Cultural Immersion in Kyoto: A Family Adventure

Sayōnara, Kyoto: A Day of Geishas, Shrines, and Sumptuous Steaks

As our ten-day family adventure in Kyoto draws to a close, I wanted to soak in every last bit of this magical city. Today was a carefully curated blend of cultural immersion and culinary indulgence, a fitting farewell to a place that has captured our hearts. It was a day filled with vibrant performances, serene reflections, and, of course, mouthwatering delights.

Our day began, as many have during this trip, with a delightful breakfast at ryu no hige. The fusion of Kyoto cuisine with French flavors was the perfect way to energize ourselves for the day ahead. I savored every bite, knowing that soon we'd be back in Kelowna, missing these unique culinary experiences.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we ventured into the heart of Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district. The winter air was crisp, but the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The traditional wooden machiya houses, with their narrow facades, exuded an old-world charm that transported us back in time. We strolled along Hanami-koji Street, hoping to catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko gracefully making their way to an ochaya. Though sightings were elusive, the allure of the district was undeniable. The girls were particularly excited about the prospect of seeing a Geisha, having learned about them in some of the books we brought with us.

Our first official stop was Gion Corner, a cultural center dedicated to showcasing Japan's traditional performing arts. As a lover of history and cultural anthropology, I was particularly excited about this. Maya, Liam and I settled into our seats, eager to witness the artistry that awaited us. The show was a whirlwind of captivating performances, each offering a glimpse into a different facet of Japanese culture. There was Kyomai dance, performed by maiko in stunning kimonos; a serene chanoyu tea ceremony; the intricate art of ikebana flower arrangement; koto music, its delicate melodies filling the theater; bugaku dance, with its ancient roots; and kyogen comedy, providing moments of levity and laughter. The performances at Gion Corner are perfect for those wanting to experience traditional Japanese culture.


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

Experiencing the traditional arts at Gion Corner was like stepping into a living tapestry of Japanese culture, each performance a vibrant thread weaving together centuries of history and artistry.

The show was a little over an hour, and it was the perfect sampler of Japanese arts. I was particularly captivated by the Kyomai dance – the graceful movements of the maiko were mesmerizing. Maya was entranced by the colorful costumes and the lively music. Liam, ever the pragmatist, appreciated the concise and informative nature of the performances. I found myself wishing we had more time to delve deeper into each art form, but Gion Corner provided a wonderful introduction.

After the show, we took a leisurely stroll to Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine. This beautiful Shinto shrine, with its vibrant vermilion gate, is a prominent landmark in the Gion district. Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka Shrine is not only a significant religious site but also a symbol of Japanese culture and tradition. As we approached the shrine, I could feel a sense of serenity wash over me. The air was filled with the gentle sounds of prayers and the rustling of leaves in the surrounding trees. We took our time exploring the grounds, admiring the intricate details of the architecture and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.


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

We learned that Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a great god of storms and sea in Japanese mythology, as well as his wife Kushiinada-hime and their eight children. The shrine has played a key role in the religious practices of the region for centuries and is the center of the Gion Festival, one of Japan's most famous festivals, held annually in July. Though it was January, and the festival was months away, I could still feel the echoes of its vibrant energy.

Maya was fascinated by the omikuji (fortune slips) and insisted on drawing one for herself. Liam, ever the skeptic, chuckled but indulged her. As she carefully unfolded her slip, her eyes widened with excitement. It says I'm going to have good luck in the future! she exclaimed, beaming. Whether or not the fortune was true, it brought a smile to her face, and that was all that mattered.

For lunch, we had reservations at Premium Pound Gion, a teppanyaki restaurant known for its exquisite aged Kobe beef. The restaurant is located in a hidden spot in the Gion area, and it has a calm, Kyoto-style interior. All the seats are at the counter, allowing you to watch the chef's cooking techniques.


Experience culinary artistry at Premium Pound Gion – where French cuisine meets Japanese teppanyaki in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district.

