Family Adventure in the Cultural Heart of Kyoto

Gion's Enchanting Embrace

Today was a day of deep immersion into Kyoto's cultural heart, a journey that tantalized our senses and enriched our understanding of this ancient city. From the captivating performances at Gion Corner to the serene beauty of Maruyama Park and the exquisite tastes we encountered throughout the day, Kyoto continued to weave its magic around Eleanor, Kenji, and me. It's days like these that remind me why we embarked on this family adventure in the first place, to create lasting memories and share experiences that broaden our horizons.



Our day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Fujiya. Located a short walk from Kyoto Station, the ryokan was a delightful blend of old Japan and modern comfort. The aroma of cedar filled the air, and the tatami floors added to the authentic experience. We enjoyed a tasty Japanese breakfast right in our room, complete with steaming rice and fresh fish. Kenji was particularly fascinated by the small details, like the intricate patterns on the sliding doors and the way the light filtered through the paper lanterns. It was a peaceful start to what promised to be a vibrant day.


Discover the exquisite flavors of traditional kaiseki cuisine at Fujiya in Kyoto - where every meal is a masterpiece.

After breakfast, we headed straight to Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, eager to experience the renowned Gion Corner. The Gion district is known for its preserved wooden machiya houses, traditional teahouses, and the elusive geiko and maiko (Kyoto geisha and apprentice geisha). As we strolled through the narrow streets, we soaked in the atmosphere, imagining what life must have been like centuries ago. The area was bustling with tourists, but it still retained a sense of timeless elegance.


Discover the enchanting world of traditional Japanese arts at Gion Corner in Kyoto, a cultural hub showcasing geisha performances and more.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its picturesque landscapes and historic landmarks, but in the way it seamlessly blends tradition with modern life, creating an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.

Gion Corner is located in Yasaka Hall, next to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre. It is a cultural show designed to introduce tourists to several traditional Japanese arts in a condensed format. The show included a tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), koto music (Japanese harp), Gagaku (Japanese classical music), Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theatre), and Bunraku (traditional Japanese puppet theatre). The highlight for me was the Kyo-mai dance performed by a Maiko. It was mesmerizing to watch her graceful movements and the intricate details of her kimono. Eleanor was particularly impressed with the tea ceremony, appreciating the precision and mindfulness involved. Kenji, of course, was captivated by the puppets in the Bunraku performance. The show provided a great overview of Japanese culture, and it was fascinating to see so many art forms in one place.



Leaving Gion Corner, we made our way to Maruyama Park, Kyoto's oldest park and a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Even though the peak cherry blossom season was coming to an end, there were still plenty of blossoms to admire. The park was alive with activity, families picnicking under the trees, artists sketching the scenery, and couples strolling hand in hand. The centerpiece of the park is a large weeping cherry tree, known as Gion no Yozakura (the night cherry blossoms of Gion). It was illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. We spent a relaxing hour wandering through the park, enjoying the beauty of nature and the festive atmosphere. Kenji enjoyed chasing pigeons and collecting fallen cherry blossoms, his laughter echoing through the park.


Experience the natural beauty of Maruyama Park in Kyoto, a serene oasis filled with cherry blossoms and cultural heritage.

For lunch, we had reservations at Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi. The restaurant is located along the Takase River, offering a charming and relaxed atmosphere. It is known for its fresh meat dishes, especially the tongue sashimi and heart sashimi. I decided to be adventurous and try the tongue sashimi, and I was pleasantly surprised by its delicate flavor and unique texture. Eleanor opted for a grilled steak, which was cooked to perfection. Kenji enjoyed a simpler meal of grilled chicken and rice. The restaurant had a cozy and intimate setting, with counter seats that allowed us to watch the chef at work. The staff were friendly and attentive, making our dining experience even more enjoyable.


Experience Kyoto's vibrant food scene with authentic yakiniku at Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi, where every bite tells a delicious story.

After lunch, we decided to do some shopping at Kyoto Porta, an underground shopping mall connected to Kyoto Station. The mall features a variety of shops selling fashion, accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs, and books. We spent a couple of hours browsing the shops, looking for unique souvenirs to take back home. Eleanor found a beautiful silk scarf, while I picked up a traditional Japanese tea set. Kenji was thrilled to find a toy samurai sword. Kyoto Porta has a marketplace-like area in the southeast corner where you can find Kyoto confectionery, pickles, handicrafts, and trinkets.


Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Kyoto Porta, where tradition meets modernity in a delightful blend of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to French Dining Top of Kyoto for dinner. This restaurant is located on the 14th floor of the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto and is known for being the only rotating French restaurant in Japan. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the city, and as it slowly rotates, you can see Kyoto from all angles. The interior is adorned with hand-printed traditional Japanese paper, creating an elegant atmosphere. The food was exquisite, a fusion of French and Japanese flavors. I savored a roasted Kyoto duck, while Eleanor enjoyed a seafood dish. Kenji, surprisingly, loved the French onion soup. The service was impeccable, and the staff went out of their way to make our dining experience special. It was a perfect way to end a perfect day.


Discover the exquisite flavors of French cuisine at French Dining Top of Kyoto – where culinary artistry meets stunning views.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine, continuing our exploration of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. We also plan to visit Bar Rinto. I'm looking forward to another day of discovery and adventure with my family, creating memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. I am particularly excited about Kodaiji Temple, as I have heard it is beautiful, especially in the late afternoon light. Eleanor is keen to explore Yasaka Shrine, and Kenji is already asking if we can buy him another toy samurai sword. Whatever tomorrow brings, I know it will be another unforgettable day in Kyoto.



As I reflect on our ninth day in Kyoto, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share this experience with my family. It's not just about seeing the sights; it's about immersing ourselves in the culture, connecting with the local people, and creating lasting memories together. Kyoto has a way of capturing your heart, and I know that we will be forever changed by our time here.