36 hours in Kyoto

Over the last decade, several people have told me that I’d love Kyoto, so was excited to finally go. My brother’s family joined for my adventure year trip and it did not disappoint. Even though we were there for 36 short hours, we had some magical moments.

Highlights: 

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Samurai & Ninja Museum 

• Fushimi Inari Shrine

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Walking into the forest felt like stepping into a movie, where nature was its own character. The rustling of bamboo in the wind was the perfect soundtrack for our stroll. The kids did not enjoy the “boring” walk, but we powered through nonetheless. When the snow started to fall against the sunny sky, it felt magical. 

Samurai & Ninja Museum

The kids enjoyed their hands on experience in the Samurai Ninja Museum. They were able to throw some ninja stars and blow darts. I enjoyed learning more about the history and culture.

Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Thousand Torii Gates

Early the next morning, we visited the vermillion torii gates before the crowds started. The kids enjoyed writing their wishes on the fox-shaped tablets that you can hang in the shrine.

Kyoto has this beautiful blend of ancient and modern, more than any other city that I’ve visited.  I would go back in a heartbeat although it would likely be better without young kids.

We've done a lot of travel in the last 2 months, so looking forward to staying in Taiwan for a bit. Our final trip is slated for either Hong Kong or Shanghai. Happy to hear recommendations on which Disneyland is better!

Upcoming family adventure year trips: 

✅ Warren: Bali & Komodo Island Indonesia for the Komodo dragons (Jan 2025)

✅ Mel: Kyoto, Japan for the cherry blossoms (Mar 2025) (Moving Kyoto to Feb 2025 with Michael & Richelle and will search for cherry blossoms in Taiwan)

✅ Lexi: Chengdu, China for the giant pandas (Oct 2024). She also voted for Komodo dragons. 

✅ Ellie: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for the underground tunnels.  She also voted for Komodo dragons. (Jan 2025)

❑ Tori: Hong Kong for Disneyland (May 2025). She also voted for the mall. 🤷🏻‍♀️

*****

Family Travel Tips for Kyoto Arishimaya Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari Shrine:

• Itinerary: Everything is train accessible. We went early in the morning (before 8AM for the shrine and before 9AM for the bamboo forest) to avoid the crowds.
• Carrier/Stroller: Carrier is a must for the Fushimi Inari Shrine as it has many stairs. Stroller was fine for the bamboo forest. 
• Clothing: Nothing to note, but we went during winter, so it was quite cold (high 20s/low 30s). If I were to do it again in the winter, I’d bring hand/foot warmers.   
• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must—expect a lot of stairs and uneven paths.