Family Adventure in the Cultural Heart of Kyoto

Whispers of the Bamboo Forest

Today was a day of serene beauty and quiet contemplation as we explored the Arashiyama district. It felt like stepping into a different world, one where nature and spirituality intertwine seamlessly. I was particularly excited to visit the famed bamboo forest, a place I had only ever seen in pictures. Experiencing it firsthand was truly magical.




Experience the tranquil beauty and rich heritage of Arashiyama, a must-visit district in Kyoto known for its bamboo groves and cultural landmarks.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Goichi Pizza. It might seem odd to start a day of traditional Japanese sightseeing with pizza, but the kids were craving something familiar, and honestly, I was too. It was a delightful surprise to find such a cozy and welcoming place serving up delicious, stone-oven baked pizzas. Kenji especially loved his Margherita. The staff were so friendly, and it was a great way to fuel up for a day of walking. I must admit, after days of traditional Japanese cuisine, the familiar taste of pizza was a welcome change, and it prepared us for the cultural immersion that awaited us in Arashiyama.



After breakfast, we hopped on a train to Arashiyama. The journey itself was scenic, offering glimpses of the Kyoto countryside. As we arrived, the air felt fresher, and the atmosphere was noticeably calmer than the bustling city center. Our first stop was Tenryu-ji Temple, a place of significant historical and spiritual importance. Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, it's the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The temple was built to venerate Gautama Buddha. Walking through the temple grounds, I was struck by the sense of peace and tranquility. The architecture was stunning, and the gardens were meticulously maintained. We took our time exploring the various halls and admiring the artwork, trying to soak in the spiritual ambiance.




Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A cultural gem for every traveler.

The Sogenchi Garden was particularly breathtaking. Designed by Muso Soseki, the first head priest of Tenryu-ji, the garden is a masterpiece of landscape design. The central pond, surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and the backdrop of the Arashiyama mountains, created a harmonious and serene environment. It was easy to see why this garden is considered a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Eleanor, who has always had an eye for detail, was captivated by the intricate arrangements of the rocks and the way the light played on the water. Kenji, surprisingly, was also quite taken by the koi fish swimming in the pond, their vibrant colors adding a touch of life to the tranquil scene.

In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.

Leaving Tenryu-ji through the back entrance, we found ourselves at the entrance to the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This was the moment I had been most anticipating. As we stepped into the forest, I was immediately enveloped by the towering bamboo stalks. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, creating an ethereal glow. The air was cool and crisp, and the only sounds were the gentle rustling of the bamboo leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. It was an otherworldly experience, a true escape from the everyday.




Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, a tranquil escape filled with towering bamboo groves and enchanting pathways.

Walking along the path, I felt a sense of awe and wonder. The sheer scale of the bamboo was incredible, and the way the stalks swayed in the breeze was mesmerizing. Kenji was fascinated, running his hands along the smooth, green stalks and peering up at the sky through the dense foliage. Eleanor, ever the photographer, was snapping pictures from every angle, trying to capture the magic of the moment. I tried to capture the beauty with my camera, but some moments are best experienced without a lens between you and the subject.



The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is more than just a pretty place; it's a sensory experience. The cool air, the gentle sounds, and the visual spectacle all combine to create a sense of peace and tranquility. It's a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of nature. I found myself reflecting on the simple things in life, the things that truly matter. It was a reminder to be present in the moment and to find joy in the everyday.



After our walk through the bamboo forest, we decided to do some shopping at Noren by Corazon. This charming boutique gift shop offers a delightful array of contemporary and beautifully designed souvenirs. I was particularly drawn to the noren, traditional Japanese fabric dividers, which are often hung in doorways. They symbolize that a shop is open for business and add a touch of traditional elegance to any space. I ended up buying a beautiful noren with a cherry blossom design, a perfect reminder of our trip to Kyoto during the sakura season. Eleanor found a lovely set of handcrafted chopsticks, and Kenji picked out a small toy made from bamboo.




Explore Noren by Corazon in Kyoto for unique souvenirs that reflect the city's rich culture and craftsmanship.

For lunch, we headed to Gion Nanba, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant. Tucked away in a quiet alley, the restaurant offered a serene and intimate dining experience. Kaiseki cuisine is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal, characterized by its exquisite presentation and use of seasonal ingredients. Each dish was a work of art, a delicate balance of flavors and textures. The service was impeccable, and the staff were knowledgeable and attentive. It was a truly memorable meal, a celebration of Japanese culinary artistry. The experience was so meticulously crafted, from the presentation of the dishes to the attentive service, that it felt like a performance as much as a meal. Eleanor, who appreciates fine dining, was in her element, savoring each course and commenting on the subtle nuances of flavor. Kenji, surprisingly well-behaved, enjoyed the simpler dishes, especially the rice and miso soup.




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

In the evening, we had dinner at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya. This cozy teppanyaki restaurant is run by a husband and wife team, and their warmth and hospitality were immediately apparent. The atmosphere was lively and casual, and the food was delicious. We watched as the chef prepared our meal on the teppan grill, skillfully flipping and slicing the ingredients with precision. The wagyu steak was particularly amazing, melting in my mouth with its rich, buttery flavor. It was a fun and interactive dining experience, a perfect way to end our day in Arashiyama. The owners, Hideki and Naoko, were incredibly welcoming, making us feel like we were guests in their home. Kenji was especially fascinated by the teppan grill, watching with wide eyes as the chef cooked our food with impressive skill.




Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.

As we headed back to The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto, I reflected on the day's experiences. Arashiyama had exceeded all my expectations. It was a place of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and culinary delights. It was a day of quiet contemplation, joyful exploration, and shared moments with my family. It was a day I will cherish forever.




Experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm at The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto, your ideal base for exploring this historic city.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Kyoto's cultural treasures and creating more unforgettable memories with my family.