Cultural Immersion in Historic Kyoto

Whispers of Winter in Arashiyama

Today, Kyoto unveiled a different kind of magic. It wasn't the bustling markets or the vibrant city life, but the quiet, contemplative beauty of Arashiyama in winter. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and the promise of snow, a stark contrast to the familiar warmth of Berlin. I was eager to explore this iconic district with Greta and Lila, hoping to capture its essence through my lens and share it with all of you.


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 Komefuku. The warm miso soup and perfectly cooked rice were just what we needed to fortify ourselves against the January chill. Lila, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by trying (and enjoying!) the Kyoto-style pickles. It's moments like these, sharing new culinary experiences with my family, that make traveling so rewarding.

Fueled and ready, we set off for Arashiyama. The train ride itself was a treat, offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape dusted with frost. Arriving in Arashiyama, the first thing that struck me was the tranquility. The usual throngs of tourists were replaced by a more manageable crowd, allowing us to savor the beauty of the area at our own pace. The average temperature in Arashiyama in January typically ranges from 32°F to 45°F, which definitely called for the warm layers we packed.

Our first stop was the majestic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple's history is rich, dating back to 1339, and its Zen gardens are renowned for their exquisite design. Even in winter, the garden retained its serene beauty. The snow accentuated the stark simplicity of the rock formations, creating a peaceful, otherworldly landscape. I found myself particularly drawn to the Sogen Pond Garden, designed by Musō Soseki, the temple's founder. The snow-covered rocks and the reflections of the Arashiyama mountains in the pond created a picture-perfect view.


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 best view comes after the hardest climb.

The Dharma Hall at Tenryu-ji is known for its impressive painting of a cloud dragon on its ceiling. I was eager to see the dragon, which is painted in such a way that its eyes seem to follow you no matter where you stand. Unfortunately, the Dharma Hall wasn't open to the public today. However, just being in the presence of such a historic and culturally significant site was enough.

Next, we ventured into the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walking through the towering stalks of bamboo was like stepping into another world. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow on the path. The gentle rustling of the bamboo in the breeze created a soothing melody, a welcome escape from the noise of the city. Lila was particularly captivated by the bamboo forest, running ahead and weaving in and out of the stalks with glee. I snapped countless photos, trying to capture the magic of this unique place. The contrast of the green bamboo against the white snow was stunning, a scene straight out of a postcard. It was easy to see why the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most popular destinations in Kyoto, even in winter.


Experience the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, where nature and tranquility come together in a breathtaking landscape.

For lunch, we decided to try Arash's Kitchen, an Indian and Persian restaurant. I know, it might seem strange to eat Persian food in Japan, but I had read great reviews about it, and I was curious to try something different. Plus, I knew Greta and Lila would appreciate the familiar flavors. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the aroma of spices filled the air. We ordered a variety of dishes, including kebabs, biryani, and hummus. Everything was delicious, and the portions were generous. It was a welcome change of pace from the traditional Japanese cuisine we had been eating, and it gave us a chance to refuel before continuing our explorations. I even learned that Arash's Kitchen offers belly dancing shows on Fridays and Saturdays, which could be interesting to see.


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

After lunch, we strolled through the streets of Arashiyama, browsing the local shops. We stopped at Kazari Nishiki, a store offering seasonal Japanese goods and Western clothing with a touch of Kyoto. I was impressed by the store's attention to detail, and the owner clearly had a passion for the changing seasons. Greta found a beautiful silk scarf, while Lila picked out a cute little craft. I ended up buying a traditional Japanese hand towel, a perfect souvenir to remind me of our time in Arashiyama.


Discover the artistry of Kyoto at Kazari Nishiki, your ultimate destination for authentic Japanese souvenirs and traditional crafts.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Yasakadori Enraku for dinner. This restaurant, located near Kenninji Temple, is known for its Oden, a traditional Japanese hotpot dish. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere with private rooms, perfect for a quiet family dinner. The Oden was delicious, with a delicate dashi flavor that warmed us from the inside out. We also tried some of the other dishes on the menu, including Kyoto pickles and sashimi. Everything was beautifully presented and tasted exquisite. It was the perfect way to end our day in Arashiyama.


Experience the artistry of Kaiseki dining at Yasakadori Enraku in Kyoto – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

Walking back to the train station, I reflected on the day's experiences. Arashiyama in winter is a truly magical place, a world away from the bustling city of Kyoto. The snow-kissed bamboo forests, the serene temples, and the delicious food all combined to create an unforgettable experience. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to share this experience with my family. As we boarded the train back to Kyoto, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. The memories of Arashiyama will stay with me long after we leave Japan.

Tomorrow, we're off to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka, and Yasaka Shrine. I'm excited to explore these iconic landmarks and share their stories with you. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure in Kyoto.

I am particularly looking forward to experiencing Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, at Yasaka Shrine. I've heard it's a vibrant and bustling event, and I'm eager to participate in this traditional Japanese custom. It is said that visiting shrines during this time brings good luck for the new year, and I'm always open to positive energy and blessings.

The family is fast asleep now. I think the crisp air and long day of exploration did them good. I am off to edit some photos from today and then I will also retire for the night. Until tomorrow!