From the ethereal whispers of the bamboo groves to the elegant, wooden-latticed streets of the Geisha district, our time in Kyoto was filled with moments of wonder that we’ll be talking about for years. Grab a cup of tea, and let us take you along on our family journey through two of the most iconic spots in Japan: Arashiyama and Gion.

The Magic of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Our day began early, fueled by excitement and the promise of seeing one of the most photographed places in the world: the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, this natural wonder is a short walk from the bustling local streets, yet the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we had crossed a threshold into a different world.

Walking into the forest, we were immediately enveloped by towering stalks of green bamboo that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the sky. There is a specific kind of light that filters through the canopy—a soft, emerald glow that makes everything feel quiet and sacred. Even with other travelers nearby, the sheer scale of the bamboo creates a sense of intimacy.

One of our favorite things was simply stopping to listen. The Japanese Ministry of Environment actually designated the sound of the rustling bamboo leaves here as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan.” As the wind moved through the grove, the gentle swaying and the melodic creaking of the stalks created a peaceful soundtrack that instantly washed away the chaos of travel. It was the perfect escape for our family to just breathe and be present together.

Finding Serenity: The Hidden Gems of Arashiyama

As we wandered deeper into the emerald maze, we stumbled upon a truly tranquil spot that many visitors might rush past: a small, serene cemetery nestled right among the bamboo. Seeing the weathered stone markers surrounded by the vibrant green stalks was a poignant reminder of the deep connection between life, nature, and spirituality in Japanese culture. It added a layer of depth to our walk, moving beyond a simple “photo op” to a moment of reflection.

Just a stone’s throw from the forest path lies the Tenryu-ji Zen Temple. Founded in 1339 and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple is a masterpiece of spiritual architecture. We spent time exploring the grounds, marveling at how the temple buildings seemed to merge with the landscape. The gardens here are famous for their “borrowed scenery,” using the nearby mountains as a natural backdrop. It’s the kind of place that teaches you the beauty of simplicity and the importance of preserving history.

Strolling Through Traditional Neighborhoods

Leaving the temple grounds, we found ourselves wandering through the narrow streets that line the Arashiyama area. We loved the charming bamboo fences—known as takegaki—that frame the pathways and traditional Japanese houses.

Watching the local way of life play out against such a historic backdrop was captivating. We saw how the architecture harmonizes perfectly with the environment. It wasn’t uncommon to see residents tending to small, perfectly manicured gardens or to catch the scent of incense drifting from a nearby home. It’s these small, quiet details that made us fall in love with the neighborhood.

Family Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Arashiyama with kids, try to arrive as early as possible (think 7:30 or 8:00 AM). Not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll also have more space to enjoy the forest before the midday crowds arrive.

A Step Back in Time: The Gion District

After our peaceful morning in the forest, we transitioned to the historic heart of the city: the Gion District. If Arashiyama represents the soul of Kyoto’s nature, Gion represents the elegance of its history.

Gion is famous for being the primary Geisha district of Kyoto, and walking through its streets is like stepping back into the Edo period. The area is filled with traditional machia—wooden townhouses with beautiful latticework and sliding doors. The narrow, cobblestone alleys felt like a maze of secrets waiting to be discovered.

One of the highlights for our family was seeing so many people—both locals and tourists—dressed in stunning kimonos. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns added a sense of timelessness to the atmosphere. It felt less like a tourist attraction and more like an elegant era that simply refused to fade away. We spent our afternoon strolling along the Shijo-Dori and ducking into side streets, catching glimpses of hidden shrines and tiny tea houses.

The Flavors and Feeling of Kyoto

No family adventure is complete without talking about the food! While exploring, we made sure to sample some of Kyoto’s specialties. From matcha-flavored treats in Arashiyama to savory street snacks, the flavors were as refined as the scenery. We highly recommend trying Yuba (tofu skin)—it’s a Kyoto staple that is surprisingly delicious and a fun new texture for kids to try.

What struck us most about Kyoto was the seamless blend of history and elegance in everyday life. It’s a city that respects its past while remaining vibrantly alive. Whether we were looking up at the bamboo or peering down a historic alleyway in Gion, there was always something new and beautiful to discover.

Final Thoughts on Our Kyoto Journey

Our time exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Gion District reminded us why we travel as a family. It’s about those shared moments of awe—the collective “wow” when we first saw the bamboo peaks, or the quiet fascination of watching a kimono-clad figure disappear into a wooden doorway.

Kyoto is a place that invites you to slow down, to look closer, and to appreciate the wonders of the world. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t just visit these spots; let them sink in. We left Kyoto feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply grateful for the memories we made together.

The world is full of wonders waiting to be explored, and we hope our journey encourages you to go out and boldly discover them for yourself!

When we finally touched down, we realized the photos don’t even do it justice. There is a specific kind of magic in the air here—a mix of salty ocean breeze, towering limestone cliffs, and the kind of peace you can only find when you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We spent our days island hopping, kayaking through emerald waters, and bonding over fresh seafood on white sandy shores.

If you’re planning a family trip to the Philippines, or just dreaming of your next tropical getaway, grab a mango shake and join us as we look back on our incredible adventure in El Nido.

