Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

A Day of Spiritual Discovery and Geisha Glamour

Today in Kyoto was a beautiful blend of the spiritual and the traditional, a day where ancient shrines met the enchanting world of geishas. It's days like these that remind me why I started this blog – to share the heart and soul of the places I visit, especially when I'm lucky enough to experience them with Hans and Aisha.



Our day began with an early start to visit the famed Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousand Torii Gates). I had read that it was best to arrive early to avoid the crowds, and that advice was spot on. We left our hotel, Matsui Honkan, around 7:30 AM and headed towards the train station. Aisha, ever the early bird, was already buzzing with excitement, asking a million questions about the thousands of red torii gates she had seen in pictures. Hans, with his usual calm demeanor, made sure we had our travel guidebook and camera ready.


Experience the warmth of home at Matsui Honkan, a serene guesthouse in Kyoto, just a stone's throw from iconic attractions and cultural gems.

As we stepped off the train at Inari Station, the crisp morning air filled my lungs, carrying with it the scent of cedar and a hint of incense. The vibrant vermillion of the torii gates immediately captured our attention, creating a stunning contrast against the lush green forest. It felt like stepping into another world, a world where the veil between the human and the divine was thin. We slowly walked through the seemingly endless tunnel of torii gates, each one inscribed with the names of donors who had contributed to the shrine. The sheer number of gates was astounding, a testament to the enduring faith and reverence of the Japanese people.


Explore the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to thousands of vibrant torii gates, where tradition and breathtaking beauty await every visitor.

Aisha was particularly fascinated by the fox statues scattered throughout the shrine. I explained to her that foxes, or *kitsune*, are considered messengers of Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. She peppered me with questions about their significance, and I did my best to answer, drawing from my interest in cultural anthropology and the guidebook we brought along. Even Hans, usually more interested in the architectural details, seemed captivated by the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine.



We hiked a good way up the mountain, though not all the way to the top. The path was steep in places, and I was mindful of Aisha's little legs. Along the way, we stopped at several smaller shrines, each with its own unique charm and history. I lit incense and offered a prayer for our family's health and happiness, feeling a deep sense of peace and gratitude in this sacred space. The higher we climbed, the fewer people we encountered, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the serene surroundings.

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

By the time we descended, we were all feeling quite hungry. It was time for lunch, and I had a craving for something different from the traditional Japanese cuisine we had been enjoying. Based on a recommendation I found online, we decided to try Mezopotamia Kebab House. It was a bit of a walk from Fushimi Inari, but the promise of delicious kebabs kept us motivated. When we finally arrived, the aroma of grilled meat and spices filled the air, instantly making my mouth water.


Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Mezopotamia Kebab House in Kyoto - where every bite tells a story.

The kebab was absolutely delicious, a flavorful mix of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce. Aisha, who can sometimes be a picky eater, devoured her chicken kebab with gusto. Hans even admitted that it was one of the best kebabs he had ever tasted. The owner was incredibly friendly, chatting with us about his journey from Turkey to Japan and his passion for sharing his culture through food. It was a delightful culinary experience, a reminder that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about tasting new flavors and connecting with people from different backgrounds.



After lunch, we took a train to Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district. As we stepped out of the station, we were immediately transported to a different era. The narrow streets were lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, their facades adorned with paper lanterns and delicate latticework. The atmosphere was thick with history and intrigue, a sense of mystery hanging in the air.


Explore Gion, Kyoto's iconic geisha district, where tradition meets charm in a captivating blend of culture and history.

We strolled along Hanami-koji Street, the main thoroughfare of Gion, admiring the elegant architecture and peeking into the discreet entrances of teahouses and restaurants. I tried to imagine what it must have been like in the district's heyday, when geishas and their patrons filled these streets with music, laughter, and whispered secrets. Aisha was fascinated by the idea of geishas, and I promised to tell her more about their art and traditions later.



We visited Yasaka Shrine, located at the eastern end of Gion. The shrine was bustling with activity, locals and tourists alike offering prayers and taking photographs. The vibrant colors of the shrine, particularly the bright orange of the main gate, were a feast for the eyes. I learned that Yasaka Shrine is famous for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, which dates back over a thousand years. I made a mental note to try and attend the festival someday, as it sounds like an incredible cultural experience. I also read about the Okera Festival on New Year's Day, where a sacred fire is used to light lanterns that people carry home to ignite their New Year's candles. It sounds like a beautiful and symbolic tradition.


Explore the spiritual heart of Kyoto at Yasaka Shrine, a stunning Shinto shrine surrounded by vibrant festivals and serene beauty.

As evening approached, we decided to have dinner at Gion Nanba, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal, and I was eager to experience it in the heart of Gion. The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet alley, its entrance marked by a small, unassuming sign. The interior was elegant and understated, with a serene atmosphere that immediately put us at ease.


Discover authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, where tradition meets taste in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

The meal was an exquisite culinary journey, each course a work of art. The chef used only the freshest seasonal ingredients, carefully preparing and presenting each dish with meticulous attention to detail. The flavors were subtle and refined, a testament to the chef's skill and artistry. I particularly enjoyed the sashimi, which was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the grilled fish, which was cooked to perfection. Aisha, surprisingly, was quite adventurous, trying many of the dishes and even enjoying some of the more unusual flavors. Hans, ever the gourmand, was in his element, savoring each course and commenting on the nuances of the flavors. It was truly a memorable dining experience, a celebration of Japanese cuisine and culture.



After dinner, while Aisha was getting ready for bed, Hans and I decided to venture out for a nightcap. We found a small, dimly lit bar called L'Escamoteur, known for its creative cocktails and intriguing atmosphere. The bartender was French and spoke excellent English, which was a welcome change after a day of struggling with my limited Japanese. He was also a bit of a magician, performing sleight-of-hand tricks while mixing our drinks. It was a fun and unexpected experience, a perfect end to a perfect day.


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

As I sit here now, writing in my journal, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Kyoto is truly a magical place, a city where ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka, continuing our exploration of Kyoto's cultural treasures. I'm also hoping to do some shopping at the Kyoto Crafts Store, perhaps finding a few souvenirs to take home. I'm already looking forward to another day of adventure and discovery with my family. I think I'll make sure to pack the sunscreen tomorrow, as it's supposed to be a bit sunnier, and I definitely don't want to forget the universal power adapter this time!


It's moments like these that make me realize how lucky I am to be able to share my passion for travel and culture with my family and with all of you. Until tomorrow, *mâ dieureudieuf* (thank you very much) for reading, and may your own journeys be filled with wonder and discovery.