Family Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto's Charms: A Day of Discovery

Today was a day of vibrant contrasts and deep cultural immersion here in Kyoto. We started with a spiritual journey through thousands of vermilion gates and ended with a sensory overload of culinary delights. Elena and Miguel were just as excited as I was to experience these iconic Kyoto spots.

Our day began early with a hearty breakfast at Kyoto cuisine Hanasaki Nishikiten. The restaurant was conveniently located near Nishiki Market and we wanted to get an early start to the day. We fueled up with a traditional Japanese breakfast, savoring the delicate flavors and beautifully presented dishes. It was a delightful way to prepare for the day's adventures.

Fushimi Inari Taisha: A Path Through a Thousand Gates

After breakfast, we headed straight to Fushimi Inari Taisha. The crisp January air nipped at our faces, but the excitement of seeing the famous torii gates kept us warm. As we approached the shrine, the sight of the seemingly endless path of vibrant orange gates winding up the mountainside was truly breathtaking. I learned that Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and business. It was founded in 711, even before Kyoto became the capital, and has been a significant place of worship for centuries. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Inari, related to rice, prosperity and wealth. Foxes are believed to be the divine messengers of the deity Inari.


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

Elena, Miguel, and I began our ascent, walking beneath the thousands of torii gates donated by individuals and businesses seeking blessings. Each gate is inscribed with the name of the donor and the date of the donation. The further we walked, the more serene and spiritual the atmosphere became. The sunlight filtering through the gates created a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. I found myself reflecting on the many prayers and wishes that had been offered here over the centuries. I tried to imagine what it must have been like centuries ago when the shrine was first built. It is easy to see why the shrine is one of the most recognizable and important Shinto shrines in Japan.

We didn't hike all the way to the summit of Mount Inari, but we went far enough to appreciate the stunning views of Kyoto below. Along the way, we encountered numerous small shrines, fox statues, and rest areas. We stopped at one of the tea stalls for some Inari sushi (rice stuffed into pockets of aburaage, or deep-fried tofu) and kitsune udon (wheat noodles in broth topped with aburaage), both believed to be favorites of the fox messengers. The Inari sushi was delicious.

The vermilion tunnels of Fushimi Inari are more than just a visual spectacle; they are a pathway to reflection and gratitude.

I couldn't help but think about my own journey and the blessings I've received in my life. Standing there, surrounded by the serene beauty of the shrine, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my family, my health, and the opportunities that have come my way. I even managed to snap a few photos, hoping to capture the essence of this magical place. I know the photos won't do it justice, but I want to remember this feeling forever.

Nishiki Market: A Culinary Adventure

After our spiritual journey, we were ready for a culinary one. We made our way to Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen. The market has a history of several centuries, and many stores have been operated by the same families for generations. It all started as a fish wholesale district, with the first shop opening around 1310. Today, Nishiki Market has over 100 vendors packed into a narrow passageway. The market is easily accessible from Kyoto Station by subway or bus.


Explore Kyoto's Nishiki Market, the vibrant hub of local culture and cuisine, offering a delightful array of traditional foods and unique souvenirs.

As soon as we stepped into the bustling marketplace, we were overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells. The narrow street was lined with stalls selling everything imaginable: fresh seafood, pickles, sweets, tea, spices, and local delicacies. The vendors were enthusiastic, offering samples and explaining their products with pride. I was amazed by the variety of foods on display and the artistry with which they were presented. It was a feast for the senses.

Elena was particularly excited about the pickles, or *tsukemono*, a Kyoto specialty. We sampled a variety of pickled vegetables, each with its unique flavor and texture. Miguel, on the other hand, was drawn to the fresh seafood. He tried some grilled squid and declared it the best he'd ever had. I was fascinated by the *yuba* (tofu skin) and the *dashimaki tamago* (rolled omelet), both Kyoto delicacies. I even spotted some *kyo-yasai* (Kyoto vegetables).