The chef greeted us warmly and began preparing our meal with meticulous care. He expertly grilled the Kobe beef to perfection, coaxing out its rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. We savored every bite, marveling at the quality of the meat and the skill of the chef. The meal was a symphony of flavors and textures, a true culinary masterpiece. Liam, a man of few words when it comes to food, simply nodded in approval, his eyes closed in blissful contentment. Maya, who is usually a picky eater, devoured her portion with gusto, declaring it the best steak she had ever tasted.

In the afternoon, while the girls took a well deserved nap back at Matsui Bekkan Hanakanzashi, I decided to do a little bit of shopping at Kyoto LOFT. I had heard great things about this multi-story emporium, and I was eager to explore its offerings. LOFT is known for its eclectic mix of stylish and practical items, from innovative home goods and trendy stationery to fashionable accessories and unique gifts. As a lover of design and all things Japanese, I was in heaven.


Experience the charm of Kyoto at Matsui Bekkan Hanakanzashi, a guest house offering comfort, relaxation, and local culture just steps from key attractions.

I spent hours browsing the shelves, marveling at the creativity and attention to detail that went into every product. I picked up a few souvenirs for friends and family back home, as well as a few treats for myself. I couldn't resist buying a set of beautiful Japanese stationery, with delicate floral patterns and elegant calligraphy. I also found a stylish reusable water bottle, perfect for my hiking adventures in the Okanagan Valley. LOFT was a treasure trove of delights, a place where I could indulge my love of all things beautiful and functional.

For our final dinner in Kyoto, we chose Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION, another highly-regarded establishment specializing in Kobe beef. Mouriya Gion is known for its fine dining experience and modern, classy interior. It's the first location of Mouriya outside of Kobe, and it offers a menu with ingredients sourced from Kyoto.


Explore Kyoto LOFT: A vibrant general store with cosmetics, home goods, and unique novelties in the heart of Kyoto.

The restaurant was elegant and refined, with a hushed ambiance that exuded sophistication. We were led to a private room, where a personal chef awaited us. He presented us with the menu, explaining the different cuts of Kobe beef and the various preparations available. We opted for the tasting menu, which allowed us to sample a variety of dishes, each more exquisite than the last. The chef expertly grilled the Kobe beef on a teppanyaki grill right before our eyes, showcasing his culinary skills with flair and precision. The beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, melting in our mouths with each bite. The side dishes were equally impressive, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with meticulous care.

As we savored our final bites of Kobe beef, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Our time in Kyoto was coming to an end, and I knew I would miss this magical city dearly. But I also felt a sense of gratitude for the incredible experiences we had shared as a family. We had immersed ourselves in Japanese culture, explored ancient temples and shrines, and indulged in the most exquisite cuisine. These memories would stay with us forever.

Tomorrow, we start our journey back to Kelowna. As I reflect on our time here, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences we've shared. Kyoto has woven its way into our hearts, and I know we'll carry its spirit with us wherever we go. Sayōnara, Kyoto. Until next time.

This trip has been more than just a vacation; it's been a cultural immersion, a culinary adventure, and, most importantly, a time for our family to connect and create lasting memories. I am thankful for every moment, every experience, and every delicious bite. As we prepare to leave Kyoto, I know that we will carry its spirit with us, wherever we go.

I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with Liam and Maya. Their enthusiasm and curiosity have made this trip even more special. As a family, we've learned, grown, and created memories that will last a lifetime. And who knows, maybe one day we'll return to Kyoto and continue our exploration of this fascinating city.

For now, it's time to say goodbye. But as they say in Japan, Sayōnara doesn't mean goodbye forever. It means, Until we meet again. And I have a feeling that we will meet again, Kyoto. I am already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may take us. The world is full of wonders waiting to be explored.

Until then, thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my stories have inspired you to embark on your own adventures, to explore new cultures, and to create lasting memories with your loved ones. And remember, the world is waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is take the first step.