Family Adventure in the Cultural Heart of Kyoto

Kyoto's Sacred and Stylish Sides

Today was a day of contrasts, blending the serene spirituality of Kyoto's ancient shrines with the thrill of the hunt for unique vintage finds. Eleanor and Kenji were particularly excited, and I knew this mix of activities would keep everyone engaged. It's days like these that make traveling as a family so rewarding.

Our first stop was Fushimi Inari Taisha, a place that always leaves me breathless. The seemingly endless path of vibrant orange torii gates snaking up the mountain is an iconic sight, one that never fails to stir something deep within me. It's more than just a pretty picture; it's a journey through faith and devotion, a tangible representation of the hopes and dreams of countless individuals and businesses who have donated these gates over the centuries.


Discover the spiritual heart of Kyoto at Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of striking red torii gates and serene hiking trails.

As we walked, Kenji peppered me with questions about the foxes – the *kitsune* – that guard the shrine. I explained how they are believed to be the messengers of Inari, the deity of rice, agriculture, and business prosperity. Eleanor, ever the teacher, chimed in with stories about the shrine's history, how it was founded way back in 711, even before Kyoto became the capital. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of prayers, a palpable sense of reverence that seemed to seep into our very bones. I thought about my own ancestors, about the traditions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations, and felt a profound connection to this place.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

We took our time climbing, stopping to admire the intricate details of the smaller shrines and the stunning views of the city below. The higher we climbed, the fewer people we encountered, until it felt like we were the only ones on this sacred path. It was a welcome respite from the crowds, a chance to reflect on our journey and appreciate the beauty of the natural world around us. I made a mental note to buy an extra memory card, as I was running out of space taking pictures of the torii gates. I was also reminded that I forgot to pack an umbrella, but thankfully, the weather was on our side today.

For lunch, we headed to Komefuku, a restaurant I had read about that's known for its tempura and seafood. It was a fantastic choice. The lunch sets were reasonably priced, and the food was delicious. Kenji especially loved the tempura, devouring every last piece with gusto. Eleanor and I enjoyed the fresh sashimi, savoring the delicate flavors of the sea. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. It was the perfect place to refuel after our climb and prepare for the afternoon's adventures.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Komefuku in Kyoto, renowned for its fresh seafood and exquisite tempura dishes.

Our next stop was Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's steeped in history and surrounded by the tranquil Tadasu-no-Mori forest. This shrine is dedicated to Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto and Tamayorihime no Mikoto, deities associated with Kyoto's founding and the protection of women and children. As we walked through the ancient forest, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The towering trees, some of them centuries old, seemed to whisper stories of the past. We paused by the Mitarashi River, its clear waters flowing gently through the shrine grounds. I learned that Shimogamo Shrine is even older than Fushimi Inari Taisha, dating back to before Kyoto became the capital. The fact that it has been a place of worship for so long is incredible.


Explore the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Japan.

Kenji was particularly fascinated by the Kawai Shrine, a sub-shrine within Shimogamo dedicated to beauty. Eleanor explained the tradition of the Mirror Ema, wooden plaques shaped like mirrors that visitors decorate with makeup to pray for beauty, both inside and out. Kenji, of course, wanted to draw a superhero face on his ema, which made us laugh. It was a lighthearted moment that perfectly captured the joy of traveling with family.

Before dinner, we ventured into the city for some shopping. We stopped by Harajuku Chicago Kyoto Store, a vintage clothing store that I had heard good things about. It was a treasure trove of secondhand finds, with racks of kimonos, denim jackets, and other unique pieces. Eleanor loves vintage clothing, and she spent ages browsing through the racks, carefully examining each item. Kenji, predictably, was less interested, but he perked up when he spotted a rack of vintage t-shirts with superhero logos. I ended up buying a traditional *haori* jacket, a light coat that I think will be perfect for cool evenings back in Bristol. Eleanor found a beautiful silk scarf with a delicate floral pattern. Kenji, of course, got his superhero t-shirt.


Explore the vibrant world of vintage fashion at Harajuku Chicago Kyoto Store, a treasure trove for unique clothing finds in the heart of Kyoto.

For dinner, we chose Kyoto cuisine Hanasaki Nishikiten, a restaurant that promised an authentic Kyoto dining experience. It was located in a quiet corner near Nishiki Market, and the atmosphere was elegant and refined. We opted for the *kaiseki* menu, a multi-course meal that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. It was a truly memorable meal, a fitting end to a day of cultural exploration and vintage discoveries.


Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Hanasaki Nishikiten—where tradition meets culinary artistry in every exquisite dish.

As we walked back to The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto, I reflected on the day's adventures. We had explored ancient shrines, wandered through tranquil forests, hunted for vintage treasures, and savored the flavors of Kyoto cuisine. It was a day that perfectly captured the essence of this city, a blend of tradition and modernity, spirituality and style. I am very glad that we decided to visit Kyoto, and I am looking forward to the final day of our trip tomorrow.


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 Katsura Imperial Villa and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, followed by some shopping at Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade. I am excited to see what the last day of our family holiday brings!

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” I am very grateful that I am able to share this experience with my family.

Before I end this entry, I would like to mention that we had breakfast at Khaos Spice Diner. I had heard good things about this establishment, and I am happy to report that it lived up to the hype. The diner had a laid-back atmosphere, and the curry was delicious. It was the perfect start to the day.


Discover authentic Japanese curry at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto – a flavorful experience awaits you!