Family Adventure in the Cultural Heart of Kyoto

A Glimmering Beginning in Kyoto

Our family trip to Kyoto has officially begun, and what a start it has been! Today was a whirlwind of golden temples, serene palaces, and bustling shopping streets. It's hard to believe we packed so much into one day, but every moment was worth it. Kenji was especially excited, his little eyes wide with wonder at everything we saw. Eleanor and I are just thrilled to be sharing this experience with him, immersing ourselves in the beauty and culture of my homeland.

Our day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Kizahashi, located in The Thousand Kyoto hotel where we are staying. It was a delightful experience, offering a range of flavors that awakened our senses. The delicate balance of savory and umami was the perfect start to a day of exploration. I especially enjoyed the perfectly cooked rice and the miso soup, a comforting staple that always reminds me of home. Kenji, surprisingly, was a big fan of the tamagoyaki – the sweet, rolled omelet. He even asked for seconds! It's moments like these that make traveling with family so special.

After breakfast, we set off to see Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. I’ve seen photos of it countless times, but nothing prepared me for the real thing. The temple shimmered in the morning sun, its reflection dancing on the surface of the pond. It was a truly breathtaking sight, and even Kenji was momentarily speechless, which is a rare occurrence! We walked around the pond, taking in the different angles of the pavilion and admiring the meticulously maintained gardens. The air was crisp and clean, and the atmosphere was one of serene tranquility.


Explore Kinkaku-ji, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, where history and nature blend beautifully in a tranquil setting.

To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.

Next on our itinerary was the Kyoto Imperial Palace. As someone who grew up in Japan, I've always felt a deep connection to its history and heritage. Walking through the palace grounds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence. The vast courtyards and elegant buildings spoke of a time when emperors ruled from this very spot. Eleanor and Kenji were equally captivated, and we spent a long time exploring the different sections of the palace, learning about its significance in Japanese history. Although we couldn't enter the buildings themselves, the sheer scale and grandeur of the palace were enough to leave a lasting impression.


Explore the historical elegance and natural beauty of Kyoto Imperial Palace, a cultural landmark reflecting Japan's royal history.

For lunch, we ventured to Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura, a restaurant known for its traditional Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, with both counter seating and tatami mat rooms. We opted for the tatami room, which gave us a sense of privacy and allowed Kenji to stretch his legs a bit. The food was exquisite, with each dish carefully prepared and beautifully presented. I particularly enjoyed the Obanzai All-You-Can-Eat option, which featured a variety of local vegetables and fresh fish. It was a true taste of Kyoto, and I was proud to share it with my family.


Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Teramachi Yoshikura – where traditional flavors meet modern creativity in an unforgettable dining experience.

After lunch, it was time for some retail therapy at the Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. This bustling street is a far cry from the serene temples and palaces we had visited earlier in the day. It was a sensory overload, with bright lights, loud music, and a dizzying array of shops selling everything from souvenirs to clothing to snacks. Kenji was in his element, darting from one shop to another, his eyes wide with excitement. We picked up a few souvenirs, including a Hello Kitty keychain for Kenji and a beautiful silk scarf for Eleanor. I even managed to find a traditional Japanese calligraphy set for myself, which I'm looking forward to using when I get back home.


Explore Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, a vibrant hub of traditional crafts, delicious street food, and unique shopping experiences in the heart of Kyoto.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Katsukura - Kyoto Porta for dinner. Located in the Kyoto Porta shopping complex, this restaurant specializes in tonkatsu, a Japanese dish of deep-fried pork cutlets. It might not be traditional Kyoto cuisine, but it was exactly what we needed after a long day of sightseeing. The tonkatsu was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the accompanying miso soup and rice were the perfect complements. Kenji devoured his meal, declaring it the best thing he had eaten all day. It's always a win when you find a restaurant that everyone enjoys.


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

One small hiccup today: I realized I'd forgotten to pack an umbrella and extra memory cards for my camera. With the unpredictable April showers and the sheer volume of photos I plan to take, these will be essential items to acquire tomorrow. I'll make a note to grab them at one of the shops in Shinkyogoku before we head out.

Reflecting on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my culture and heritage with my family. Seeing Kyoto through their eyes has given me a new appreciation for its beauty and charm. I am also grateful for the small moments of connection and joy that we experienced throughout the day, from Kenji's love of tamagoyaki to Eleanor's fascination with the Imperial Palace.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, and explore the historic Gion district. We'll start with breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO, followed by lunch at Arash's Kitchen and dinner at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO. We might even check out The Common One Bar Kyoto for a nightcap. It promises to be another exciting day, and I can't wait to see what adventures await us.

As I sit here writing this, I can hear the gentle hum of the city outside my window. It's a comforting sound, one that reminds me of home. I am so happy to be back in Japan, sharing this experience with my loved ones. I know that this trip will create memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.

I am also excited to see that there are several events happening in Kyoto during our stay. The NAKED Sakura Festival and the Miyako Odori performance both sound intriguing, and I will try to incorporate them into our itinerary if possible. We are also here during the Uzumasa Edo Night: Springtime Flurry at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, but I think this event is adults only. Perhaps Eleanor and I can sneak away for a few hours one evening! I will have to check with the concierge to see what other events are happening during our stay.

For now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of exploration. Oyasumi nasai from Kyoto!