Family Cultural Adventure in Kyoto

Kyoto's Charms: Markets, Manga, and Meals

Today was a delightful blend of culinary exploration and artistic immersion, showcasing Kyoto's diverse offerings. From the bustling Nishiki Market to the captivating Kyoto International Manga Museum, it was a day filled with unique experiences and flavors. I'm excited to share the highlights of our adventures as we continue to soak in the cultural richness of this enchanting city.

Our day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Yoshikawa. The restaurant is part of a Ryokan, and is known for its tempura. The setting was serene, with a view of a meticulously maintained garden. I was particularly excited to try their tempura, and it did not disappoint. The batter was light and crisp, and the ingredients were very fresh. Hanna, of course, loved the prawns, and even Maximilian, who usually prefers a hearty German breakfast, appreciated the delicate flavors.

After breakfast, we headed to Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen. The market was bustling with activity, a narrow corridor packed with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and pickles to sweets and street food. The energy was infectious, and we dove right in, sampling various local delicacies. Hanna was fascinated by the colorful displays of Japanese sweets, while Maximilian enjoyed trying different types of pickles. I was captivated by the fresh seafood, especially the grilled scallops and sea urchin. The market was crowded, but the vibrant atmosphere and the array of culinary delights made it an unforgettable experience.

Nishiki Market is a sensory explosion, a place where the flavors and aromas of Kyoto come alive.

Navigating the market was an adventure in itself. The narrow passageways were filled with locals and tourists alike, all eager to sample the diverse offerings. We tried everything from soy milk doughnuts to grilled octopus, each bite a new and exciting experience. I even managed to find a small shop selling traditional Japanese knives, a perfect souvenir for my brother, who is an avid cook. Despite the crowds, the market had a certain charm, a sense of community and tradition that was truly captivating.

After our culinary adventure at Nishiki Market, we made our way to the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Housed in a former elementary school, the museum is a paradise for manga lovers. As someone who grew up reading Korean manhwa, I was excited to explore the world of Japanese manga. The museum's collection is vast, spanning different genres and eras. Hanna, surprisingly, was also quite taken with the museum. She loved browsing through the colorful pages of the manga, even though she couldn't read the Japanese text. Maximilian, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the history and evolution of manga as an art form.

The museum had several exhibits, including a Wall of Manga filled with 50,000 books. We spent hours browsing through the collection, discovering new titles and revisiting old favorites. There was also a section dedicated to international comics, showcasing the global influence of manga. I was particularly impressed by the museum's efforts to preserve and promote manga culture. It was a testament to the importance of this art form in Japanese society.

For lunch, we decided to try something different and opted for Mezopotamia Kebab House. After days of traditional Japanese cuisine, we were craving something familiar yet different. The kebab house was a small, unassuming place, but the aroma of grilled meat was irresistible. We ordered a variety of kebabs, and they were delicious. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the sauces were perfectly balanced. Hanna, who can be a picky eater, devoured her chicken kebab, a testament to its quality. Maximilian and I enjoyed the spicy lamb kebab, a welcome change from the milder flavors of Japanese cuisine.

In the afternoon, we strolled through the Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade. This covered arcade offered a mix of traditional shops and modern boutiques. It was a pleasant escape from the winter chill, and we enjoyed browsing through the various stores. Hanna was particularly excited by the toy shops, while Maximilian was interested in the electronics stores. I found a lovely tea shop selling matcha-flavored sweets, a perfect treat to take back to Heidelberg.

As the day drew to a close, we had dinner at Kyoto cuisine Hanasaki Nishikiten. Located near Nishiki Market, this restaurant offered a refined dining experience, showcasing the best of Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant had a traditional Japanese ambiance, with tatami mats and shoji screens. We opted for the kaiseki menu, a multi-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and exquisitely flavored. Hanna, surprisingly, enjoyed the more adventurous dishes, such as the sea urchin and the pickled vegetables. Maximilian and I savored every bite, appreciating the skill and artistry of the chefs.

We reflected on the day's adventures while enjoying dinner. The blend of traditional and modern, culinary and artistic, had given us a deeper appreciation for Kyoto's unique character. I made a mental note to buy an umbrella and a Japanese phrasebook tomorrow, remembering the items I had forgotten to pack. I am thinking about visiting Heian Shrine and Kyoto Botanical Gardens tomorrow, but I am not sure if Hanna will be happy to visit another Shrine. I will need to check with her tomorrow morning.

As we walked back to Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo, the city was bathed in a soft, golden light. The streets were quiet, and the air was crisp and cold. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this magical city with my family. Each day in Kyoto brought new discoveries, new flavors, and new memories. I am looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, eager to see what else this enchanting city has to offer.

The Shinshun Hounou performances are taking place at the Heian Shrine tomorrow. I am not sure if we will make it there, but it would be a great way to experience the cultural and spiritual ambiance of Kyoto.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Heian Shrine and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, hoping for a day filled with serene beauty and natural wonders. I'm particularly excited about the gardens, as I've heard they are stunning even in winter. And perhaps, a little shopping at the MoMA Design Store Kyoto to round out the day.

As I drift off to sleep, I am filled with anticipation for the adventures that await us tomorrow. Kyoto has truly captured my heart, and I can't wait to explore more of its hidden gems.


Explore Nishiki Market, Kyoto's vibrant food market, where local delicacies meet rich cultural heritage in a delightful shopping experience.


Explore the rich world of Japanese comics at Kyoto International Manga Museum, a cultural gem in Kyoto offering extensive manga collections and engaging exhibitions.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Yoshikawa, where tradition meets exceptional flavors in the heart of Kyoto.


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


Discover the heart of Kyoto at Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade, where traditional charm meets modern shopping and dining.


Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Hanasaki Nishikiten—where tradition meets culinary artistry in every exquisite dish.


Discover the heart of Kyoto at Hotel Resol Kawaramachi Sanjo, where comfort meets convenience in a vibrant location, perfect for all travelers.