Family Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Kyoto's Golden Beginnings

Today marked the start of our family's Kyoto adventure, and what a day it was! From the shimmering Kinkaku-ji to the meditative gardens of Ryoan-ji, and the majestic Ninna-ji Temple, Kyoto has already cast its spell on us. The blend of history, art, and culinary delights has truly captivated our senses, making me excited to share these first impressions.


Our journey began with an early start in Dresden, a flurry of last-minute packing checks – I almost forgot my phrasebook! – and a smooth flight to Osaka. Lara was especially excited, her nose pressed against the window as we approached Japan. Hans, ever the pragmatist, made sure we were all set with our Japan Rail Passes before we even left the airport. The train ride to Kyoto was a scenic prelude to the city, the landscape unfolding like a traditional scroll painting. I did regret forgetting to pack snacks, though; Lara was hinting at being hungry just an hour into the train ride.


Once we arrived at Hotel Rings Kyoto, we quickly settled in. The location is perfect – central and convenient, just as we had hoped.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Rings Kyoto, your ideal base for exploring the enchanting city of Kyoto with free Wi-Fi and on-site dining!
After dropping off our luggage, our first stop was breakfast at Katsukura - Kyoto Porta. The tonkatsu was a delightful introduction to Japanese cuisine. Lara, usually a picky eater, surprised us by devouring her entire portion. Energized, we set off to explore our first temple: Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.


Explore Kinkaku-ji, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, where history and nature blend beautifully in a tranquil setting.

In the heart of Kyoto, history whispers through ancient temples and serene gardens, inviting us to discover the soul of Japan.

Kinkaku-ji was breathtaking. The shimmering gold reflecting off the pond created a mesmerizing scene. Even though it was crowded, the beauty of the pavilion was undeniable. Lara was fascinated by the golden phoenix on top, asking countless questions about its significance. I tried my best to explain the history and symbolism, drawing from my librarian knowledge, while Hans, with his engineer's mind, focused on the architectural details. The gardens surrounding the pavilion were meticulously manicured, each tree and stone placed with intention. I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace despite the throngs of tourists.


Next on our itinerary was Ryoan-ji, famous for its Zen garden. The contrast between the opulent Kinkaku-ji and the austere Ryoan-ji was striking.


Discover the tranquility of Ryōan-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, featuring a world-famous rock garden and serene landscapes that inspire peace and reflection.
The rock garden invited contemplation, and we spent a good while trying to decipher its meaning. Lara, of course, had her own interpretations, pointing out shapes and figures in the stones. I found myself drawn to the simplicity and the sense of calm that permeated the space. It reminded me of the Buddhist philosophy I've been studying, the idea of finding peace in emptiness. Hans, ever the skeptic, admitted that there was something strangely compelling about the garden, even if he couldn't quite put his finger on it.


Our final temple visit of the day was to Ninna-ji Temple. This temple felt less crowded than the others, allowing us to explore its grounds at a more leisurely pace.


Discover the tranquility and beauty of Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, showcasing stunning architecture and serene gardens.
The five-story pagoda was impressive, and the temple's serene atmosphere was a welcome respite. We wandered through the gardens, admiring the meticulously maintained landscapes and the budding cherry trees. Apparently, Ninna-ji is famous for its late-blooming Omuro cherry blossoms, so we are hoping to see them in full bloom later in our trip.


For lunch, we ventured to Hafuu, a restaurant known for its exquisite meat dishes.


Discover Hafuu in Kyoto: where premium Japanese beef meets culinary excellence in an elegant setting.
The beef cutlet sandwiches were divine, a perfect blend of tender meat and crispy breading. Lara was particularly fond of the wagyu beef, declaring it the best sandwich she had ever tasted. Hans and I savored every bite, appreciating the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chef. The restaurant itself was cozy and inviting, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.


In the afternoon, we took a detour to the Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store.


Explore Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store for exclusive anime merchandise and a taste of Japan's vibrant pop culture.
As a fan of Japanese animation, Lara was thrilled to browse the merchandise from Kyoto Animation's various series. She picked out a few keychains and a Violet Evergarden poster, while I couldn't resist buying a small figure from *Sound! Euphonium*, remembering the hours I spent researching Japanese music culture for a library project back in Dresden. I was a little disappointed the pop-up shop is only open until August, but I am glad we got to visit it!


As the day drew to a close, we headed to Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura for dinner.


Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Teramachi Yoshikura – where traditional flavors meet modern creativity in an unforgettable dining experience.
This restaurant offered a traditional Kyoto dining experience, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and local flavors. The obanzai, small, traditional Kyoto dishes, were a highlight, each one a delicate balance of flavors and textures. The restaurant had a serene ambiance, enhanced by the subtle sound of a koto, which allowed us to immerse ourselves in a tranquil atmosphere. We enjoyed the sake, while Lara was very fond of the fresh fish.


Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Lara is especially excited about seeing the monkeys, while Hans is looking forward to photographing the bamboo forest. I am eager to explore Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens. We also plan to do some souvenir shopping at Souvenir Kyoto.


Today was a whirlwind of experiences, a perfect introduction to the beauty and culture of Kyoto. As I reflect on our first day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share this journey with my family. I am also excited to see what tomorrow brings, and I can't wait to share our adventures with you all. The blend of ancient traditions and modern life here is something to behold, and I already feel a deep connection to this city and its people. I can't wait to see what other treasures Kyoto holds in store for us.


Kyoto in May is proving to be an excellent choice, with comfortable weather and fewer crowds than the peak cherry blossom season. I've read about some events happening around the city this month, such as the Aoi Matsuri Festival on May 15th, and the Yayoi Kusama Print Works exhibition, so I'll make sure to check those out and report back!