Cultural Immersion in Historic Kyoto

Finding Peace and Beauty in Kyoto's Cultural Heart

Today was a day of exploration and reflection, a journey through Kyoto's serene landscapes and vibrant artistic traditions. It was a day where the ancient and the contemporary intertwined, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for this city's unique charm. I was especially looking forward to experiencing the famed Philosopher's Path.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Nishikawa. Fueled up, we set off to explore the cultural treasures that Kyoto had in store for us, starting with the Heian Shrine.

Heian Shrine: A Morning of Cultural Immersion

The vermillion brilliance of Heian Shrine greeted us as we arrived. The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine and a hint of incense, creating an atmosphere of reverence. The shrine's architecture is stunning, a scaled-down replica of the original Imperial Palace from the Heian period. As an English teacher with a love for history, I found myself particularly drawn to the stories and traditions that permeated every corner of the shrine.

We were fortunate enough to witness a traditional dance performance, the *Shinshun Hounou*, a New Year's dance dedicated to the deities. Lila was captivated by the graceful movements of the dancers and the vibrant colors of their costumes. Greta, ever the librarian, was fascinated by the historical context of the dances and their significance in Japanese culture. I found myself reflecting on the wisdom and transformation that the new year symbolizes, a sentiment that resonated deeply within me.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in its ability to transport you to another time.

Before leaving, we took a moment to stroll through the shrine's garden, a tranquil oasis of ponds, bridges, and meticulously manicured plants. The garden, designed by Jihei Ogawa, who also designed gardens in Murinan and Maruyama park, offered a respite from the bustling city. The vibrant colors of the koi fish swimming in the pond and the gentle rustling of the bamboo groves were a balm to the soul.


Explore Heian Shrine in Kyoto for a serene experience of stunning gardens, rich history, and traditional Japanese architecture.

Philosopher's Path: A Contemplative Stroll

Next on our itinerary was the famed Philosopher's Path. From Heian Shrine, we made our way to this tranquil walkway that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. Though it's January, and the cherry blossoms were long gone, the path still held a serene beauty. The bare branches of the trees reached towards the sky, their silhouettes reflected in the calm waters of the canal.

As we strolled along the path, I couldn't help but reflect on the words of Nishida Kitaro, the philosopher for whom the path is named. He used this route for daily meditation, contemplating the concept of pure experience. I tried to emulate his mindfulness, focusing on the present moment and letting go of any distractions. The gentle sound of the water flowing in the canal and the crisp winter air helped to clear my mind and open my senses. Lila, of course, was more interested in spotting ducks and throwing pebbles into the water, but even she seemed to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.

We paused for lunch at Masayoshi Japanese Dining, a charming restaurant along the path. The restaurant specialized in *yudofu*, a Kyoto specialty of tofu simmered in a light kombu broth. The simple yet flavorful dish was the perfect complement to our contemplative walk. The meal reminded me a bit of *tom yum*, but with a delicate Japanese twist.


Explore the Philosopher's Path, a serene journey through nature and philosophy in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossoms and historic temples.

Nanzen-ji: A Zen Buddhist Temple

Our final stop of the day was Nanzen-ji, one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. Located at the base of Kyoto's forested Higashiyama mountains, the temple exuded an aura of serenity and history. The central temple grounds are open to the public free of charge, which was a welcome change after some of the pricier attractions we'd visited.

We entered through the massive Sanmon entrance gate, constructed in 1628. The gate was built by the ruling Tokugawa clan for soldiers who died in the siege of Osaka Castle in 1615. I decided to climb to the gate's balcony, and the view from the top was breathtaking. The city stretched out before me, a tapestry of traditional buildings and modern skyscrapers.

After descending from the Sanmon Gate, we explored the Hojo, the former head priest's residence. The Hojo is famous for its rock garden, whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. I sat for a few minutes, trying to discern the tigers in the rocks, but my imagination failed me. Still, I appreciated the garden's minimalist beauty and the sense of calm it evoked.

One of the more unusual sights at Nanzen-ji was the large brick aqueduct that passed through the temple grounds. Built during the Meiji era, the aqueduct was part of a system that brought water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. It was a striking juxtaposition of modern engineering and traditional temple architecture.


Discover the tranquility of Nanzen-ji, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, where spirituality meets stunning natural beauty.

Kyoto Shibori Museum: An Afternoon Immersed in Textiles

Before dinner, we decided to visit the Kyoto Shibori Museum. I'd read about *shibori*, a traditional Japanese tie-dye technique, and was eager to learn more. The museum was a small, family-run establishment dedicated to preserving and promoting this ancient art form. We watched a short video that explained the various *shibori* techniques, from intricate stitching to elaborate folding and clamping. I was amazed by the skill and precision required to create these stunning textiles.

The museum's exhibits showcased a range of *shibori* works, from kimonos and wall hangings to scarves and accessories. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors were truly captivating. I was particularly impressed by a kimono that featured a landscape scene with Mount Fuji in the background. The level of detail was incredible, and it was hard to believe that the entire design was created using tie-dye techniques.

Lila was especially excited about the gift shop, filled with *shibori* products. We purchased a small scarf for Greta and a *shibori* coin purse for Lila. I even picked up a small piece of *shibori* fabric as a souvenir for myself. I was also tempted to take a class, but we were short on time.


Explore the exquisite art of Shibori at Kyoto Shibori Museum, where tradition and creativity blend seamlessly in stunning textile displays.

Dinner at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO Restaurant: A Culinary Delight

To cap off our day, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO Restaurant. The restaurant was located in a beautifully restored traditional building, with a tranquil garden and elegant dining rooms. The ambiance was perfect for a special occasion, and the food was exceptional.

We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a range of seasonal dishes. Each course was a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The flavors were subtle and complex, and the presentation was impeccable. Lila even tried a few new things, though she mostly stuck to the rice and vegetables.

As we savored our meal, I reflected on the day's experiences. We had explored ancient temples, strolled along serene paths, and immersed ourselves in the world of textile art. Kyoto had once again revealed its magic, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Gion, Hanamikoji Street, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. I am particularly interested in seeing the geisha district and learning more about this unique aspect of Japanese culture. We also plan to visit a bar called L'Escamoteur.

Before heading back to the hotel, I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the night. The stars twinkled above, and the city lights shimmered below. Kyoto, even in the darkness, held a special kind of magic. And although I had forgotten my raincoat, the weather had been kind, and I was grateful for another day of adventure with my family.

In closing, I would recommend these locations to anyone visiting Kyoto in the future. The blend of old and new is something that can only be experienced in person. It is a memory that I, Somchai, will forever cherish.