Exploring Kyoto: A 15-Day Cultural Adventure with Friends

A Day of Discovery in Kyoto

Today was another incredible day of exploration in Kyoto! The city continues to surprise me with its blend of history, art, and culinary excellence. I set out with my friends, ready to dive deeper into the cultural heart of Japan.

Our first stop was Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and what an entrance it was! The sheer scale of the place is impressive, and wandering through the Ninomaru Palace, I couldn't help but feel transported back to the Edo period. I was particularly fascinated by the 'nightingale floors,' designed to chirp underfoot to alert the occupants to any intruders. Apparently, the Shogun was quite paranoid! The intricate details of the architecture and the beautiful gardens were truly captivating. It's amazing to think that Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period, once resided here. The cherry blossoms around the castle were in full bloom, adding an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning scenery. I took so many pictures, trying to capture the essence of this historical gem. I almost felt like I needed more time to soak it all in, but we had a busy day ahead.


Experience the grandeur of Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history, architecture, and nature intertwine in Kyoto's cultural heart.

Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.

Next, we ventured into the world of textiles at the Kyoto Shibori Museum. I admit, I didn't know much about shibori before, but I left with a newfound appreciation for this intricate art form. The museum started with an eight-minute video, highlighting the various shibori techniques. This didn't sound exciting, but don't be fooled! The video highlights so many of the intricate, painstaking, hand-done techniques of shibori and the artisans who perform them. There are so many times during the process when things can go wrong that it seems a miracle when they turn out perfectly! We learned about the different techniques and the incredible skill required to create these stunning patterns. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, answering all our questions with enthusiasm. I was particularly impressed by a large kimono on display. From a distance, the kimono looks like it has a grey background, but a closer inspection shows that the fabric is covered in tiny shibori produced dots! They even gave us a little souvenir piece of shibori when we left! The artistry and dedication involved in creating these textiles are truly remarkable. I even considered taking a class to try my hand at shibori, but perhaps that's something for another trip.


Explore the exquisite art of Shibori at Kyoto Shibori Museum, where tradition and creativity blend seamlessly in stunning textile displays.

Our cultural immersion continued at the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design. Here, we explored the diverse range of traditional crafts that Kyoto is famous for. From ceramics to lacquerware to textiles, the museum showcased the incredible skill and artistry of local artisans. I was particularly drawn to the displays on woodworking and metalwork, marveling at the precision and attention to detail. It really gave me a better understanding of Japanese culture and the local way of doing things. I learned that Nintendo started with producing handmade playing cards! The museum shop was a treasure trove of beautiful handmade goods, and I couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs. It's so nice to find locally produced, genuine items, rather than mass-produced trinkets.


Experience the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship at the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, where tradition meets innovation in a cultural haven.

After a morning filled with history and art, it was time to treat ourselves to a delicious breakfast at Nakamura. This Japanese restaurant was the perfect place to start the day. The restaurant had a serene atmosphere. The food was delicious. I savored every bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such authentic Japanese cuisine.


Experience the elegance of kaiseki at Nakamura in Kyoto—a fine dining destination celebrating seasonal Japanese cuisine.

For lunch, we chose Hyoto Shijo Karasuma, a restaurant specializing in shabu-shabu. Now, I've had shabu-shabu before, but this was on another level. The ingredients were incredibly fresh, and the broth was light and flavorful. The staff was very welcoming and helped us with our first experience with Shabu-Shabu. The interactive cooking process was so much fun, and the premium selection of meats and fresh vegetables were simply divine. It was an unforgettable culinary experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors with exquisite hot pot and Kaiseki dishes at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma in Kyoto.

In the late afternoon, we indulged in some retail therapy at Kyoto LOFT. This multi-story emporium is a haven for design lovers, with its eclectic mix of stylish and practical items. From innovative home goods to trendy stationery, there was something for everyone. I spent ages browsing the unique gifts and souvenirs, finally settling on a few quirky items to take back home to Lyon. I even found some beautiful washi tape for Sophie, knowing she'd love to use it for her art projects. It's always fun to find unique and creative items that you can't find anywhere else.


Explore Kyoto LOFT: A vibrant general store with cosmetics, home goods, and unique novelties in the heart of Kyoto.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION for a truly special dinner. Now, I'm not usually a huge beef eater, but I had heard so much about Kobe beef that I couldn't resist trying it. And let me tell you, it lived up to the hype! The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful, melting in my mouth with each bite. The chef prepared the steak right in front of us on a teppan hot plate, adding to the experience. The staff showed us the menu and explain about their meat. They also cooked garlic chips as the first step. I got some vegetables such as zucchini and asparagus, and also other side dish (sweet potato and mushroom), to be eaten together with the beef. It was an extravagant meal, but worth every penny for the unforgettable taste and experience.


Experience unparalleled flavors at Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION in Kyoto - a must-visit for steak lovers seeking authenticity.

It was a temporary closure of Moriya Gion due to some renovation work inside the store. I was lucky to come here before the closure.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm struck by the incredible depth and diversity of Kyoto's cultural landscape. From the grandeur of Nijō Castle to the intricate artistry of shibori textiles to the exquisite flavors of Kobe beef, every experience has been a feast for the senses. I'm so grateful to be able to share these moments with my friends and with you, my readers.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Kyoto Railway Museum and Toei Kyoto Studio Park, and Kōdai-ji Temple, so stay tuned for more adventures! I'm particularly excited about the Railway Museum, as I know Sophie would absolutely love it. Perhaps Jean-Pierre and I will have to plan a return trip with her someday. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Also, I learned that Miyako Odori performance in Minamiza theatre in Kyoto has a long history and involves the best geiko and maiko of Kyoto. The performance runs for about an hour to showcase the changing seasons from spring to the following spring. I am thinking of going there before my trip ends.

I'm also excited to see the Yasurai Festival at Imamiya Shrine which is held each year in the middle of April in order to pray for good health and the prevention of illness. There is a lively procession led by performers who dress as oni (demons). The sounds of traditional instruments make this event mysterious.

Good night from Kyoto!