Family Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Kyoto's Timeless Charms: A Day of Discovery

Today was a whirlwind of history, spirituality, and imperial elegance. Kyoto continues to enchant me with its ability to seamlessly blend the ancient and the present. Hans and I, along with the family, embarked on a journey through vermillion tunnels, feudal fortresses, and the tranquil grounds of an emperor's abode. It's days like these that remind me why we chose Kyoto for our family's cultural immersion.

Our day began with an early start to beat the crowds at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Waking up early was a little tough, especially with the February chill in the air, but I knew it would be worth it. I remember reading somewhere that the early bird catches the worm, and in this case, the early traveler avoids the throngs of tourists.

As we approached the entrance, the iconic vermillion torii gates began to emerge, creating a mesmerizing tunnel that seemed to stretch endlessly up the mountainside. The crisp morning air was filled with a sense of anticipation and reverence. Even Hans, who usually prefers the structured order of museums, seemed captivated by the mystical atmosphere.

We slowly made our way through the seemingly endless tunnel of vibrant red torii gates. Sunlight filtered through the gaps, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow that danced along the path. Each gate was inscribed with the name of its donor, a testament to centuries of devotion and tradition. The further we climbed, the fewer people we encountered, and the more we could appreciate the serene beauty of the surroundings.

I paused to catch my breath and admire the panoramic views of Kyoto stretching out below. The city seemed to hum with a quiet energy, a blend of ancient history and modern life. As someone who grew up in the bustling city of Buon Ma Thuot, I find a certain comfort in this harmonious coexistence.

We continued our ascent, passing small shrines and statues of foxes, the messengers of Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the blessings in my own life, my loving family, my fulfilling career, and the opportunity to experience the wonders of the world.

We reached Kumataka Shrine, a serene and peaceful spot that offered a moment of respite from the climb. We took a moment to appreciate the tranquility before deciding to head back down, mindful of our packed itinerary for the day.

As we descended, the crowds began to swell, confirming our decision to arrive early. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that we had experienced the magic of Fushimi Inari Taisha in relative peace and quiet. It's a memory I will cherish long after we leave Kyoto.

After our spiritual journey through Fushimi Inari, we made our way to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant and somewhat wild atmosphere of Fushimi Inari, and it was fascinating to experience the different facets of Japanese history within a few hours.

Stepping through the imposing gates of Nijo Castle felt like stepping back in time. The castle's architecture is a testament to the power and wealth of the Tokugawa shogunate, with its intricate carvings, gilded details, and expansive gardens.

We explored the Ninomaru Palace, the main attraction of the castle. The palace is composed of multiple separate buildings connected by corridors with so-called nightingale floors, designed to squeak when stepped upon as a security measure against intruders. I found myself walking gingerly, half-expecting a ninja to leap out from behind a screen. The kids, of course, thought it was great fun, trying to make the floors squeak as loudly as possible, much to Hans's chagrin.

The palace rooms were adorned with tatami mats, decorated ceilings, and beautifully painted sliding doors (fusuma). I was particularly impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship of the paintings, which depicted scenes of landscapes, birds, and animals. It's amazing to think that these works of art have survived for centuries, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of the Edo period.

I learned that Nijo Castle was not only a residence but also a stage for important political events. In 1867, the last Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, announced the end of Tokugawa rule and the restoration of political power to the Emperor within the walls of Ninomaru Palace. It's humbling to stand in a place where history was made, where the fate of a nation was decided.

History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveler.

After immersing ourselves in the world of shoguns and samurai, we sought a moment of tranquility at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Emperor of Japan. The palace is located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, a vast green space in the heart of the city. It was a welcome respite from the bustling streets and crowded tourist attractions.

Unlike previous years, we didn't need to apply in advance to visit the palace grounds, which made the experience much more accessible. We simply walked to the main entrance on the west side of the palace and were greeted by the serene beauty of the gardens and buildings.

We wandered through the meticulously manicured gardens, admiring the elegant architecture of the palace buildings. Although we couldn't enter the buildings themselves, we could appreciate their beauty from the outside. The palace exuded an aura of tranquility and grace, a reminder of the Emperor's role as a symbol of Japanese culture and tradition.

As I strolled through the gardens, I reflected on the history of the Imperial Palace, which had been the center of Japanese power and culture for centuries. It was fascinating to imagine the emperors, empresses, and courtiers who had once walked these grounds, shaping the destiny of Japan.

After a day filled with sightseeing, we were ready for a culinary adventure. For breakfast, we enjoyed a delightful meal at Komefuku, known for its delicious tempura. The light and crispy tempura was the perfect way to start our day. For lunch, we had planned to visit Saishuan Shiraki, but unfortunately, it seems to be closed, with a karaoke bar opening in its place. I was a little disappointed, but that's the nature of travel – things change, and you have to be adaptable.

Instead, we opted for a delightful culinary experience at Kikunoi Roan for dinner, a renowned restaurant specializing in Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine. The meal was a symphony of flavors and textures, a true celebration of Japanese culinary artistry. Each dish was meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients. I was particularly impressed by the chef's attention to detail and his ability to create a harmonious balance of flavors.

Between our sightseeing and culinary adventures, we managed to squeeze in some shopping at the Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade. This lively arcade offered a mix of traditional and modern shops, selling everything from handcrafted goods to souvenirs. I enjoyed browsing the various shops and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. It was a great place to pick up some unique gifts for friends and family back home.

As the day drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had shared. Kyoto had once again exceeded my expectations, offering a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that left me feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Philosopher's Path, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera. I'm particularly looking forward to strolling along the Philosopher's Path, a scenic route that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. I am also excited to see Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a Geisha. We may even visit Bar K6 for a nightcap.

As I prepare for another day of exploration, I'm filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Kyoto has a way of capturing the heart and soul, and I can't wait to discover what tomorrow has in store. I'm also grateful that Hans is enjoying the trip as much as I am. Sometimes, I worry that my passion for cultural exploration might be a bit overwhelming for him, but he has embraced this journey with open arms. Perhaps it's the shared experience of discovering new things together that strengthens our bond.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made a mental note to buy an umbrella and sunscreen tomorrow. I had completely forgotten to pack them, and the February weather in Kyoto can be unpredictable. It's a small detail, but it's important to be prepared for anything when you're traveling.

Good night from Kyoto!