Getting There: The Journey to Paradise

Our journey began with a flight from Manila to Palawan via Cebu Pacific. There’s always that buzz of excitement when you’re at the airport with the family, bags packed and spirits high. We landed in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, which serves as a common gateway for many travelers heading north to El Nido.

Upon arrival, we had a private car waiting for us. While there are shared vans available, we highly recommend booking a private car for a family trip. It gives you the flexibility to stop when you need to, stretch your legs, and just enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is about 5 to 6 hours, but the views of the lush countryside are beautiful.

Family Tip: About halfway through the drive, we made a stop for lunch. It was the perfect moment to share a meal, have some laughs, and recharge before the final leg of the journey. Don’t rush the drive—treat it as part of the adventure!

Finding Our Home Away From Home: El Nido Garden Resort

When we finally rolled into El Nido, we checked into the El Nido Garden Resort, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better spot. We stayed in cottage-style rooms that felt cozy and authentic, perfectly suited for our group.

One of our favorite things about the resort was the layout. Our room faced the swimming pool, which then overlooked the vast, blue ocean. There’s something so soothing about waking up, stepping out onto your porch, and seeing the water sparkling in the sun. It truly felt like our own private paradise. After the long travel day, we spent some time just soaking in the views and getting ready for the island adventures ahead.

Island Hopping: Discovering Hidden Gems

The highlight of any trip to El Nido is, without a doubt, the island hopping. There are several different tours available (usually labeled Tour A, B, C, and D), each taking you to different lagoons and beaches. We set off early the next morning, fueled by excitement and a lot of sunscreen!

Our Private Oasis at Pasandigan Beach

Our first stop was Pasandigan Beach, and we couldn’t believe our luck—we had the entire island to ourselves! It was just our family and the boat crew. The water was crystal clear, and the sand was like powdered sugar. We spent the morning swimming and snorkeling, exploring the vibrant underwater world. Having a beach all to yourself is a rare luxury, and it made us feel like we were in a movie.

Finding Peace at Ugan Cove

Next, we headed to Ugan Cove. This spot is a haven for sightseeing and photography. To truly experience the cove, we rented kayaks. Paddling through the calm, turquoise waters allowed us to see the intricate details of the limestone formations up close. We all agreed that Ugan Cove was one of the most tranquil places we’ve ever visited. It’s a great spot for the kids to kayak too, as the water is very still and manageable.

A Feast on the Sand: Lunch at Shimo Island

By midday, we had worked up quite an appetite. Our boat crew took us to Shimo Island for a traditional Filipino barbecue lunch right on the beach.

The spread was incredible! We feasted on:

• Freshly grilled shrimp and fish
• Succulent barbecue pork and chicken
• Plenty of steamed rice
• A refreshing fruit platter with yellow watermelon, pineapple, and bananas

There is nothing quite like eating with your hands (boodle fight style!) while sitting on the sand, surrounded by the ocean. The yellow watermelon was a huge hit with the kids—sweet, juicy, and the perfect cool-down treat.

Gliding Through the Iconic Big Lagoon

After lunch, we made our way to the Big Lagoon, perhaps the most iconic and photographed spot in all of El Nido. As you approach, you’re greeted by towering limestone cliffs that create a narrow entrance into a vast, emerald-green lagoon.

We rented kayaks again here, which is the best way to explore. Gliding through the water, looking up at the massive cliffs, felt like we were entering another world. We even took the time to do a “360-degree” view from the kayaks just to soak it all in. At one point, we found a spot where the water was surprisingly cold and refreshing—a natural “leach” of cool water amidst the tropical heat. It was an experience none of us will ever forget.

Winding Down at Papaya Island

Our final stop of the day was Papaya Island. You might wonder why it’s called Papaya Island when it’s covered in coconut trees! Regardless of the name, the white sand is fine and soft, and the water is shallow and warm.

After a full day of paddling and exploring, this was the perfect place to simply unwind. We spent our time relaxing on the shore, taking slow swims, and reflecting on everything we had seen. It was the “quiet” end to an unforgettable day of family bonding.

As the sun began to dip, our boat dropped us off at a dock close to our hotel. We walked back with salty skin and big smiles, already talking about our favorite parts of the day.

A Perfect Final Morning at Lio Beach

On our last day in El Nido, we decided to take it easy. We headed over to Lio Beach for a relaxing morning. If you’re traveling with family, Lio Beach is a must-visit. The water is incredibly clear and calm—it actually feels like swimming in a giant, natural swimming pool.

We spent the hours between 9:00 AM and noon just floating in the water and enjoying the sunshine before we had to start the journey back to Puerto Princesa. It was the perfect “final soak” to wrap up our trip.

Final Thoughts: Why El Nido is a Family Must-Visit

Our time in El Nido was nothing short of extraordinary. From the thrill of discovering hidden coves to the simple joy of sharing a meal on a remote island, every moment felt like a treasure.

If you are looking for a destination that combines adventure with relaxation, and stunning natural beauty with warm hospitality, El Nido should be at the top of your list. We left with our hearts full and a promise to ourselves that we would keep exploring this beautiful world together.

Thanks for following along on our adventure! Until next time, keep exploring and making memories with the ones you love.