We wandered through the market, sampling various treats along the way. We tried *mochi* (rice cakes), *dango* (sweet dumplings), and *senbei* (rice crackers). We stopped at a tea shop for some matcha ice cream, which was the perfect refreshing treat on a cold day. I enjoyed a matcha latte while I was there.

I found myself drawn to a stall selling handcrafted knives. As a keen cook, I appreciated the quality and craftsmanship of these knives. I ended up buying a small paring knife as a souvenir, promising myself to use it to prepare many Filipino dishes back home in Stratford. I also picked up some local spices to experiment with.

Lunch at Goichi Pizza: A Taste of Italy in Kyoto

For lunch, we decided to try something different and headed to Goichi Pizza. We wanted a change from mainly Asian food and were surprised at how good the pizza, pasta, and salad were at this restaurant. The servers and chef were exceptional and speak English as well. It was a small restaurant, but all the food was delicious! It was a welcome change of pace and a reminder that Kyoto is a city of diverse culinary offerings.


Discover the delicious fusion of Italian tradition and local flavors at Goichi Pizza in Kyoto - an unmissable dining experience!

Daimaru Kyoto Store: Shopping and Souvenirs

After lunch, we did a bit of shopping at Daimaru Kyoto Store. The Daimaru Department Store is located in Shijo Kawaramachi, surrounded by business districts, close to many attractions in Gion and Higashiyama, and convenient transportation. The store had a wide variety of goods, from high-end fashion to local crafts. I was particularly impressed by the *depachika*, the basement food hall, which was similar to Nishiki Market but on a larger scale. The basement food floor is arguably the best food market in the entire city. We bought some souvenirs for our friends and family back home, including some Kyoto sweets and traditional crafts.


Explore the heart of Kyoto shopping at Daimaru Kyoto Store, where tradition meets modernity in a vibrant department store experience.

Dinner at Kikunoi Roan: A Culinary Masterpiece

As the day drew to a close, we had a truly special experience planned: dinner at Kikunoi Roan, a renowned *kaiseki* restaurant. *Kaiseki* is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal characterized by its artistry, seasonality, and exquisite flavors. The restaurant is run by Yoshihiro Murata, who also owns 2 other restaurants in Japan. He is the third generation to inherit the family business, which began in 1912.


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

From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. The staff greeted us warmly and led us to a private dining room overlooking a serene garden. The restaurant is located just off Shijo and Kiyamachi streets. We were excited to see what the restaurant had to offer.

Each course was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The chef used seasonal ingredients to create dishes that were both innovative and deeply rooted in Japanese culinary tradition. We savored each bite, marveling at the skill and artistry that went into every dish. This was a truly immersive culinary experience, and I felt grateful to be sharing it with my family.

I tried dishes I wouldn't normally try. I tasted the baby tuna with egg yolk sauce, which was tender. We also had the steamed course of Guji (red Wakasa tilefish) steamed with millet, baby daikon radish, yuzu peel and chrysanthmum sauce. We also had rice with salmon row, chinese cabbage soup, Japanese pickles.

The staff was very attentive. We enjoyed Japanese cuisine in Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture. It was an unquestionable success. The English skills of the staff were good throughout, making it a great destination for the western tourist, and I think the bolder flavors are more suited to Western palates than the more subtle dishes.

As we walked back to our hotel, Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi, under the starlit sky, I reflected on the incredible day we had experienced. From the spiritual heights of Fushimi Inari to the culinary depths of Nishiki Market and Kikunoi Roan, Kyoto had captivated us with its beauty, culture, and flavors. I am so happy that I was able to experience this day with my family.


Experience the vibrant culture of Kyoto at Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi—your ideal base for exploring historic sites, shopping, and dining.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Arashiyama, including the Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple. I am looking forward to seeing more of Kyoto's natural beauty and cultural treasures. It is an amazing trip so far.