Cultural Immersion in Historic Kyoto

A Fond Farewell to Kyoto

As our ten-day journey through Kyoto draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve shared as a family. Today was a day of serene beauty, spiritual reflection, and a final taste of Kyoto’s culinary excellence. It’s hard to believe our adventure is almost over, but the memories we’ve created will undoubtedly last a lifetime.


Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Tategami. It was the perfect way to start our last day in Kyoto. We savored every bite, knowing we'd soon be back in Berlin, missing the exquisite Japanese cuisine.


Experience authentic Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine at Tategami - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.


Our first stop was the enchanting Shosei-en Garden, a hidden gem near our hotel. The garden, a detached villa of Higashi Honganji Temple, was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, and it's a testament to tranquil beauty. As we stepped through the west gate, the high stone walls gave way to a stunning landscape. The garden is praised for its elegant design, which changes with the seasons. Even in January, the serene atmosphere was palpable.


Experience the serene beauty of Shōsei-en Garden in Kyoto, a tranquil oasis showcasing traditional Japanese landscape design and seasonal flora.

Lila was immediately captivated by the large pond, Ingetsuchi Pond, supposedly designed by Ishikawa Jozan, the founder of Shisen-do. We strolled across the Shinsekibashi, a wooden bridge, and admired the tea ceremony room, though we couldn’t go inside. The garden’s meticulous design and peaceful ambiance provided a perfect start to our day. It was a bit chilly, but the beauty of the garden warmed our spirits. Greta and Lila enjoyed taking photos of the picturesque scenery, capturing the essence of this tranquil oasis. I took a moment to reflect on the journey so far, feeling grateful for the opportunity to share such a beautiful place with my family.

“The beauty of a garden lies not just in its plants, but in the peace it offers to the soul.”

Next on our itinerary was the Kamigamo Shrine, one of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines, dating back to 678 AD. Located in the northern part of the city and surrounded by nature, the shrine is dedicated to Kamo Wake-ikazuchi, the god believed to protect Kyoto from evil. As we approached, the serene surroundings immediately enveloped us, offering a peaceful retreat from the city. The shrine’s architecture was stunning, showcasing traditional Japanese design with wooden structures and thatched roofs. We purified ourselves at the temizuya before exploring further.


Experience the beauty and spirituality of Kamigamo Shrine, a historic Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto surrounded by lush nature and rich cultural heritage.

We learned that Kamigamo Shrine is known for its annual Aoi Matsuri, a grand festival held every May with a procession of people dressed in Heian period clothing. Though we were visiting in January, the historical significance was palpable. Lila was fascinated by the vibrant orange colors and unique architecture, so different from the temples we had seen earlier in our trip. We took our time wandering the grounds, admiring the Honden and Gonden, where the deities are enshrined. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kamigamo Shrine offered a profound sense of cultural and historical importance. We even saw preparations for the Musha Shinji, an archery ritual to ward off evil, which would be held later in the month. It was a privilege to witness such deep-rooted traditions.





After the spiritual experience at Kamigamo Shrine, we headed to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1924, it is the oldest public botanical garden in Japan, with over 12,000 kinds of plants. Despite being January, the gardens were still vibrant with life. We strolled through the various sections, admiring the winter flowers and meticulously maintained landscapes. The greenhouse was particularly impressive, housing around 4,500 varieties of tropical plants.


Explore the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, a tranquil oasis showcasing diverse flora and stunning landscapes in the heart of Kyoto, Japan.

Lila loved the playful atmosphere, running through the paths and pointing out her favorite plants. Greta, with her librarian’s curiosity, was fascinated by the diverse collection of flora from around the world. I appreciated the serene environment, a perfect blend of nature and human artistry. Though the famous cherry blossoms were still months away, the gardens offered a unique charm in the winter season. We learned about the different varieties of camellias and wintersweets, adding to our appreciation of Japanese horticulture. It was a refreshing escape, reminding us of the simple beauty of nature, even in the colder months.





Our afternoon was dedicated to shopping, and we made our way to Inobun, a multi-level store on Shijo Street. This unique shop offered everything from fashion to kitchenware to toys, and we spent a delightful couple of hours exploring its diverse offerings. Greta was particularly drawn to the traditional crafts and ceramics, while Lila was thrilled with the selection of Japanese toys and stationery. I found myself browsing the kitchenware section, admiring the craftsmanship of the local artisans.


Discover a treasure trove of unique gifts and stylish goods at Inobun, Kyoto's charming shop for souvenirs and more.

We made several purchases, including a beautiful tea set for Greta, a set of origami paper for Lila, and a handcrafted knife for myself. The rooftop garden on the fourth level provided a welcome break, allowing Lila to run around and stretch her legs while Greta and I enjoyed the view of the city. Inobun proved to be the perfect place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, each item carrying a piece of Kyoto’s unique charm. It was a fun and relaxed way to spend our afternoon, indulging in the retail delights of Kyoto.





For our final dinner in Kyoto, we chose Yoshikawa, a renowned tempura restaurant. The restaurant, part of a traditional ryokan, has been serving exquisite tempura since 1952. The dining room was elegant, with a view of a beautiful garden. We opted for the traditional Kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal that showcased the best of Kyoto’s culinary traditions.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Yoshikawa, where tradition meets exceptional flavors in the heart of Kyoto.

The tempura was light and non-greasy, a testament to the chef’s skill. Each course was a work of art, from the fresh prawns to the delicate vegetables. Lila even tried some new dishes, much to our delight. The service was impeccable, with our friendly waitress explaining each dish in detail. It was a fitting end to our culinary journey in Kyoto, a celebration of Japanese flavors and hospitality. As we savored our meal, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip, feeling grateful for the memories we had created together.





As we head back to Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness that our Kyoto adventure is coming to an end. Tomorrow, we embark on our journey back to Berlin, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories and experiences. This trip has not only deepened our understanding of Japanese culture but has also strengthened our bonds as a family. I am already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may be. For now, I’ll cherish these final moments in Kyoto, grateful for the beauty, serenity, and culinary delights this historic city has offered us.


Experience comfort and convenience at Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi, located near iconic attractions like Nijo Castle and Kyoto International Manga Museum.

Tonight, I'm especially grateful to have shared this experience with Greta and Lila. Their laughter, curiosity, and companionship have made this trip truly unforgettable. As we prepare to leave, I know that a part of Kyoto will always stay with us, inspiring our future travels and enriching our lives back in Berlin. Until next time, Kyoto, arigato gozaimasu.