spiritual ambiance and snapping photos. I tried to explain to Ethan the significance of Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, but he was more interested in spotting the fox statues that are considered the messengers of the gods.

We didn't quite make it to the summit, deciding to turn back after a couple of hours, as Ethan was starting to get tired. On our way down, we stopped at a small tea house for some matcha ice cream, a perfect treat to cool down after the climb. The experience at Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousand Torii Gates) was truly memorable, a blend of physical activity, cultural immersion, and stunning scenery. It's easy to see why this place is one of the most iconic sights in Kyoto.


Explore the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to thousands of vibrant torii gates, where tradition and breathtaking beauty await every visitor.

The beauty of travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in experiencing them together, creating memories that bind us closer as a family.

Next on our itinerary was Tōfuku-ji Temple, a large Zen temple known for its spectacular autumn colours, though even in late April, the greenery was lush and inviting. After a quick train ride from Inari, we arrived at Tōfuku-ji. The sheer scale of the temple complex was impressive. We started by exploring the free areas, admiring the massive Sanmon Gate, the oldest Zen gate of its kind in Japan, dating back to 1425. Ethan was fascinated by the sheer size of the gate, trying to estimate how many of our house in Hawthorne could fit inside it.

We then ventured into the Hojo Garden, the head priest's former living quarters, which required a small admission fee. It was worth every yen. The gardens surrounding the Hojo were a masterpiece of Zen design, each side offering a unique perspective. The southern garden, with its meticulously raked gravel and carefully placed stones representing sacred mountains, was particularly striking. I found myself lost in contemplation, the tranquility of the garden a welcome respite from the bustling city. Olivia, with her keen eye for detail, appreciated the clever use of space and the subtle symbolism in the arrangements. Ethan, surprisingly, was also captivated, spending a good amount of time trying to recreate the patterns in the gravel with his fingers (before we gently steered him away from that activity!).

Leaving Tōfuku-ji, we felt a sense of peace and rejuvenation. The temple's blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty had left a lasting impression on us. It was a reminder that amidst the excitement of travel, it's important to take moments to slow down and appreciate the simple things.


Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Tōfuku-ji Temple, a must-visit Buddhist landmark in Kyoto.

As evening approached, we made our way to Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, hoping to catch a glimpse of these elusive figures. Gion is a world away from the serene temples and shrines we had visited earlier in the day. The narrow streets, lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, exuded an air of mystery and elegance. It felt like stepping back in time, imagining what life must have been like centuries ago.

We strolled along Hanamikoji Street, the most famous street in Gion, admiring the preserved architecture and peeking into the exclusive restaurants and teahouses. Olivia was particularly interested in the history of the geishas, explaining to Ethan that they are skilled entertainers trained in traditional arts like dance, music, and conversation. Ethan, of course, was more interested in spotting one.

While we didn't manage to see a geisha, we did soak in the atmosphere of Gion, enjoying the soft glow of the lanterns and the gentle murmur of conversation. We stopped at a local shop to buy some traditional crafts, Ethan choosing a small wooden fox figurine as a souvenir. We then wandered along the Shirakawa Canal, lined with willow trees and high-class restaurants, the gentle sound of the water adding to the romantic ambiance.


Explore Gion, Kyoto's iconic geisha district, where tradition meets charm in a captivating blend of culture and history.

For breakfast, we started our day at Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo - Takashimaya Kyoto. I've always loved Yatsuhashi, and this place was the perfect way to start our day. The silky taste of the unbaked Yatsuhashi was a treat, and Ethan enjoyed the different flavors.


Experience authentic Kyoto flavors at Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo, famous for its traditional Japanese sweets and warm atmosphere.

Lunch took us to MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar, a welcome change from the traditional Japanese cuisine we had been enjoying. The restaurant, tucked away near the Kamo River, offered a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of familiar favourites. I opted for a classic chicken tikka masala, while Olivia tried the seafood curry. Ethan, surprisingly adventurous, enjoyed the naan bread and some mild vegetable curry. It was a satisfying meal, and the friendly staff made us feel right at home. It reminded me of our favourite Indian restaurant back in Hawthorne, and it was nice to have a taste of home while so far away.


Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Mughal Indian Restaurant & Bar in Kyoto – a haven for food lovers seeking authentic South Asian cuisine.

Dinner was at Hafuu, a renowned meat restaurant in Kyoto. We had made reservations in advance, knowing how popular it is. The restaurant's ambiance was elegant yet welcoming, and the menu was a carnivore's dream. I opted for the Wagyu steak, while Olivia chose the beef stew. Ethan, given the choice, went for the beef cutlet sandwich. Every dish was cooked to perfection, the meat tender and flavourful. It was a truly memorable meal, and a fitting end to a day of culinary delights.


Discover Hafuu in Kyoto: where premium Japanese beef meets culinary excellence in an elegant setting.

To cap off the evening, I managed to sneak away for a quick nightcap at The Common One Bar Kyoto. It was a bit tricky to find, tucked away in a quiet alley, but that added to its charm. The bar had a sophisticated, modern vibe, with a hint of traditional Japanese aesthetics. I ordered a brandy-based cocktail, expertly crafted by the bartender. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring. I made a mental note to bring Olivia here tomorrow night, if we can find a babysitter, as I know she would appreciate the ambiance and the creative drinks.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at The Common One Bar, where tradition meets innovation in every cocktail.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Nijō Castle, the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and Nishiki Market. I'm particularly excited about the Manga Museum, as Ethan is a huge fan of Japanese comics. Nishiki Market, with its endless array of food stalls, should be a feast for the senses. I'm also hoping to pick up a power adapter, as I realised I forgot to pack one. Olivia reminded me, as she always does, that we should also visit Kyoto LOFT to get some souvenirs and gifts for our friends back home.

Today was a reminder of why we embarked on this family adventure to Kyoto. It's about immersing ourselves in a different culture, experiencing new things together, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my loved ones. It's moments like these that make all the planning and preparation worthwhile.