Family Cultural Adventure in Kyoto

Whispers of Serenity

Today was a day of gentle exploration, a pause from the vibrant hustle of Kyoto to embrace its quieter, more reflective side. I find that sometimes, amidst all the must-see landmarks, it's these unhurried moments that truly capture the essence of a place. With Maximilian and Hanna by my side, we set out to wander the Philosopher's Path and contemplate the subtle beauty of the Silver Pavilion.


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

Our morning began with a delightful breakfast at Goichi Pizza. It might seem odd to start a day of traditional exploration with pizza, but the reviews were too tempting to ignore, and Hanna was thrilled at the prospect. It turned out to be a fantastic choice! The aroma of wood-fired dough filled the cozy restaurant, and the pizzas were a delicious fusion of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese attention to detail. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the local craft beer on offer, while Hanna devoured her margherita with gusto. It was a hearty start to a day that promised both physical and mental nourishment.


Discover the delicious fusion of Italian tradition and local flavors at Goichi Pizza in Kyoto - an unmissable dining experience!

With our bellies full and spirits high, we made our way to the Philosopher's Path. The winter air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant temple incense. The path itself, a stone walkway tracing a narrow canal, was quiet and peaceful. The bare branches of cherry trees reached skyward, their silhouettes stark against the pale winter sky. I imagine it’s a completely different experience in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, but there was a certain understated beauty to the winter landscape. It felt like a scene from a classic Korean painting, all muted tones and subtle textures.

Hanna, ever the curious one, was fascinated by the ducks paddling in the canal, their reflections shimmering in the water. She peppered us with questions about where they lived and what they ate, her innocent wonder a refreshing counterpoint to the more philosophical musings the path inspired. Maximilian and I took turns answering her questions, occasionally pausing to appreciate the stillness of the surroundings.

The beauty of simplicity lies in its ability to speak volumes without uttering a word.

As we strolled along, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here, from my childhood in Gyeongju to my current life in Heidelberg. The Philosopher's Path seemed to mirror my own life's journey, a winding road with moments of quiet contemplation and unexpected discoveries. It was a reminder that the most profound insights often come not from grand pronouncements, but from the gentle whispers of everyday life. I missed my parents and brother back in Korea and hoped they were doing well. I made a mental note to call them when we got back to the hotel.

The Philosopher's Path led us, eventually, to Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion. Unlike its gilded counterpart, Kinkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion is a study in understated elegance. It's not covered in silver leaf, as its name might suggest, but rather boasts a simple, unadorned wooden facade. Perhaps it was the overcast sky, or perhaps it was the temple's inherent nature, but there was a quiet dignity to the Silver Pavilion that resonated deeply with me. It stood as a testament to the beauty of imperfection, a reminder that true value lies not in outward appearances but in inner substance.


Discover the serene beauty of Higashiyama Jisho-ji, a historic Buddhist temple and natural oasis in Kyoto, Japan.

We explored the temple grounds, admiring the meticulously raked sand garden and the moss-covered landscape. Hanna, initially unimpressed by the lack of glittering silver, soon found delight in the small details – the intricate patterns in the sand, the tiny mushrooms growing on the moss, the way the light filtered through the trees. It was a reminder that even the simplest things can hold wonder, if we take the time to truly see them.

Lunch was at Nishikawa, a restaurant known for its refined Japanese cuisine. The meal was a delicate dance of flavors and textures, each dish a small work of art. The restaurant was serene and quiet, offering us a respite from the outside world. I savored the subtle nuances of each course, appreciating the chef's dedication to his craft. Maximilian, always the adventurous eater, tried everything with gusto, while Hanna surprised us by polishing off a bowl of rice with pickled vegetables.


Experience exquisite Kaiseki dining at Nishikawa in Kyoto – where tradition meets artistry for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at mina Kyoto. The multi-story shopping complex was a welcome change of pace after our tranquil morning. Hanna was immediately drawn to the colorful displays of children's clothing, while Maximilian browsed the electronics section. I found myself drawn to the traditional crafts and textiles, searching for a small souvenir to remind me of our time in Kyoto. I ended up buying a beautiful silk scarf with a delicate floral pattern, a perfect memento of this enchanting city.


Discover Kyoto's fashion scene at mina Kyoto, where modern style meets traditional craftsmanship in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

Our final stop of the day was Teppan Tavern Tenamonya for dinner. The reviews raved about the teppanyaki, and we were eager to experience it for ourselves. However, upon arrival, we discovered that the restaurant's menu had changed, and they were no longer accepting vegetarian or vegan customers. I was disappointed, as I had been looking forward to trying their vegan options. We decided to find another restaurant that could accommodate our dietary needs.


Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.

Despite the slight hiccup with dinner, the day was a resounding success. We found joy in the simple act of walking together, in the quiet beauty of the Silver Pavilion, and in the shared experience of discovering new tastes and sights. It was a day of reflection and connection, a reminder of the importance of slowing down and appreciating the present moment.

Tomorrow, we're planning to dive back into the bustling heart of Kyoto with a visit to Nishiki Market and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us, but I'll also cherish the memory of this peaceful day, a silver lining in the tapestry of our Kyoto adventure. I’m particularly looking forward to trying the Kyoto cuisine Hanasaki Nishikiten for dinner, hopefully it will be a good experience.

As I sit here writing, with the gentle hum of the city outside our window, I feel a sense of gratitude for this journey and for the opportunity to share it with my family. Travel, for me, is not just about seeing new places, but about deepening connections – with ourselves, with our loved ones, and with the world around us. And in that regard, today was a resounding success.