Cultural Immersion and Family Adventures in Kyoto

Kyoto's Tranquil Sanctuaries & Culinary Delights

Today was a serene yet stimulating blend of ancient history, peaceful contemplation, and surprising culinary discoveries here in Kyoto. It's amazing how much this city can offer in a single day, and I'm thrilled to share our experiences as we continue to soak in all its beauty and culture with the family.

Our day began with a nourishing breakfast at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma. The set courses were delicious. They included top-quality meat and seafood with refreshing broth. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of temple hopping. The staff were very friendly and even though they didn't know much english, they used Google Translate to communicate with us. It was very helpful.

First on our itinerary was the famed Ryoan-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its enigmatic Zen rock garden. Nestled in Northwest Kyoto, Ryoan-ji Temple is home to Japan's most famous Zen stone garden and one of Kyoto's most iconic scenes. We arrived early, hoping to beat the crowds, and were rewarded with a sense of tranquility as we approached the Hojo, the main building from which to view the garden. The garden itself is a marvel – fifteen rocks arranged in a sea of meticulously raked white gravel. Liam and I, along with the kids, sat on the wooden veranda, contemplating the arrangement. Each of us found our own meaning in the composition. I found it fascinating from an anthropological perspective. The garden’s designer and meaning are still unknown to this day. The seemingly random placement of the stones adds to the mystique of Ryoan-ji. It's abstract layout leaves visitors questioning the meaning and purpose of the garden. I appreciated the historical and cultural significance, but I wouldn't say it was my favourite rock garden in Kyoto.


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 beauty of a Zen garden lies not just in what is seen, but in what is felt and imagined.

After spending a meditative hour at Ryoan-ji, we ventured to Ninna-ji Temple. Ninnaji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northwest Kyoto, Japan. It's one of the few high-profile with free admission to the grounds. The temple's vast grounds were a welcome contrast to the more compact Ryoan-ji. The towering five-story pagoda was visible from afar, guiding us toward the Niomon Gate. The massive Niomon Gate is one of the three most important gates in Kyoto, along with the Sanmon Gates at Nanzenji and Chion-in Temples. As we wandered, we admired the Buddhist statues and the overall serene atmosphere. It was less crowded than some of the other major temples we've visited, which allowed us to take our time and truly appreciate the beauty. I was particularly taken by the Goten, the former residence of the head priest. The sliding doors, adorned with gold leaf, were stunning, and the adjacent Japanese garden was a masterpiece of design. It elevated Ninnaji Temple into the elite tier of Kyoto temples.


Discover the tranquility and beauty of Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, showcasing stunning architecture and serene gardens.

Our final temple visit of the day was to Kōryū-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, founded in 622 by Kawakatsu Hata in memory of Prince Shotoku. Kōryū-ji is a little off the beaten path, but that added to its charm. The temple grounds were peaceful, and we enjoyed exploring the various halls and pagodas. The main hall houses some impressive wooden statues, which provided a glimpse into the temple's long history. It was a fitting end to our day of spiritual and historical exploration.


Explore Kōryū-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist site in Kyoto offering stunning architecture, tranquil gardens, and a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage.

For lunch, we decided to try something completely different from traditional Japanese cuisine. We stumbled upon Mezopotamia Kebab House and were immediately drawn in by the aroma of grilled meats and spices. It was one of the best kebabs I've ever had. The chicken was flavorful and tender, and the hot sauce added the perfect kick. Liam and the kids were equally impressed. We chatted with the friendly staff, who were happy to share stories about their Turkish heritage. It’s amazing to find such diverse culinary experiences tucked away in Kyoto's neighborhoods.


Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Mezopotamia Kebab House in Kyoto - where every bite tells a story.

Our dinner tonight was an experience in itself. We dined at French Dining Top of Kyoto, a revolving restaurant located on the 14th floor of the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto. As the restaurant slowly rotated, we were treated to panoramic views of the city. The food was exquisite, a fusion of French techniques and local ingredients. The kids were fascinated by the rotating floor, and Liam and I enjoyed the romantic ambiance. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration.


Discover the exquisite flavors of French cuisine at French Dining Top of Kyoto – where culinary artistry meets stunning views.

Before heading back to our hotel, the SHIZUTETSU HOTEL PREZIO Kyoto Karasumaoike, we made a quick stop at the Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store. I had read about it online and knew the kids would love it. The store was filled with merchandise from Kyoto Animation's various series, including *Haruhi Suzumiya*, *K-ON!*, and *Violet Evergarden*. The kids were thrilled to pick out a few souvenirs to remember our trip. It was a fun and lighthearted way to cap off our day.


Explore Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store for exclusive anime merchandise and a taste of Japan's vibrant pop culture.

As we head into tomorrow, we are planning to visit the Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto Tower and Nishijin Textile Center. We might try The Common One Bar Kyoto in the evening.

Today was a reminder of why we love to travel – the opportunity to discover new cultures, try new foods, and create lasting memories with family. Kyoto continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. I'm so grateful for these experiences and can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Goodnight from Kyoto!