Family Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Finding Peace on the Philosopher's Path

Today, on the sixth day of our Kyoto adventure, I embarked on a journey that promised both physical and spiritual nourishment. With my family, I explored ancient temples, wandered along a celebrated path, and indulged in culinary delights that tantalized the taste buds. It was a day of reflection, discovery, and connection, reminding me of the simple joys of travel and the profound beauty of Japanese culture.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Antonio. It was a delightful start, fueling us up for the day's explorations. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the food was simple and satisfying. Lara was especially excited, as she loves trying new things, and even Hans seemed to enjoy the change from our usual German fare.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we set out for the Philosopher's Path. The Philosopher's Path is a tranquil route that follows a canal lined with cherry trees, connecting Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. Though the cherry blossoms were long gone, the path retained its serene charm. The gentle flow of water and the lush greenery created a calming atmosphere, perfect for contemplation. I learned that the path is named after Nishida Kitaro, a famous Japanese philosopher who used to meditate while walking this route on his way to Kyoto University. As I strolled along the path, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the past, imagining the countless others who had walked this same path, seeking inspiration and enlightenment. It was a truly peaceful experience, and I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on my life and the journey that had brought me to this beautiful place.


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

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Our walk along the Philosopher's Path led us to Nanzen-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. Founded in the 13th century, Nanzen-ji boasts a rich history and stunning architecture. We were immediately struck by the massive Sanmon entrance gate, which towered over the treetops. The gate was originally constructed in the 13th century, destroyed in 1369, and reconstructed in 1628. The temple grounds were expansive, featuring multiple sub-temples, each with its unique character and charm. One of the most interesting features of Nanzen-ji was the brick aqueduct that ran through the temple grounds. Built during the Meiji Period, the aqueduct is part of a canal system that was constructed to carry water and goods between Kyoto and Lake Biwa. It was a surprising sight, and I couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity of the engineers who had designed it. We spent several hours exploring Nanzen-ji, admiring the intricate details of the buildings and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It was a truly enriching experience, and I left feeling a sense of awe and reverence for the temple's history and significance.


Explore the tranquil beauty and rich history of Nanzen-ji Temple, a stunning Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the heart of Kyoto's natural landscape.

From Nanzen-ji, we made our way to Eikan-do Temple, also known as Zenrin-ji. Eikan-do is renowned for its autumn colors, but even in May, the temple was a sight to behold. The temple's history dates back to 863 CE when the monk Shinsho founded it as a Shingon Buddhist temple. The temple is also famous for its unusual statue of the Amida Buddha, which looks over its shoulder, rather than straight ahead. According to legend, at one point in 1082, when Yōkan was fifty, he and a number of monks were practicing a ritual, walking around the statue and reciting sutras when the statue of Amida came to life and stepped down from its dais. Astonished, Eikan stood there, and the statue turned its head to look back at Eikan and said, “Yokan, you are slow.” before freezing in place. The temple grounds were beautifully landscaped, with a pond garden, wooden corridors, and a Tahoto Pagoda nestled in the trees on the hillside. We climbed up to the pagoda, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of the city. It was a truly breathtaking sight, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness such beauty.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Eikan-dō Temple, a must-visit Buddhist sanctuary in Kyoto, Japan, surrounded by stunning gardens.

After a long day of walking and exploring, we were ready for a delicious lunch. We headed to Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki & Teppan-yaki Kamehameha, a restaurant that had been recommended to us by a local. The restaurant was small and cozy, with only a few seats around the counter. We watched as the chef prepared our okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with noodles, vegetables, and meat. It was fascinating to see the skill and precision with which he worked, and the aroma of the cooking food was irresistible. The okonomiyaki was absolutely delicious, and we devoured every last bite. It was the perfect way to refuel after a long day of sightseeing.


Discover authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Kamehameha, Kyoto's premier destination for delicious Japanese cuisine.

Before dinner, we made a stop at Kazari Nishiki in Nishiki Market. The shop offered a variety of seasonal Japanese goods and Western clothing with a Kyoto touch. I found some beautiful fabrics that I thought would make lovely additions to my sewing projects back in Dresden. Lara picked out a cute charm for her backpack, a small memento of our time in Kyoto.


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

For dinner, we had reservations at Gion Nanba, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant. Located in a Kyoto-like alley near Yasaka Shrine, this restaurant offers high-quality food and nihonshu in a calm and quiet atmosphere. The restaurant was tucked away in a narrow alley, and the atmosphere was intimate and refined. We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a series of small, artfully presented dishes showcasing the best of Kyoto cuisine. Each dish was a work of art, and the flavors were complex and nuanced. It was a truly memorable dining experience, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to indulge in such exquisite food.


Discover authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, where tradition meets taste in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. We walked the Philosopher's Path, a route that has inspired countless thinkers and dreamers. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Heian Shrine, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and Gion Corner. And perhaps, if we're feeling adventurous, we'll check out BEE’S KNEES, a bar that promises a delightful end to the day.

“Travel is more than seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” - Miriam Beard

Today was a reminder that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with different cultures and gaining new perspectives. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences with you.

Until next time,
Sophea

P.S. I almost forgot to mention, Hans managed to navigate the trains today without a single wrong turn! I think he's finally getting the hang of the Japanese public transportation system. And Lara, well, she's already planning our next trip to Japan. I think it's safe to say that this family cultural exploration in Kyoto has been a success!

I am looking forward to tomorrow's itinerary. I am especially excited about the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. I love gardening, and I am eager to see the unique plants and flowers that are native to Japan. I am also curious about Gion Corner. I have heard that it is a great place to experience traditional Japanese arts, such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy. And of course, I am always up for trying new restaurants and bars, so BEE’S KNEES sounds like a fun place to end the day.

Overall, I am having a wonderful time in Kyoto. The city is full of surprises, and I am constantly learning new things about Japanese culture. I am so glad that I decided to come here with my family, and I know that we will cherish these memories for years to come.