Exploring Kyoto: A 15-Day Cultural Adventure with Friends

First Day in Kyoto: A Blend of Royalty and Manga

After a long journey from Lyon, France, to Osaka, and then a train to Kyoto, I was eager to dive into this city's rich tapestry of history and pop culture. Today, Day 1 of our 15-day adventure with my friends, we explored the Kyoto Imperial Palace, wandered through the serene Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, and immersed ourselves in the vibrant world of manga. It was a day of contrasts, blending the solemnity of imperial history with the playful energy of Japanese comics.

Our day began bright and early with breakfast at Komefuku. It was a delightful start, the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. The menu was extensive, offering a wide array of Japanese breakfast staples. I opted for a traditional set with grilled fish, miso soup, and perfectly steamed rice. It was simple, yet incredibly satisfying, and set the tone for the authentic experiences we were hoping to have on this trip.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The palace, also known as Kyoto Gosho, served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family for over a thousand years, until 1868 when the capital was moved to Tokyo. As someone fascinated by history, I was eager to walk the grounds where emperors once lived and ruled.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, where the palace is located, is vast and green, a welcome oasis of calm in the middle of the city. It was easy to imagine the emperors and empresses strolling through these gardens. Although we couldn't enter the palace buildings themselves, wandering around the grounds gave me a sense of the history that permeated the air. The weather in Kyoto this April is perfect for exploring. Not too hot and not too cold, with just a light jacket needed in the mornings and evenings.


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

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

Exploring the expansive grounds, we viewed the restored buildings from the outside. The Shishinden, or Hall for State Ceremonies, was particularly impressive, with its intricate carvings and wall paintings. We also saw the Seiryoden, the Emperor's residence, and the Kogosho, where the order to restore Imperial Rule was given in 1868. Each structure echoed centuries of tradition and power.

Next on our itinerary was the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, which surrounds the Imperial Palace. This garden is more than just a beautiful landscape; it’s a historical site that has been carefully preserved. In April, the garden is alive with color, with late-blooming cherry blossoms and peach blossoms adding to the scenery. The Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is known for its plum grove and cherry tree avenues, offering floral landscapes. I was particularly excited to see the weeping cherry trees near the Konoe Residence, known for blooming early.


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

We strolled along the Demizu Stream, a small artificial river that runs through the park, creating a serene atmosphere. I could see why this spot is popular with families and children, especially in the summertime when they can play in the water. The park was full of locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the beautiful day and the peaceful surroundings.

For lunch, we ventured to Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura. The restaurant is known for Kyoto cuisine, crafted with seasonal ingredients. The lunch menu featured an all-you-can-eat Obanzai option, which I couldn't resist. Obanzai are traditional Kyoto home-style dishes, made with local, seasonal ingredients and simple cooking methods. There were about six or seven different Obanzai to choose from, including pumpkin, taro root, and hijiki seaweed. I savored the fresh sashimi and crispy fried chicken, each dish meticulously prepared and bursting with flavor. It was a true taste of Kyoto.

After lunch, we headed to the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a place I had been particularly looking forward to visiting. As someone who enjoys both photography and learning about different cultures, I’ve always appreciated the storytelling and artistry found in manga. The museum is housed in a former elementary school, which adds to its unique charm. The museum’s collection includes approximately 300,000 items, with 50,000 volumes of manga that visitors can freely read. The museum is a partnership between Kyoto Seika University and the city of Kyoto.


Explore the rich world of Japanese comics at Kyoto International Manga Museum, a cultural gem in Kyoto offering extensive manga collections and engaging exhibitions.

The Manga Museum had several permanent exhibits, including a room filled with plaster casts of the hands of famous manga artists and an exhibition of 100 Maiko illustrations. Of course, I had to check out the “What is Manga?” exhibit, which explored the history and techniques used in creating manga. I was fascinated by the displays of Edo-period woodblock prints, pre-war magazines, and popular modern series from around the world. The museum also had a room dedicated to kamishibai, a traditional Japanese storytelling format that uses hand-drawn paper cards.

We spent hours browsing the shelves, each of us finding old favorites and discovering new series to explore. I even picked up a few volumes to bring back home to Lyon. The museum was a vibrant and exciting place, filled with people of all ages who shared a love for manga. It was a perfect way to immerse ourselves in Japanese pop culture.

After our manga adventure, we decided to do some shopping. We headed to Noren by Corazon, a boutique gift shop that sets itself apart with its cool, contemporary, and beautifully designed souvenirs. I was on the hunt for a special memento of our trip, something that would remind me of Kyoto long after we left. The shop's exterior was completely charming, with a carved wooden sign and washi-covered pillars. Inside, the range of products was laid out across fragrant hinoki shelves, with white paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.


Explore Noren by Corazon in Kyoto for unique souvenirs that reflect the city's rich culture and craftsmanship.

I found the perfect souvenir: a beautiful noren, a traditional Japanese fabric divider used in doorways. The noren I chose was decorated with cherry blossoms, a perfect reminder of our spring visit to Kyoto. I can't wait to hang it in our home in Lyon, bringing a touch of Kyoto's beauty to our everyday life.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Hafuu for dinner. Hafuu is a Western-style restaurant known for its exquisite meat dishes, and it came highly recommended. The restaurant had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal after a long day of sightseeing. The head chef is a native of Kyoto, and his love for Western cuisine shines through in every dish.


Discover Hafuu in Kyoto: where premium Japanese beef meets culinary excellence in an elegant setting.

I opted for the Wagyu beef steak, which was cooked to perfection. The meat was tender and flavorful, melting in my mouth with each bite. We also tried the beef cutlet sandwich, which was equally delicious. The service was attentive and friendly, making us feel welcome and comfortable. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

After dinner, we decided to experience Kyoto’s nightlife with a visit to L'Escamoteur, a bar known for its French bartender and creative cocktails. It was a unique and memorable experience, blending French flair with Japanese hospitality. The bartender was incredibly talented, crafting each drink with precision and showmanship. I opted for a cocktail made with local sake and yuzu, a refreshing and flavorful combination. The atmosphere was lively and fun, filled with both locals and tourists.


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

As I sit here writing this blog post, I can’t help but smile. Today was everything I had hoped for and more. We explored the imperial history of Kyoto, wandered through serene gardens, immersed ourselves in the world of manga, and enjoyed delicious food and drinks. It was a day of contrasts, blending the traditional with the modern, the solemn with the playful. And best of all, I got to share it with my friends. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates and the Tōfuku-ji Temple. I can't wait to see what other adventures await us in this beautiful city.

What a start to our Kyoto adventure! I already feel so connected to this city, and I’m excited to see what the next 14 days will bring. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore Kyoto’s hidden gems and share our experiences with you all.