Family Cultural Journey to Kyoto

Last Day in Kyoto: A Blend of History, Culture, and Kyoani Magic

As our family cultural journey to Kyoto draws to a close, I wanted to soak in every last bit of this enchanting city. Today was a mix of revisiting cherished spots and exploring new corners, creating a tapestry of memories that Priya, Aarav, and I will treasure. It's hard to believe our 11 days here are already up; it feels like just yesterday we were navigating the bustling streets of Toronto, dreaming of this adventure.



Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Kikunoi Roan. While I've always enjoyed cooking Mauritian dishes, there's something special about experiencing the delicate flavors of authentic Kyoto cuisine first thing in the morning. We savored each bite, knowing it was one of our last meals in this culinary paradise. The restaurant's dedication to simple, sincere cuisine really resonated with me. I appreciate how they aren't restrained by tradition.


Experience the art of kaiseki dining at Kikunoi Roan in Kyoto - where seasonal flavors meet exquisite presentation.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

After breakfast, we headed to the Kyoto Railway Museum. Aarav, as always, was buzzing with excitement. As an immigration consultant, I deal with processes and regulations daily, but seeing the evolution of Japan's railway system was a different kind of fascinating. The museum is home to an impressive collection of 53 railway vehicles. We explored exhibits on steam locomotives and bullet trains, marveling at the miniature models and learning about Japan's railway history. Aarav especially loved the training simulator where he could pretend to be a train conductor. Priya and I enjoyed seeing the original Shinkansen and getting up close to the steam trains. It was a hit with all of us, even though I felt a little awkward being one of the only adults in line with a bunch of kids to pilot a Shinkansen. We spent hours wandering through the exhibits, with Aarav's enthusiasm making the experience even more enjoyable. Priya appreciated the nursing rooms and diaper changing tables. It’s these thoughtful touches that make traveling with family so much easier. We even grabbed a catering train lunch box, which Aarav found particularly amusing.


Discover the rich history of railways at the Kyoto Railway Museum, a family-friendly attraction in the heart of Kyoto showcasing trains and interactive exhibits.

Next on our itinerary was a visit to Yasaka Shrine. In contrast to the bustling museum, the shrine offered a serene escape. The shrine was established in 656 CE. As we approached the street-facing two-storied vermilion gate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. We took our time exploring the grounds, admiring the architecture and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. I learned about Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the deity enshrined here, and the shrine's role in warding off epidemics. Priya was particularly drawn to the Utsukushigozen-sha (Beauty Shrine), where people pray for beauty and good fortune. We found a spring believed to enhance inner beauty. Aarav, of course, was more interested in the mysterious legends surrounding the shrine.


Discover the serene beauty of Yasaka Shrine, a historical Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural festivals.

For lunch, we ventured to Anzukko, a gyoza bar near Sanjo Station. This cozy spot is known for its inventive gyoza, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. We ordered a variety of flavors, including the signature Anzukko Gyoza and the Camembert cheese gyoza. The crispy, flavorful dumplings were a hit with all of us. I was particularly impressed by the seafood boiled dumplings filled with scallop and dried shrimp. The friendly atmosphere and delicious food made it a memorable meal. It was the perfect place to relax and recharge after a busy day of sightseeing. The tart plum paste cutting through the richness of the pork was something special.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Anzukko in Kyoto - renowned for exquisite gyoza and vibrant izakaya atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we decided to indulge in some souvenir shopping at the Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store. As someone who appreciates cultural events and artistry, I was intrigued by this shop dedicated to Kyoto Animation. Aarav, a budding anime fan, was in heaven. We browsed through a wide selection of merchandise from various Kyoani series, including *Haruhi Suzumiya*, *K-ON!*, and *Violet Evergarden*. Aarav picked out a few figurines, while Priya found a beautiful *Violet Evergarden* scarf. I couldn't resist buying a *Sound! Euphonium* soundtrack. It was a fun way to support a local studio and bring home a unique memento of our trip. The shop features anime-related products from all Kyoto Animation anime.


Explore Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store for exclusive anime merchandise and a taste of Japan's vibrant pop culture.

Our final dinner in Kyoto was at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store. We chose this restaurant because it’s known for its delicious tonkatsu and homemade sauce. The pork cutlets were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The Sanjo main shop also serves tasty crab croquettes and chicken cutlets. We all enjoyed our meals, savoring the last tastes of Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant is known for paying careful attention to every ingredient.


Savor the best tonkatsu in Kyoto at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store—where tradition meets flavor.

As the sun set on our last day, I reflected on our time in Kyoto. This trip has been more than just a vacation; it's been an immersion into a culture rich in history, art, and culinary delights. Seeing Aarav experience and appreciate these new things has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love for travel and cultural exploration with my family. As we prepare to leave tomorrow, I know that Kyoto will forever hold a special place in our hearts.



I’m already thinking about our next adventure. Perhaps we’ll explore more of Japan or venture to Priya’s homeland in India. Wherever we go, I know that we’ll continue to create memories and broaden our horizons together.



Until next time, Kyoto. Thank you for the memories.