Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

Finding Peace in Kyoto: A Day of Temples, Paths, and Shrines

Today was all about embracing the quieter side of Kyoto, a welcome change of pace after the bustling markets and crowded streets we've navigated so far. Lena, Sophie, and I set out to explore some of the city's more serene locations, hoping to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and perhaps find a bit of zen amidst our family adventure.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Komefuku. It was a great way to start the day! The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the food was delicious. Sophie especially loved the tempura. I was just happy to get a good cup of coffee to properly kickstart the day.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Komefuku in Kyoto, renowned for its fresh seafood and exquisite tempura dishes.

From there, we embarked on a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher's Path. This scenic walkway, which follows a small canal in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, is named after the renowned philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who apparently used this route for his daily meditations. Even in January, with the cherry trees bare, the path possessed a quiet charm. The gentle sound of the water flowing alongside us was incredibly soothing, and it was easy to imagine Kitaro deep in thought as he traversed this very path. I tried to channel my inner philosopher, but mostly I was just trying to keep Sophie from falling into the canal – a noble pursuit in its own right, I think.


Explore the Philosopher's Path, a serene journey through nature and philosophy in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossoms and historic temples.

Sometimes, the greatest discoveries are made not in grand expeditions, but in quiet contemplation along a familiar path.

As we walked, we passed several small temples and shrines, each with its own unique character. We stopped at a few, taking a moment to admire the intricate architecture and soak in the peaceful ambiance. It was a far cry from the boisterous beer gardens of Heidelberg, but the tranquility was a welcome change. I even managed to snap a few photos, hoping to capture the essence of this serene escape.

Our next stop was Nanzen-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. The temple grounds were expansive, and we spent a good chunk of the morning exploring its various halls and gardens. The Sanmon Gate, a towering wooden structure, was particularly impressive. Lena was fascinated by the aqueduct, built during the Meiji period as part of a canal system connecting Kyoto with Lake Biwa. It seemed a bit out of place amidst the traditional temple architecture, but it was an interesting reminder of Kyoto's more modern history. We didn't go inside the Hojo Garden, but instead opted to wander around the outer areas, enjoying the crisp winter air and the quiet beauty of the surroundings. I made a mental note to try the boiled tofu the area is known for, but Sophie was already clamoring for lunch, so we decided to move on.


Discover the tranquility of Nanzen-ji, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, where spirituality meets stunning natural beauty.

For lunch, we headed to Masayoshi Japanese Dining. This was a recommendation from one of my travel blogs I follow, and it did not disappoint. We tried some delicious steak, and it was great. Sophie enjoyed it a lot, as well.


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

In the afternoon, we visited Heian Shrine, a more recent addition to Kyoto's collection of historical sites, built in 1895 to commemorate the city's 1100th anniversary as the capital. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Kanmu, who moved the capital to Kyoto in 794, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to reside in Kyoto. The bright vermilion buildings were a stark contrast to the more subdued temples we had visited earlier in the day. The architecture was stunning, reminiscent of the Heian period, and the vast courtyard provided ample space for Sophie to run around and burn off some energy. I read that the shrine hosts the Jidai Matsuri, one of Kyoto's most important festivals, in October. I bet it's quite a sight!


Explore Heian Shrine in Kyoto for a serene experience of stunning gardens, rich history, and traditional Japanese architecture.

Before dinner, Lena suggested we check out Bar K6, a place she had read about online. I was a little hesitant at first, wondering if it was really appropriate for a family outing. But Lena assured me it was a sophisticated establishment, and Sophie was surprisingly enthusiastic about the idea of trying a Shirley Temple. The bar was indeed quite stylish, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere. I enjoyed a local craft beer while Lena savored a Japanese whiskey. Sophie, true to her word, declared her Shirley Temple to be the best drink ever. It was a nice way to unwind after a day of exploring, and it proved that even a brewery technician like myself can appreciate a well-crafted cocktail in a refined setting.


Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at Bar K6, where traditional Japanese drinks meet modern bar culture in a cozy setting.

Dinner tonight was at Gion Nanba, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant in the Gion district. Finding it was an adventure in itself, tucked away in a narrow alleyway. The restaurant was small and intimate, with only a few counter seats and private rooms. The food was exquisite, a multi-course journey through the flavors of the season. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and incredibly delicious. It was definitely a splurge, but well worth it for a truly memorable dining experience. Sophie was surprisingly well-behaved, even trying some of the more adventurous dishes. Lena and I savored every bite, appreciating the skill and artistry of the chef. It was the perfect ending to a day of peaceful exploration.


Discover authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, where tradition meets taste in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Nijō Castle, Kyoto International Manga Museum, and Kyoto Botanical Gardens. I'm especially looking forward to the Manga Museum – Sophie is a big fan of Japanese cartoons, and I suspect I might enjoy it as well. It should be a fun contrast to the temples and shrines we've been seeing, and a good way to inject some modern culture into our Kyoto adventure. I'm also hoping to find some unique souvenirs at Noren by Corazon, a shop Lena has her eye on. It's hard to believe we only have a few days left here in Kyoto – time really does fly when you're having fun!

I think that today was a great day to take a step back and enjoy the serene atmosphere that Kyoto has to offer. I'm really glad that we were able to experience this with the family. It made it that much more special.

“The best journey always takes us home, in some way.”