Family Cultural Adventure in Kyoto

Echoes of Emperors and Shoguns

Today in Kyoto felt like stepping back in time, surrounded by the grandeur of palaces and the tranquility of meticulously designed gardens. It’s a day where history whispered from every corner, and the serene beauty of Kyoto unfolded before my eyes. I was particularly excited to share this experience with Maximilian and Hanna, immersing them in the stories of emperors and shoguns.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Katsukura - Kyoto Porta. I opted for their famous tonkatsu, a perfectly crispy pork cutlet that provided the energy we needed for a day of exploration. Hanna was particularly thrilled with her portion, and even Maximilian, who usually prefers a lighter breakfast, admitted it was a great start to our day.

First on our itinerary was Nijō Castle. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period, this castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encapsulates Japan's feudal era. As we walked through the Karamon Gate, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale and intricate details of the architecture. Renting an English audio guide proved to be a wise decision, as it helped us navigate the castle's rich history and significance. The Ninomaru Palace was particularly fascinating, with its 'nightingale floors' designed to squeak underfoot, a clever security measure against intruders. The opulent rooms, adorned with tatami mats, decorated ceilings, and beautifully painted sliding doors (fusuma), offered a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the shogun.


Explore the grandeur of Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, showcasing the beauty of feudal Japan's architecture and gardens.

The past is never dead. It's not even past.

After exploring Nijō Castle, we headed to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868 when the emperor and capital were moved to Tokyo. The palace is located within the spacious Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a beautiful park in the city center. Luckily, today, being a Monday, the gardens were open, allowing us to wander freely. We learned that the current palace was reconstructed in 1855 after a fire, and though we couldn't enter the buildings, strolling through the grounds and admiring the gates, halls, and gardens was a serene experience. I appreciated the English-language signs that provided historical context, and Maximilian enjoyed capturing the essence of the palace through his lens. Hanna, ever curious, was fascinated by the vast gravel paths and the sense of history that permeated the air.


Explore the historical elegance and natural beauty of Kyoto Imperial Palace, a cultural landmark reflecting Japan's royal history.

We then took a leisurely stroll through the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden itself. Despite it being January, the garden held a subtle charm. I had read that the plum blossom season begins in mid-January, and we were fortunate enough to spot a few early blooms, their delicate fragrance filling the crisp winter air. The garden, with its broad gravel paths and tree groves, provided a tranquil escape from the bustling city. It was interesting to learn that the garden also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace, where retired emperors resided, and other historic sites. While the autumn foliage is said to be particularly stunning, the winter landscape had its own unique appeal, with bare trees silhouetted against the sky and a sense of quiet contemplation.


Explore the tranquil beauty of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a historic park offering stunning landscapes and a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

For lunch, we chose Komefuku, a restaurant known for its delicious tempura. The light and crispy tempura was a welcome treat after our morning of exploration. Hanna especially loved the seafood salad with sashimi, and Maximilian enjoyed the variety of options available. It was a delightful culinary experience that allowed us to recharge before continuing our journey.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Komefuku in Kyoto, renowned for its fresh seafood and exquisite tempura dishes.

As the day drew to a close, we ventured into the Gion district for dinner at Premium Pound Gion. This teppanyaki restaurant offered a unique dining experience, with the chef cooking right in front of us. The Kobe beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the chef's entertaining skills added to the overall enjoyment. Maximilian, a connoisseur of fine dining, was particularly impressed with the quality of the meat and the chef's expertise. Hanna, although initially a bit shy, was soon captivated by the performance and the delicious food.


Experience culinary artistry at Premium Pound Gion – where French cuisine meets Japanese teppanyaki in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district.

To cap off our evening, Maximilian and I decided to sneak away for a nightcap at L'Escamoteur, a bar known for its unique cocktails and magical atmosphere. We left Hanna in the capable hands of the hotel babysitting service, promising her a special treat in the morning. The bar was a hidden gem, transporting us to another world with its quirky decor and creative drinks. The bartender, a charismatic Frenchman, mixed our cocktails with flair, adding a touch of magic to the evening. It was a perfect end to a day filled with history, culture, and culinary delights.


Discover L'Escamoteur, Kyoto's enchanting cocktail bar where artistry meets mixology in a whimsical atmosphere. Unforgettable drinks await!

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Philosopher's Path and the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion). I’m particularly looking forward to the serene walk along the canal and the unique beauty of the Silver Pavilion. We might also pop into mina Kyoto for a bit of shopping, depending on Hanna's energy levels. I’m also hoping to try Goichi Pizza for breakfast – I’ve heard wonderful things about their offerings.

As I reflect on the day, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Kyoto's historical heart has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Today, while wandering through Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, I was reminded of a quote by the Korean poet, Ko Un:

Each time I look at the sea, I feel like melting right into it, joining my soul with it.

It encapsulates the feeling of being completely immersed in the beauty and history of Kyoto, a city that has captured my heart and soul. Even though I had packed everything on my trip essential list, I had forgotten my umbrella and Japanese phrasebook. This made it slightly harder to communicate and navigate the rainy weather, but we managed and will make sure to have them for the rest of the trip.