Family Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Farewell, Kyoto: A Day of Reflection and Museums

As our ten-day journey through Kyoto draws to a close, I find myself filled with a bittersweet mix of emotions. This trip has been a profound immersion into Japanese culture, history, and artistry, shared with my beloved family. Today, we set out to absorb as much as possible, knowing that tomorrow we will begin our journey back to Dresden. It's amazing how quickly time flies when you're surrounded by so much beauty and wonder.

Our day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Fujiya. I was eager to experience an authentic start to the day. The moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, promising a delightful culinary experience. I decided to try their special breakfast set, which featured a delicate assortment of small dishes. There was grilled fish, seasoned vegetables, miso soup, and perfectly cooked rice. Each element was thoughtfully prepared and presented, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that is so characteristic of Japanese cuisine.


Discover the exquisite flavors of traditional kaiseki cuisine at Fujiya in Kyoto - where every meal is a masterpiece.

Lara, surprisingly, was quite adventurous and enjoyed the miso soup and rice. Hans, ever the pragmatist, appreciated the balance of flavors and the healthy start to our busy day. Fuelled up, our first destination was the Kyoto Railway Museum. I have always been fascinated by trains, and I was keen to explore Japan's railway history. The museum was a treasure trove of locomotives, Shinkansen bullet trains, and railway memorabilia. The sheer scale of the collection was impressive, and I found myself captivated by the engineering marvels on display.


Discover the rich history of railways at the Kyoto Railway Museum, a family-friendly attraction in the heart of Kyoto showcasing trains and interactive exhibits.

Lara, of course, was in her element. Her eyes lit up as she climbed aboard the trains, explored the carriages, and pretended to be a conductor. It was heartwarming to see her so engaged and enthusiastic. Hans, too, seemed to enjoy the experience, appreciating the technical aspects and the historical significance of the exhibits. As a family, we spent hours exploring the museum, learning about the evolution of Japan's railway system and marveling at the ingenuity of the engineers and designers. The Kyoto Railway Museum is definitely a must-visit, offering something for everyone, regardless of age or interest.

The journey may be ending, but the memories and experiences we've gathered will forever be etched in our hearts.

Next on our list was the Kyoto National Museum. I was particularly excited about this visit, given my love for history and culture. The museum houses an extensive collection of Japanese art and artifacts, spanning centuries of artistic achievement. From ancient sculptures and intricate ceramics to delicate calligraphy and vibrant paintings, the exhibits offered a comprehensive overview of Japan's rich cultural heritage. Currently, there is a special exhibition commemorating Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, showcasing some of Japan's greatest art treasures. Also, the exhibit of Young Poland was interesting, showing the influence of Japanese art on Polish artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

I was particularly drawn to the Buddhist sculptures, which exuded a sense of serenity and grace. The intricate details and the expressive features of the statues were truly captivating. Lara, while not as engrossed as I was, seemed to appreciate the beauty of the artwork. She was particularly fascinated by the vibrant colors and the intricate patterns of the kimonos on display. Hans, with his engineer's eye, admired the craftsmanship and the technical skill involved in creating these masterpieces. Together, we wandered through the halls of the museum, immersing ourselves in the world of Japanese art and culture. We learned about the different artistic styles, the historical context, and the cultural significance of the artifacts on display.

After the museum, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy at Takashimaya Kyoto S.C. I wanted to find some unique souvenirs to take back home, something that would remind us of our time in Kyoto. Takashimaya is a large department store offering a wide range of goods. We explored the various floors, browsing through the fashion boutiques, the home goods section, and the food hall. Lara, of course, was drawn to the toy section, where she found a charming little kimono-clad doll that she insisted on buying. Hans, always practical, was on the lookout for some high-quality Japanese knives for his cooking hobby. I, on the other hand, was searching for some traditional crafts, something that would reflect the artistry and the cultural heritage of Kyoto. I ended up buying a beautiful silk scarf with a delicate floral pattern and a set of handcrafted ceramic tea cups.


Explore Takashimaya Kyoto S.C. for an unforgettable shopping experience, blending tradition and modernity in the heart of Kyoto.

