Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

Chasing Monkeys and Serenity in Arashiyama

Today was an adventure-packed day in Arashiyama, a district just outside Kyoto that's known for its natural beauty and cultural landmarks. We traded the city bustle for bamboo groves, monkey-filled mountains, and some seriously good eats. It was a day of laughter, stunning views, and full bellies – exactly the kind of family adventure we were hoping for.

Our day started with a hearty vegan breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. Lena had been raving about their vegan pancakes ever since she found the place online. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical – I'm not always the biggest fan of vegan substitutes, but these pancakes were something else. Fluffy, light, and topped with an obscene amount of soy ice cream and whipped cream, they were a sweet start to our day. Sophie, of course, was in pancake heaven, and even I had to concede that they were pretty darn good. Fuelled up, we set off for our first major stop: Arashiyama. The train ride itself was a treat, offering glimpses of the surrounding countryside dusted with a bit of winter frost.

Arriving in Arashiyama, the first thing that struck me was the crisp, clean air. January in Kyoto is definitely chilly, with temperatures hovering around 7°C (45°F), but the clear skies made it perfect for exploring. Our main destination was the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. Now, I’m not usually one for zoos or animal parks, but this place was different. It’s a mountain where wild Japanese macaques roam freely, and you hike up to their territory. Sophie was beyond excited; she’s been obsessed with monkeys ever since we read her that Curious George book.

The hike up the mountain was… well, let’s just say it was a bit more strenuous than I anticipated. It's only about a 20-minute climb, but it’s all uphill. I definitely felt it in my legs, and I even had to stop a couple of times to catch my breath. Lena, ever the fitness enthusiast, practically skipped up the path, while I lagged behind with Sophie, who was determined to collect every interesting-looking leaf and twig along the way. I even forgot Michael's hiking boots back at the hotel, but I made it through in my sneakers.

Finally, we reached the top, and it was worth every ounce of effort. The panoramic view of Kyoto was breathtaking, with the city spread out below us like a miniature landscape. And then, of course, there were the monkeys. They were everywhere! Some were grooming each other, others were lounging in the trees, and a few were even bold enough to approach us, looking for a handout. We bought some monkey food (peanuts) from the park staff and fed them through a wire mesh enclosure. It was quite the experience to have these creatures snatch peanuts right out of our hands. Sophie was giggling with delight, and even Lena and I couldn’t help but be charmed by their antics. I made sure to remind Sophie about the rules – no staring, no touching, and definitely no trying to take a selfie with a monkey. I did witness the friendlier monkeys come within centimeters of visitors.


Discover the playful world of Japanese macaques at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, a stunning wildlife experience in the heart of Kyoto.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

After spending a good hour with the monkeys, we descended the mountain and headed towards Tenryu-ji Temple. This Zen temple is one of Kyoto’s most important, and it's located right next to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The temple gardens were stunning, even in the winter. The meticulously raked gravel, the ancient trees, and the serene ponds created an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It was a welcome contrast to the lively chaos of the monkey park. We wandered through the gardens, admiring the details and soaking in the Zen atmosphere. Sophie, surprisingly, was also captivated by the gardens, pointing out the different shapes and textures of the rocks and plants.


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A cultural gem for every traveler.

Of course, no trip to Arashiyama would be complete without a stroll through the bamboo grove. This towering forest of bamboo stalks is one of the most iconic images of Kyoto, and it’s even more magical in person. The sunlight filtering through the bamboo created an ethereal glow, and the gentle sway of the stalks in the breeze was almost hypnotic. It was a bit crowded, even in January, but we still managed to find moments of solitude, where we could appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder. I tried to capture the scene with my camera, but no photo could truly do it justice.

By this point, we were all starting to get hungry, so we made our way to Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store for lunch. This restaurant came highly recommended, and it didn’t disappoint. The tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and utterly delicious. They provide you with all the fixings and the sesame seeds to grind yourself. We were all starving, so we devoured our meals with gusto. It was the perfect comfort food to warm us up after a day of exploring in the cold.


Savor the best tonkatsu in Kyoto at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store—where tradition meets flavor.

In the evening, after returning to our hotel for a bit of a rest, Lena and I decided to sneak out for a late dinner. We managed to find a babysitter to watch over Sophie and headed to Teppan Tavern Tenamonya for dinner. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed to learn they don't cater to vegetarians or vegans anymore, but we were still up for trying it out. The restaurant is run by a friendly couple, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. We watched in fascination as the chef prepared our food on the teppan grill right in front of us. The wagyu steak was insane, and the whole experience was a lot of fun.


Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.

After dinner, we weren't quite ready to go back to the hotel, so we decided to check out The Common One Bar Kyoto. This place was a bit tricky to find, tucked away in a back alley, but it was worth the effort. The bar had a cool, modern vibe, with tatami rooms and a tea room, creating a unique blend of traditional and contemporary design. The bartenders were true artists, crafting creative cocktails with precision and care. I had a brandy-based cocktail that was both refreshing and complex, while Lena opted for a matcha-infused concoction that was perfectly balanced. It was the ideal way to end our day, sipping expertly made drinks in a stylish setting.


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

Reflecting on today’s adventure, I’m struck by how much Arashiyama has to offer. From the playful monkeys to the serene temples, from the towering bamboo grove to the delicious food, it’s a place that truly engages all the senses. It was a day of contrasts, of activity and relaxation, of nature and culture. And most importantly, it was a day that we shared as a family, creating memories that we’ll cherish for years to come.

Tomorrow, we're heading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the charming streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. I've heard the views from Kiyomizu-dera are spectacular, and I'm looking forward to exploring the traditional shops and teahouses along the way. Lena is already planning our lunch at French Dining Top of Kyoto, and I'm intrigued by the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki we're having for dinner. Should be another great day!