Family Exploration of Kyoto's Cultural Treasures

A Golden Beginning in Kyoto

Our Kyoto adventure began today, and what a start it was! From shimmering gold temples to serene gardens and a glimpse into Japan's imperial past, the day was packed with unforgettable sights and experiences. It’s amazing how much history and beauty is condensed into this one city. I'm excited to share our first day with you all.

Our journey started with a hearty breakfast at Kizahashi. The hotel breakfast was amazing, offering both Western and Japanese options. Ethan was thrilled with the pastries, while Olivia and I enjoyed the traditional Japanese breakfast set. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring.

First on our list was Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. I’d seen countless photos of this iconic temple, but nothing prepared me for the real thing. As we approached, the sun caught the gold leaf, making it shimmer brilliantly against the clear blue sky. The reflection in the pond was picture-perfect, creating a scene that felt straight out of a postcard. Even Ethan, who usually isn't into temples, was captivated by the sheer spectacle of it all.


Explore Kinkaku-ji, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, where history and nature blend beautifully in a tranquil setting.

The gardens surrounding Kinkaku-ji were equally impressive. We strolled along the winding paths, admiring the meticulously manicured trees and the serene landscape. I tried to capture the beauty with my camera, but some things just can't be adequately conveyed through a lens. It's something you have to experience firsthand. It's worth noting that Kinkaku-ji will be hosting the Legacy of Zen Temples exhibition until late May, so if you plan to visit, you might catch that as well.

The beauty of Kinkaku-ji lies not only in its golden exterior but in the tranquility it inspires.

Next, we headed to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Having grown up in Show Low, Arizona, I'm no stranger to wide-open spaces, but the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, where the palace is located, took my breath away. The sheer size of the park, with its sprawling lawns and ancient trees, was impressive. The fact that cherry blossom season extends into early May in the garden was an unexpected treat.


Explore the tranquil beauty of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a historic park offering stunning landscapes and a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace itself was a fascinating glimpse into Japan's imperial history. Although we couldn't enter the buildings, walking around the grounds and imagining the emperors who once resided there was a powerful experience. Ethan was particularly interested in the imposing gates and the vast courtyards, envisioning samurai warriors and imperial processions. I found myself reflecting on the weight of history and the traditions that have shaped this country. It was interesting to learn that, unlike the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Kyoto Gyoen has a more ancient elegance. I made sure to grab a free multi-language audio guide, which really enhanced our understanding of the palace's significance.


Explore the historical elegance and natural beauty of Kyoto Imperial Palace, a cultural landmark reflecting Japan's royal history.

After the palace, we took a leisurely stroll through Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. The garden is a green sanctuary in the middle of Kyoto. The park is home to around 50,000 trees and over 500 plant species. The park used to be the location of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was the residence of the Emperor for over 500 years. The cherry blossoms were still in bloom, creating a picturesque scene as we walked. We found a quiet spot by a pond and simply enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. Olivia, ever the nature lover, was in her element, pointing out different types of plants and birds. Ethan, of course, was more interested in chasing squirrels, but even he seemed to appreciate the tranquility of the garden.

For lunch, we ventured to Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura, a restaurant recommended for its traditional Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant specializes in set meals made with fresh fish and seasonal local vegetables. They also offer an Obanzai All-You-Can-Eat option during lunch, which we took full advantage of. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. It was a great way to experience the local flavors of Kyoto.

After lunch, we did a bit of souvenir shopping at Souvenir Kyoto. I picked up a few postcards and a small Kokeshi doll for my mom. Ethan chose a samurai sword keychain, much to Olivia's dismay. It's hard to resist the allure of Japanese craftsmanship, and I wanted to bring back a few mementos to remind us of our trip. I was hoping to find some unique, handcrafted items, and this shop certainly delivered.

As evening approached, we made our way to Katsukura - Kyoto Porta for dinner. Katsukura is a tonkatsu restaurant based in Kyoto that is popular among locals and tourists. I had heard great things about their tonkatsu, and I was eager to try it. We all ordered the classic tonkatsu cutlet meal set, which came with unlimited cabbage, rice, and miso soup. The miso soup was filled with lots of veggies. The tonkatsu was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the dipping sauce was the perfect complement. It was a satisfying end to a long day of sightseeing.

After dinner, we strolled back to our hotel, Carta Hotel KyotoBettei, reflecting on our first day in Kyoto. We even grabbed a light sweater for the cooler evenings, remembering we had forgotten to pack one. The city is even more magical at night, with the temples and gardens illuminated. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we'll be visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. I've heard that Kiyomizu-dera offers stunning views of the city, and I can't wait to see it for myself. Plus, I'm excited to explore the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and do some more shopping at Kyoto Crafts Store.


Discover the charm of Kyoto at Carta Hotel KyotoBettei, a cozy and affordable stay with easy access to iconic attractions and modern amenities.

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to share this experience with my family. Seeing Kyoto through their eyes has made it even more special. It's moments like these that make all the hard work worthwhile. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Tomorrow, we are planning on visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. I heard that Kiyomizu-dera offers a stunning view of the city, and I can’t wait to see it for myself. Plus, I’m excited to explore the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and do some more shopping at Kyoto Crafts Store.

For now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure. Stay tuned for more updates from Kyoto!