Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

A Day of Discovery in Kyoto

Today was a whirlwind of vibrant colors, tranquil moments, and delicious discoveries. Kyoto has a way of captivating you with its blend of ancient traditions and modern life, and today was a perfect example of that. From the thousands of vermilion gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha to the peaceful gardens of Tōfuku-ji Temple and the bustling energy of Nishiki Market, it was a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

Our day began with an early start, fueled by excitement and a hearty breakfast at MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar. Lena and Sophie were a little hesitant about Indian food so early, but I convinced them it would be a good way to get some spice in our lives. I have to admit, finding an Indian restaurant in Kyoto was a bit of a surprise, but hey, I am always up for a good curry! It was a pleasant surprise, the naan was especially delicious. I even managed to get Sophie to try a bite of my butter chicken, which she surprisingly enjoyed. Lena opted for a milder vegetable curry, and even she admitted it was a great start to the day. I think it's important to expose Sophie to different kinds of food.


Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Mughal Indian Restaurant & Bar in Kyoto – a haven for food lovers seeking authentic South Asian cuisine.
With our bellies full, we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha. The crisp January air nipped at our cheeks as we approached the entrance, but the sight of the seemingly endless rows of vermilion torii gates quickly warmed us up. The sheer scale of the shrine is breathtaking, and the vibrant color against the backdrop of the wooded hillside is truly a sight to behold. Sophie was immediately captivated, running ahead to peek through each gate and marveling at the fox statues that guard the pathways. I had read that Fushimi Inari is the most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, prosperity, and business. It certainly felt like a place of great significance.


Discover the spiritual heart of Kyoto at Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of striking red torii gates and serene hiking trails.
We started our ascent up the mountain, passing countless torii gates, each one donated by a different individual or company. The path wound its way through the forest, offering glimpses of the city below. I tried to explain to Sophie the significance of the gates and the foxes, but she was more interested in spotting the little details along the way – a tiny shrine tucked into a nook, a moss-covered stone lantern, or a particularly mischievous-looking fox statue. I remembered reading that there is a Coming of Age festival celebrated here in January, but we didn't see any signs of it today. Perhaps we were a bit too early.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. - Lao Tzu

After a couple of hours of exploring Fushimi Inari, we decided to move on to our next destination: Tōfuku-ji Temple. This Zen temple is known for its stunning gardens and its impressive Sanmon gate, the oldest of its kind in Japan. As we walked through the temple grounds, the atmosphere shifted from vibrant and energetic to peaceful and serene. The gardens were meticulously designed, with carefully raked gravel, moss-covered stones, and perfectly pruned trees. I could feel my stress melting away as I took in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Even Sophie seemed to sense the change in atmosphere, walking quietly beside us and taking in the sights with wide-eyed wonder.


Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Tōfuku-ji Temple, a must-visit Buddhist landmark in Kyoto.
We crossed the Tsutenkyo Bridge, a covered walkway that offers stunning views of the valley below. Even though it's January and not autumn, the scenery was still beautiful. I can only imagine how spectacular it must be when the maple trees are ablaze with color. I read that Tōfuku-ji was founded in 1236, and its name combines the names of two great temples in Nara, Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji. It certainly felt like a place with a rich history and a deep connection to the past. I am really glad we got to visit this temple, as I read that it was inspired by public monasteries in China. It is amazing how much influence China had on Japan.

By this point, our stomachs were starting to rumble again, so we made our way to Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto's Kitchen. This bustling marketplace is a feast for the senses, with rows upon rows of vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and pickled vegetables to local sweets and handicrafts. The market was packed with people, but the energy was infectious, and we couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement. We sampled a variety of local delicacies, including some delicious mochi (rice cakes) and some savory takoyaki (octopus balls). Sophie was particularly fond of the colorful candies and the cute animal-shaped crackers.


Explore Kyoto's Nishiki Market, the vibrant hub of local culture and cuisine, offering a delightful array of traditional foods and unique souvenirs.
I wanted to try everything! I was also on the lookout for a nice knife. I read that Nishiki Market is known for its high-quality knives, and I thought it would be a great souvenir to bring back to Germany. I finally found a shop that had a beautiful selection of knives, and I ended up purchasing a small vegetable knife with my name engraved on it. I can't wait to use it when we get home!

Before leaving Nishiki Market, we stopped at Souvenir Kyoto to pick up a few gifts for friends and family back home. I found some beautiful hand-painted fans and some delicate porcelain tea cups. Lena bought a set of traditional Japanese incense, and Sophie chose a cute little plushie of a Shiba Inu dog. I read that there are many souvenir shops around Kyoto Station, but I am glad we found this one in Nishiki Market.


Discover unique Japanese souvenirs and cultural treasures at Souvenir Kyoto, where every item tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship.
For lunch, we decided to try Goichi Pizza, a local pizza place that had been recommended to us. I know, I know, pizza in Japan? But after days of Japanese food, we were craving something a little more familiar. And I have to say, it was surprisingly good! The crust was crispy and chewy, the sauce was flavorful, and the toppings were fresh and delicious. Sophie devoured her Margherita pizza, and Lena and I enjoyed a couple of more adventurous options with local ingredients. I saw that Goichi Pizza is located near MIMARU hotel, which is good to know for future trips.


Discover the delicious fusion of Italian tradition and local flavors at Goichi Pizza in Kyoto - an unmissable dining experience!
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Kikunoi Roan for dinner. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal. The restaurant was elegant and refined, with a hushed atmosphere and impeccable service. The food was a work of art, each dish carefully crafted with seasonal ingredients and presented with meticulous attention to detail. We sampled a variety of flavors and textures, from delicate sashimi and grilled fish to savory soups and fragrant rice dishes. It was an experience that engaged all of our senses and left us feeling completely satisfied.


Experience the art of kaiseki dining at Kikunoi Roan in Kyoto - where seasonal flavors meet exquisite presentation.
The staff's English was very good, I was happy to see. I read that Kikunoi Roan is known for its bolder flavours, which are more suited to Western palates. I think that is why I enjoyed it so much! The meal was expensive, but it was worth it for the experience. I am glad we went to Kikunoi Roan, as I read that the main restaurant, Kikunoi Honten, is even more expensive.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Arashiyama, with its famous bamboo grove and monkey park. I'm particularly excited about seeing the monkeys, and I know Sophie will love it too. We'll also be having breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO, which I've heard has amazing vegan options. It should be another great day of exploring this beautiful city!

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience Kyoto with my family. It's a city that has something to offer everyone, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage and its delicious culinary scene. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!