Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

A Golden Hello to Kyoto

After a long journey from Heidelberg, with a quick stopover in Osaka, we finally arrived in Kyoto! The mix of anticipation and exhaustion was palpable, but the moment we stepped into our traditional Ryokan, Matsui Honkan, a sense of calm washed over us. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the iconic sights, sounds, and tastes of this ancient capital, and what a start it was!


Experience the warmth of home at Matsui Honkan, a serene guesthouse in Kyoto, just a stone's throw from iconic attractions and cultural gems.

Our first morning in Kyoto began with a delightful vegan breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. Finding a vegan spot that caters to everyone's tastes can sometimes be a challenge, but this place was a winner. It's tucked away on a quiet street, a short walk from Nishiki Market. I opted for the Heavenly Vegan Pancakes, which were as light and fluffy as the name suggests. Aisha devoured her organic matcha pancakes, while Hans enjoyed a hearty ripple burger. Fuelled up and ready for adventure, we set off to see the famed Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.


Explore Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion of Kyoto, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple adorned in gold and surrounded by tranquil gardens and reflective ponds.

The sight of Kinkaku-ji shimmering in the morning sun was simply breathtaking. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the pond. It felt like stepping into a postcard. The history of the temple is fascinating; originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, it was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple after his death. Aisha was particularly intrigued by the phoenix statue on the roof, asking a million questions about it. Though we couldn't enter the pavilion itself, seeing its reflection in the Kyoko-chi Pond was magical enough. We strolled through the gardens, admiring the meticulously maintained landscape and the serene atmosphere. I even tossed a coin into the Anmintaku Pond, hoping for a bit of good luck.

Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are those that allow us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the simple elegance of our surroundings.

Next on our list was the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Getting there involved a train ride to Saga-Arashiyama Station, which was an experience in itself. The train was clean and efficient, and Aisha loved watching the scenery whiz by. From the station, it was a pleasant 15-minute walk to the grove. As we approached, the air grew cooler, and the sunlight filtered through the towering bamboo stalks, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is truly a unique place. Walking through the towering bamboo stalks felt like entering another world. The sheer height of the bamboo and the way the light filtered through the leaves created a surreal and peaceful atmosphere. We spent a good hour wandering along the path, taking photos and simply soaking it all in. It was quite crowded, even in the late morning, but the beauty of the grove transcended the throng of tourists. I made sure to take some photos from a low angle to capture the soaring bamboo above, just like I had seen recommended in many travel blogs. The grove is more than just a path; it's an experience that engages all the senses.


Experience the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, where nature and tranquility come together in a breathtaking landscape.

After the bamboo grove, we ventured to the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage site and one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto. This temple is closely linked to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, making it a natural next stop. Founded in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, Tenryu-ji is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo. The buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries due to fires and wars, but the garden, designed by Muso Soseki, remains in its original form. We explored the Sogenchi Garden, a stunning landscape garden featuring a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and the forested Arashiyama mountains. The use of *shakkei*, or borrowed scenery, was particularly impressive, seamlessly blending the garden with the surrounding landscape. Aisha was fascinated by the large stones representing the Dragon Gate Falls, a symbol of enlightenment in Zen Buddhism. The garden offered a tranquil escape, and we spent a peaceful hour wandering its paths and admiring its beauty. I found myself particularly drawn to the serene Sōgen Pond, reflecting the surrounding greenery and the distant mountains. It was a perfect spot for contemplation.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its stunning Zen gardens and architecture.

For lunch, we decided to try Arash's Kitchen, a Halal restaurant in Arashiyama. Finding Halal options is essential for us, and this place came highly recommended. It was conveniently located and offered a variety of Indian and Persian dishes. Hans and I shared a flavorful curry, while Aisha enjoyed some delicious kebabs. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It was a great place to recharge after a morning of sightseeing. I even learned they have belly dancing on Fridays and Saturdays, something to keep in mind for future visits!


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

After lunch, we did a little shopping at the Daimaru Kyoto Store. Aisha needed a new sketchbook, and I wanted to pick up a few souvenirs. The store had a fantastic selection of local crafts and goods. The food floor was particularly impressive, with a wide array of gourmet delights. We ended up buying some traditional Japanese sweets and a beautiful silk scarf. Daimaru is more than just a department store; it's a reflection of Kyoto's blend of tradition and modernity.


Explore the heart of Kyoto shopping at Daimaru Kyoto Store, where tradition meets modernity in a vibrant department store experience.

As the day drew to a close, we headed back to our Ryokan for a well-deserved rest. But before that, we had dinner at Katsukura - Kyoto Porta, known for its delicious tonkatsu. It's located on the 11th floor of the Kyoto Station Building. Despite being a chain, the quality of the tonkatsu was exceptional. Hans and I thoroughly enjoyed the crispy, juicy pork cutlets, while Aisha opted for the chicken katsu, which she devoured. The restaurant offers free refills of shredded cabbage, soup, and pickles, which was a welcome bonus. The experience of grinding our own sesame seeds for the sauce added a fun, interactive element to the meal. It was the perfect way to end a long but rewarding day.


Discover authentic Tonkatsu at Katsukura - a must-visit Japanese restaurant in Kyoto offering delightful flavors in a modern setting.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, explore the geisha district of Gion, and visit the Yasaka Shrine. I'm also hoping we can squeeze in a visit to L'Escamoteur, a bar that has been recommended to me. I am also excited to see if there are any local events taking place! I read that the Kamogawa Odori geisha dance performances are during the month of May. And I also read about the Aoi Matsuri, a traditional festival that is held on May 15th. It sounds like an amazing experience!

Today was a whirlwind of temples, bamboo, and culinary delights. Kyoto has already captured our hearts, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. The blend of ancient traditions and modern life is truly captivating, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

Until tomorrow,
Ndeye Fatou