Cultural Immersion in Historic Kyoto

Kyoto's Royal Embrace

Today was a day steeped in history and natural beauty. Kyoto, with its ancient heart, truly knows how to captivate. I'm eager to share our experiences as we explored imperial grounds, serene gardens, and a castle that whispers tales of shoguns and emperors. Join me as I recount our family's adventures, discovering the essence of Japan's cultural heritage, right here in Kyoto.

Our second day in Kyoto began with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Lila was particularly excited, having heard tales of emperors and castles. Greta and I were equally eager to immerse ourselves in the historical heart of Kyoto. We knew today was going to be special, a deep dive into Japan's rich past.

Our first stop was the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a place that had served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family for over a thousand years. The palace is located within the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a vast park in the center of the city. The crisp January air nipped at our noses as we approached the Seishomon Gate, the main entrance to the palace. Fortunately, the palace is open to the public except on Mondays and from December 28th to January 4th, so we were in luck! It felt surreal to walk on grounds where emperors once roamed. The sheer scale of the palace was impressive, and Lila was particularly fascinated by the intricate details of the architecture. We learned that the current palace was reconstructed in 1855 after a fire, and it has six gates, including the main gate Kenreimon. Sadly, we couldn't enter the buildings themselves, but the exterior was magnificent enough.


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

We strolled through the park, which is also known as Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. It's a green oasis of calm in the middle of the city. I was surprised to learn that plum blossoms were already starting to bloom in mid-January, their elegant fragrance filling the air. The garden also houses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other historical sites. We found a small branch shrine of Miyajima’s famous Itsukushima Shrine on a little island of a pond, which was a delightful surprise. It was wonderful to see locals and tourists alike enjoying the open spaces, the broad gravel paths, and the tree groves.


Explore the tranquil beauty of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a historic park offering stunning landscapes and a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

  

To walk through Kyoto is to walk through centuries of history, each stone and garden telling a story of emperors, shoguns, and the enduring spirit of Japan.

After our imperial visit, we were ready for lunch. Based on some online recommendations, we decided to try Goichi Pizza. It was a bit of a change from the Japanese cuisine we'd been enjoying, but sometimes a taste of home is welcome. The restaurant was cozy and inviting. I opted for a classic Margherita, while Greta went for a more adventurous seafood pizza. Lila, of course, wanted pepperoni. The pizzas were delicious, baked in a stone oven, with a wonderfully chewy crust. It was a satisfying and comforting meal, perfect for warming us up on a chilly day. I was amused to read later that Goichi Pizza even refers lunch-seeking guests to Pizza Hut during their non-operational lunch hours.


Discover the delicious fusion of Italian tradition and local flavors at Goichi Pizza in Kyoto - an unmissable dining experience!

Next on our itinerary was Nijō Castle, built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. As we approached the castle, the sheer size of the stone walls and deep moats made it clear why this place was such a powerful symbol. The castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, so we timed our visit perfectly. It was fascinating to learn that after the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace before being donated to the city and opened to the public.


Explore the grandeur of Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, showcasing the beauty of feudal Japan's architecture and gardens.

We entered the Ninomaru Palace, famous for its “nightingale floors.” With each step, the floors squeaked, alerting the occupants to any intruders. Lila giggled with every squeak, turning what could have been a somber experience into a fun game. The decorative panels and carvings inside the palace were incredibly detailed, reflecting the power and wealth of the shoguns who once lived here. I was impressed by the way the castle blended grand structures with gorgeous gardens.

After exploring the Ninomaru Palace, we took a leisurely stroll through the Seiryu-en Garden. The plum orchard wasn't quite in full bloom, but we could see the promise of what was to come. It was a peaceful end to our historical explorations. I made a mental note to return in late March or April to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The castle also features a plum orchard, which is typically in bloom from late February to early March.

As evening approached, our thoughts turned to dinner. Hanasaki, a restaurant specializing in Kyoto cuisine, seemed like the perfect choice. Located in the Gion district, Hanasaki is known for its seasonal ingredients and traditional atmosphere. We were seated in a private room with tatami mats, which added to the authentic Kyoto experience. The chef prepared charcoal-grilled Kyoto beef steaks right in front of us, which was quite a spectacle. We opted for the Hana Kaiseki, a multi-course meal that included seafood sushi, which was particularly popular with Greta and Lila. The presentation of each dish was exquisite, reflecting the Japanese appreciation for aesthetics.


Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at Hanasaki in Kyoto - where tradition meets artistry in every delicious dish.

After dinner, we decided to experience Kyoto's nightlife with a visit to The Common One Bar Kyoto. The bar is known for its modern take on traditional Kyoto aesthetics, with tatami rooms and a tea room. It was a bit tricky to find, tucked away in a side street, but that added to its charm. The bartenders were attentive and creative, crafting unique cocktails tailored to our tastes. I tried a brandy-based cocktail, while Greta opted for something with matcha. Lila, of course, had a non-alcoholic concoction that was just as impressive. The smoked snacks were a delightful complement to the drinks.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at The Common One Bar, where tradition meets innovation in every cocktail.

The bar had a unique atmosphere, blending tradition and modernity seamlessly. I could see why it was selected as one of the top 100 bars in 2022 by Tabelog. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with history, culture, and delicious food. As we walked back to our hotel, the quiet streets of Kyoto seemed to whisper tales of the past, reminding us of the rich heritage we had experienced.

As I reflect on the day, I realize how much we packed into it. From the imperial grandeur of the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the serene beauty of the gardens and the historical significance of Nijō Castle, every moment was a treasure. And the culinary experiences, from the comforting pizzas to the exquisite Kyoto cuisine, added another layer to our understanding of this fascinating city. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we'll be exploring the vibrant red gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the tranquil Tofuku-ji Temple, and the awe-inspiring Sanjusangendo Temple. Until then, good night from Kyoto!

I almost forgot to mention, I was thinking about the items I forgot to pack, and I really could have used a raincoat today. The weather was lovely, but a little unpredictable, and it would have been useful to have. Oh well, lesson learned!

Tomorrow, we’re planning to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Tofuku-ji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple. I’ve heard Fushimi Inari Taisha is especially beautiful, with thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up the mountain. Lila is excited to see the fox statues, which are said to be messengers of the deity Inari. Greta is looking forward to the peaceful atmosphere of Tofuku-ji Temple, known for its stunning Zen gardens. And I’m eager to experience the breathtaking sight of the 1,001 statues at Sanjusangendo Temple. We’re also planning to have lunch at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO, a vegan restaurant that sounds absolutely delicious. And in the evening, we’ll be trying Teppan Tavern Tenamonya for dinner. I'm also thinking of checking out Kyoto LOFT, maybe find some souvenirs. It’s going to be another exciting day, and I can’t wait to share it with you all!