Family Cultural Adventure in Kyoto

Kyoto's Curtain Call

As our ten-day Kyoto adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared. Today was a whirlwind of trains, movie sets, and delicious food, a perfect encapsulation of Kyoto's unique charm. It's hard to believe our journey is ending, but I'm determined to make every last moment count, soaking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this captivating city.

Our final day began with a hearty breakfast at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store. This wasn't just any breakfast; it was a culinary experience. I had read that Katsukura is known for using zero-cholesterol vegetable oil to fry their cutlets. We all enjoyed the crispy tonkatsu, and Hanna especially loved grinding her own sesame seeds for the dipping sauce. Maximilian appreciated the free refills of shredded cabbage, while I savored the yuba croquette, a creamy, non-greasy delight. Starting our day with such a delicious and satisfying meal set the perfect tone for our last Kyoto adventure. It was tucked away in a small alley, and it felt like we were discovering a secret gem.


Savor the best tonkatsu in Kyoto at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store—where tradition meets flavor.

Fueled and ready, we headed to the Kyoto Railway Museum. As a translator, I often find myself drawn to the stories behind things, and this museum was full of them. The museum is conveniently located near Kyoto Station. The moment we stepped inside, we were transported into a world of locomotives and railway history. The Promenade showcased an early Shinkansen, a steam train, and a local commuter train. Hanna's eyes lit up at the sight of the trains. We explored the Advances in the Railway section, where I was fascinated by the historical displays and graphic designs. Maximilian, ever the engineer at heart, was captivated by the mechanics of the trains, while Hanna enjoyed the hands-on exhibits and driving simulators. We even got to ride a train pulled by a real steam locomotive! It was a nostalgic experience, and I felt a sense of wonder as we chugged along the tracks. I think Hanna enjoyed riding the train the most.


Discover the rich history of railways at the Kyoto Railway Museum, a family-friendly attraction in the heart of Kyoto showcasing trains and interactive exhibits.

The journey, not the destination, matters.

Next on our itinerary was the Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a place where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. It’s the only theme park in Japan where you can observe the filming of period dramas. As we stepped onto the set, we were immediately immersed in the world of Edo-era Japan. The studio park is a working film set, so we were lucky enough to catch glimpses of actors in costume and crew members setting up scenes. Hanna was thrilled to see ninjas and samurai, and we even watched a ninja show, complete with impressive sword fights and acrobatics. I felt like I had stepped back in time. While there, we enjoyed walking around Cinema Road, where an old Kyoto town is well recreated. I even considered renting a costume, but decided against it. We spent hours exploring the park, taking photos, and soaking in the atmosphere. It was a truly unique and unforgettable experience.


Discover the enchantment of Japanese cinema at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, where film sets and interactive experiences come together for endless fun.

After a day of exploring, we were ready for a change of pace, so we opted for Indian cuisine at MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar for lunch. The restaurant is tucked away near the Kamo River. It was a delightful surprise to find such authentic Indian flavors in the heart of Kyoto. Maximilian, always up for trying new things, ordered the seafood curry prepared with squid ink, while I chose the fish tikka with marinated fatty tuna. Hanna enjoyed the naan, which was light and fluffy. The owner, Yukihide Hirata, has been running the restaurant since 1987, and his passion for Indian cuisine was evident in every dish. It was a welcome change from the traditional Japanese fare we had been enjoying throughout our trip.


Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Mughal Indian Restaurant & Bar in Kyoto – a haven for food lovers seeking authentic South Asian cuisine.

As evening approached, we prepared for our final dinner in Kyoto at Kinmata. This restaurant, located in Nishiki Market, is a Registered National Cultural Property. Kinmata is renowned for its kaiseki dinners, a multi-course culinary experience that showcases local, seasonal ingredients. The dishes were miniature works of art, beautifully plated on local lacquerware and ceramics. Each course was explained to us in detail, and we savored every bite. It was a truly special and memorable meal, a perfect way to end our culinary journey through Kyoto. The staff spoke both English and Japanese, and welcomed us warmly.


Experience authentic Obanzai cuisine at Kinmata, where tradition meets flavor in the heart of Kyoto.

To cap off our last night, Maximilian and I decided to sneak away for a quick drink at Bar Fishbowl. This cozy bar is known for its extensive selection of Japanese whiskeys and craft beers. With over 50 variants of whiskey, Maximilian was in his element. I opted for a local craft beer, and we toasted to our incredible adventure in Kyoto. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, a perfect spot to unwind and reflect on our trip. I am glad that we were able to enjoy some time to ourselves before heading back to Heidelberg.


Discover Kyoto's nightlife at Bar Fishbowl, a cocktail haven with stunning views and expertly crafted drinks in the heart of the city.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness that our trip is coming to an end. But I am also filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences we've shared. Kyoto has captured my heart with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. I know that we will cherish these memories for years to come.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Heidelberg, filled with stories and souvenirs to share with friends and family. I'm already dreaming of our next adventure, wherever it may take us. Until then, arigato Kyoto, for the memories.

The kids are already fast asleep, dreaming of the adventures we had today. I think Hanna enjoyed the studio park the most, especially the ninja show. It's funny how travel can bring you closer together.

I am so grateful for this journey we have taken together as a family. I know that these memories will last a lifetime.

As I reflect on our trip, I realize that it's not just about seeing new places, but also about experiencing new things and connecting with each other on a deeper level.

I am so thankful for Maximilian, who always supports my adventurous spirit, and for Hanna, who reminds me to see the world with wonder and joy. I am already looking forward to planning our next adventure. Good night!

One thing that I forgot to pack for this trip was my Japanese phrasebook, which would have been helpful when trying to communicate with locals. I also forgot to pack an umbrella, which would have been useful during the occasional rain showers. But despite these minor mishaps, our trip was a success.

I am also grateful for the opportunity to share our experiences with you, my readers. I hope that our stories have inspired you to embark on your own adventures and to discover the beauty and wonder of the world. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Until next time!

I will always remember our time in Kyoto. It was a truly magical experience, and I am so grateful to have shared it with my family. I am already looking forward to returning someday and exploring more of this beautiful country. For now, it's time to say goodbye and head back home. But the memories of Kyoto will stay with me forever.

I am so glad that we chose to stay at the Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo, as it was centrally located and offered comfort and convenience. It was the perfect base for our daily adventures, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.


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

As I close this chapter of our journey, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. We have explored ancient temples, wandered through bamboo forests, savored delicious cuisine, and immersed ourselves in the local culture. We have created memories that will last a lifetime, and I am so grateful to have shared this experience with my family. Thank you, Kyoto, for the adventure of a lifetime. We will never forget you.