For lunch, we opted for something different and visited MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar. It was a delightful change of pace, and we all enjoyed the flavorful curries and the warm naan bread. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. It was a nice break from the traditional Japanese cuisine we had been enjoying throughout the trip. Lara was initially hesitant about trying Indian food. She eventually warmed up to the butter chicken and the naan bread. Hans, a seasoned traveler, was familiar with Indian cuisine and appreciated the authentic flavors and the generous portions. I, too, enjoyed the meal, finding it to be a satisfying and flavorful culinary experience.


Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Mughal Indian Restaurant & Bar in Kyoto – a haven for food lovers seeking authentic South Asian cuisine.

Our final stop for the day was Sanjusangendo Temple. I had heard so much about this temple and its thousand statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and I was eager to see it for myself. As we approached the temple, I was struck by its imposing size and its traditional architecture. The temple hall stretches an impressive 120 meters, making it Japan's longest wooden structure. Stepping inside, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sight of the thousand statues of Kannon. Row upon row, the golden statues stood in perfect formation, each with its own unique expression and posture. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight, a testament to the artistic skill and the religious devotion of the people who created them.


Explore the serene Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1001 captivating Kannon statues and a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kyoto.

The temple was founded in 1164 by Taira no Kiyomori for the cloistered Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The name Sanjusangendo (literally '33 intervals') derives from the number of intervals between the building's support columns. The main deity of the temple is Sahasrabhuja-arya-avalokiteśvara or the Thousand Armed Kannon. The statue of the main deity was created by the Kamakura sculptor Tankei and is a National Treasure of Japan. The temple also contains one thousand life-size statues of the Thousand Armed Kannon which stand on both the right and left sides of the main statue in 10 rows and 50 columns. Of these, 124 statues are from the original temple, rescued from the fire of 1249, while the remaining 876 statues were constructed in the 13th century. The statues are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf.

Lara, who had been running around excitedly just moments before, fell silent as she took in the sight of the thousand statues. She stood there, gazing in wonder, her eyes wide with awe. Hans, too, seemed moved by the experience. He stood quietly, contemplating the artistic and the religious significance of the temple. I felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me as I gazed at the statues. The temple was a sanctuary, a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. It was a place to reflect, to contemplate, and to connect with something larger than myself.

For our farewell dinner, we chose Yoshikawa, known for its exquisite tempura. The restaurant was elegant and refined, with a serene atmosphere. We were seated at the counter, where we could watch the chefs prepare the tempura right in front of us. Each piece was expertly battered and fried to perfection, resulting in a light, crispy, and flavorful dish. The ingredients were fresh and of the highest quality, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. The tempura batter was quite light, though not the gossamer quality that you find in the top tempura restaurants of Tokyo. Dessert was offered in the lounge, an unusual thing in normally cramped dining rooms in Japan but then as a ryokan they have more space than most. From here you can see a much larger and very attractive garden. The dessert comprised some kiwi fruit, a single cherry and a yoghurt sorbet.


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

Lara, who had initially been hesitant about trying tempura, ended up devouring several pieces, declaring it to be her favorite food of the trip. Hans, a connoisseur of fine dining, appreciated the skill and the artistry involved in preparing the tempura. I, too, was impressed by the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.

As we walked back to Hotel Rings Kyoto, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've shared. Kyoto has captivated us with its beauty, its history, and its culture. It has been a journey of discovery, a chance to learn, to grow, and to connect as a family. While I am sad to leave, I know that the memories we've made here will last a lifetime. Tomorrow, we will begin our journey back to Dresden, carrying with us a piece of Kyoto in our hearts. Perhaps we will time our next visit during the Gion Matsuri in July, or the Obon festival in August to bid farewell to the spirits of ancestors with bonfires.


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!

As I reflect on our final day, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. We have explored museums, admired temples, indulged in retail therapy, and savored unforgettable flavors. We have laughed, we have learned, and we have grown closer as a family. Kyoto has given us so much, and I am eternally grateful for the memories we have made here.

As we prepare to leave this enchanting city, I know that we will carry a piece of Kyoto with us, a reminder of the beauty, the history, and the culture that we have experienced here. Until next time, Kyoto. I leave you with a heavy heart, but also with a sense of anticipation for the day when we will meet again.