Family Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto's Timeless Charm

Today was a day of deep immersion into the heart of Kyoto. From the serene beauty of ancient shrines to the vibrant atmosphere of Gion, and the exquisite tastes of Kyoto cuisine, it was a day that touched all the senses. I'm excited to share the experiences with all of you.

Our day began with a hearty vegan breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. Elena, Miguel and I were all eager to try their famous vegan pancakes. It was a delightful way to fuel up for a day of exploring. The restaurant was tucked away on a quiet street, offering a peaceful start before the day's adventures.


Discover exquisite vegan delights at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO – where culinary creativity meets sustainable living.

After breakfast, we made our way to Yasaka Shrine. The shrine was stunning, with its vibrant vermilion gates standing out against the winter sky. I learned that Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, has a history stretching back over 1350 years. It was initially established in 656 AD. The intricate details of the architecture and the serene atmosphere made it easy to feel a connection to the past. We took our time wandering through the grounds, admiring the traditional buildings and soaking in the peaceful ambiance. I even saw people praying for good fortune in the New Year, a custom that felt both ancient and deeply personal.


Discover the serene beauty of Yasaka Shrine, a historical Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural festivals.

To walk through Kyoto is to walk through centuries of history, art, and culture, a journey that enriches the soul and broadens the mind.

Next on our itinerary was a stroll through Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district. It felt like stepping back in time as we wandered along the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses. The area was buzzing with activity, and it wasn't long before we spotted a geiko hurrying to an engagement. Elena was particularly thrilled, having always been fascinated by the elegance and mystery of geisha culture. I read that Gion's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served travelers and pilgrims visiting Yasaka Shrine. The preservation of its traditional architecture is truly remarkable.


Explore Gion, Kyoto's iconic geisha district, where tradition meets charm in a captivating blend of culture and history.

For lunch, we had reservations at Gion Nanba, a kappo restaurant known for its exquisite Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant was hidden away in a back alley, adding to its charm. We opted for the lunch course, which featured a series of small, artfully presented dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients. The flavors were delicate and refined, a true reflection of Kyoto's culinary heritage. I learned that Gion Nanba is known for using fresh, local ingredients to create traditional dishes. It was a memorable dining experience that provided a glimpse into the artistry of Japanese cuisine.


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

After lunch, we visited Kodaiji Temple, founded in 1606 by Nene, the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in honor of her late husband. The temple's architecture was stunning, blending Momoyama-style designs with serene Zen gardens. We wandered through the bamboo grove, its tall stalks swaying gently in the breeze, creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere. The gardens at Kodaiji were designed by Kobori Enshu, a renowned landscape architect. The temple was built on the site of a former temple and designed to be a place of refuge for all those seeking peace and spiritual solace.


Explore the tranquil beauty of Kodaiji Temple, a historical Buddhist temple in Kyoto, showcasing stunning gardens and rich cultural heritage.

As evening approached, we decided to experience Kyoto's nightlife with a visit to The Common One Bar Kyoto. This bar was a hidden gem, tucked away behind the busy streets of Gion. The atmosphere was elegant and serene, with a superb selection of drinks. I tried one of their signature matcha cocktails, a unique blend of traditional Japanese flavors and contemporary mixology. Miguel enjoyed chatting with the bartender, who crafted bespoke cocktails with meticulous attention to detail. I found out that The Common One Bar is known for its matcha variations and artistic presentation of drinks. It was a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.


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

It's interesting to note that January in Kyoto also features several events. The Toka Ebisu festival is held at the Kyoto Ebisu Shrine between January 8th and 12th. It is a chance for people to pray for prosperity in the New Year. Also, the Ōmato Archery Competition takes place on January 12th at Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, where young adults participate in a traditional archery contest.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nishiki Market. I'm particularly excited to see the thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up the mountain at Fushimi Inari. Miguel is looking forward to exploring Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen, and sampling the local delicacies. Elena is eager to see what treasures we can find at the Daimaru Kyoto Store.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience Kyoto's rich culture and history with my family. Each day brings new discoveries and unforgettable memories. It is truly a trip of a lifetime.

I am also feeling a bit more confident with my Japanese, and managed to remember some key phrases from my Japanese phrasebook. Although I forgot to pack my umbrella, the weather has been mostly dry, so it has not been a problem so far.

Until tomorrow,
Rogelio