Family Exploration of Kyoto's Cultural Treasures

Kyoto's Contrasts: History, Manga, and Market Delights

Today was a day of contrasts, a true reflection of Kyoto's multifaceted personality. From the historical grandeur of Nijō Castle to the vibrant pop culture of the Manga Museum and the bustling energy of Nishiki Market, Kyoto revealed itself in layers. I was excited to see how the day would unfold, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began with breakfast at Hanasaki. It was a great way to start the day, with a traditional Japanese breakfast that set us up perfectly for a day of exploring. The restaurant was lovely, and the food was delicious and beautifully presented. It was a great way to immerse ourselves in the local culture before we even stepped out the door. I must admit, I felt a pang of guilt not being able to finish everything, but I knew we had a long day of eating ahead of us!

First on our itinerary was Nijō Castle. I've always been fascinated by Japanese history, and this castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a pivotal location in the story of the Tokugawa shogunate. Ethan was excited too, having recently learned about samurais in school. The castle is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gardens. The sheer scale of the place was impressive, and the intricate details of the architecture were captivating.

The famous 'Nightingale floors' in the Ninomaru Palace were particularly interesting. These floors were designed to chirp when walked upon, acting as an ingenious security system against intruders. As we strolled through the palace, the subtle chirping beneath our feet transported us back in time, imagining the shoguns and their court navigating these very halls. Olivia was particularly impressed with the Momoyama-style paintings that adorned the walls, their vibrant colors and intricate details a testament to the artistry of the era. Ethan, of course, was more interested in imagining ninja sneaking around and triggering the nightingale floors!

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its ancient temples and serene gardens, but also in its ability to embrace modern culture while preserving its rich heritage.

After soaking up the history at Nijō Castle, we headed to the Kyoto International Manga Museum. This was a complete change of pace, diving headfirst into Japan's vibrant pop culture scene. Housed in a former elementary school, the museum is a celebration of all things manga. As someone who enjoys a good graphic novel myself, I was eager to explore this unique cultural institution. Olivia, while not as familiar with manga, was intrigued by the artistry and storytelling involved. Ethan, being ten, was naturally in his element!

The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 300,000 items, from historical manga to contemporary works. We spent hours wandering through the shelves, discovering new artists and revisiting old favorites. Ethan was thrilled to find English translations of some popular series, and Olivia even found herself engrossed in a few of the exhibits detailing the history and evolution of manga. I was fascinated by the international manga section, showcasing comics from around the world and highlighting the global influence of Japanese manga. There was even a section where you could get your portrait drawn in manga style, but the reservations were fully booked. Maybe next time!

For lunch, we ventured to Nishiri Restaurant. Finding it tucked away behind the Nishiri Tsukemono Shop felt like discovering a hidden gem. The restaurant specializes in tsukemono, Japanese pickled vegetables, served sushi style. It was a delightful surprise to find that these humble pickles were the stars of the show, each one bursting with unique flavors. Olivia, who usually isn't a fan of pickles, was pleasantly surprised by the variety and subtlety of the flavors. Ethan, ever adventurous, tried everything on the plate, declaring some to be 'interesting' and others 'delicious'. It was a light and refreshing lunch that perfectly captured the essence of Kyoto cuisine.

Our final stop for the day was Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'. This bustling marketplace is a sensory overload, with narrow streets packed with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and local produce to traditional sweets and pickles. The market has a history stretching back centuries, and it remains a vital part of Kyoto's culinary scene.

Walking through Nishiki Market was an experience in itself. The air was filled with the aroma of grilling seafood, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, and the sight of colorful displays of food. We sampled various delicacies, including fresh oysters, grilled octopus, and matcha ice cream. Ethan was particularly fascinated by the takoyaki (octopus balls), watching in amazement as the vendors expertly flipped and seasoned the savory treats. We even stumbled upon Nishiki-Tenmangu Shrine, a small Shinto shrine tucked away within the market, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos.

Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped by Kyoto LOFT. It was a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and gifts. Olivia found some beautiful stationery, while Ethan was drawn to the quirky gadgets and toys. I picked up a few Japanese craft beers to enjoy later in the evening. It was a fun way to end the day, browsing through the eclectic mix of products and soaking up the modern Japanese culture.

For dinner, we decided to try Teppan Tavern Tenamonya. This cozy restaurant, run by a husband and wife team, is known for its teppanyaki-style cooking. I'd heard great things about their wagyu steak, and I was eager to try it for myself. The restaurant was small and intimate, with only a few tables and a counter overlooking the grill. The owners were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home.

We ordered a variety of dishes, including the highly recommended wagyu steak, gyoza, and grilled prawns. Everything was cooked to perfection right in front of us, the chef's skillful knife work and the sizzling sounds adding to the ambiance. The wagyu steak was indeed melt-in-your-mouth delicious, living up to all the hype. Ethan loved the gyoza, devouring them in record time. Olivia enjoyed the grilled prawns, praising their fresh and delicate flavor. It was a fantastic meal and a perfect end to a day of culinary exploration.

As we walked back to Carta Hotel KyotoBettei, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the historical grandeur of Nijō Castle to the modern pop culture of the Manga Museum and the culinary delights of Nishiki Market, Kyoto had offered us a rich and diverse experience. It was a day of contrasts, showcasing the city's ability to blend tradition and modernity seamlessly. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, creating memories that we would cherish for years to come. I'm already looking forward to what tomorrow brings, with plans to visit Heian Shrine, the Philosopher's Path, and Nanzen-ji. Plus, I've heard whispers of a great bar called L'Escamoteur that I might just have to check out!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to sample those Japanese craft beers I picked up at Kyoto LOFT. Kampai!

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Heian Shrine, Philosopher's Path and Nanzen-ji. I'm particularly excited about Philosopher's Path, as I've heard it is beautiful this time of year. We are also planning to have dinner at Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION, which I am sure will be a memorable experience. And if we have time, I'd love to check out L'Escamoteur, a bar that's been recommended to me.