Kyoto: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Our day starts with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a beautiful shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility. You'll see thousands of bright orange gates, and you can hike to the top of Mount Inari for a fantastic view. After that, we'll head to the Gion district and experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Tea Ceremony Camellia FLOWER. You'll learn about the art of tea preparation from a tea master and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the tea house. Next, we'll take a break from the tea ceremony and visit Gion AYA for a Maiko or Geisha makeover. You'll get to wear traditional Japanese attire, have your hair and makeup done, and even take some photos. If you're in Kyoto during the spring, you can catch the Miyako Odori, a beautiful dance performance held by the geisha in Kyoto. It's a celebration of the cherry blossom season and is truly breathtaking. Afterward, we'll head to the Higashiyama Sanjo area to see the famous bamboo grove. It's a peaceful and scenic place, perfect for a stroll. We'll then explore the Shinkyogoku Shopping Street Union, one of Kyoto's oldest and busiest shopping streets. Here, you can find a wide variety of traditional Japanese goods, souvenirs, and snacks. Our next stop is the Nishiki Market, a traditional covered market that's been around for centuries. It's known for its fresh seafood, local vegetables, and traditional Japanese snacks. If you're looking for high-end shopping, visit the Mishimatei Daimaru Department Store. Here, you can find luxury goods and high-quality souvenirs. And if you're in the mood for something sweet, stop by Mister Donut at the Kyoto Family Shop, where you can try some unique donut flavors like matcha and black sesame. Finally, we'll end our day with a stroll along Shijo-dori, one of Kyoto's main shopping streets. It's a bustling and lively street with department stores, restaurants, and cafes, and it's the perfect place to people-watch and soak up the city's energy.
Spots
Fushimi Inari-taisha (伏見稲荷大社) is the head shrine of the kami Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari which is 233 metres (764 ft) above sea level, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines which span 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) and take approximately 2 hours to walk up. — Wikipedia
Tea Ceremony Camellia Flower is a traditional tea house in Kyoto where visitors can experience the art of the Japanese tea ceremony. A tea master will prepare and serve high-quality tea while visitors learn about the history and philosophy of the ceremony. Different types of tea ceremonies are available, and the tea house is located in the beautiful Gion district of Kyoto.
Gion AYA Maiko & Geisha Makeover is a tourist attraction in Kyoto where visitors can experience a traditional Maiko and Geisha transformation. It involves makeup, hairstyling, and clothing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of Japan. The experience includes a professional photographer to capture the moment.
The Miyako Odori (都をどり) is one of the four great spring shows in the five geisha districts of Kyoto, Japan. The dances, songs, and theater productions presented in the framework of the Miyako Odori are performed by the maiko and geisha of the Gion quarter. The motifs draw from classical Japanese culture and incorporate everyday life as well as folkloristic elements, for example from the Tale of Genji. — Wikipedia
Higashiyama Sanjo is an area in Kyoto famous for its bamboo forest, located in the Higashiyama district. It is a popular tourist destination with a tranquil atmosphere, historic temples and shrines, traditional shops and restaurants, and cherry blossom trees.
Shinkyogoku Street is a pedestrian shopping street in Kyoto, Japan, about 400 meters long and lined with over 100 shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a popular destination for tourists and locals, offering a wide range of traditional and modern products and services, and it's especially lively during festivals and events.
Nishiki Market is a marketplace in downtown Kyoto, located on the east end of Nishikikōji Street, one block north and parallel to Shijō Street and west of Teramachi Street . Rich with history and tradition, the market is renowned as the place to obtain many of Kyoto's famous foods and goods. — Wikipedia
Daimaru Department Store is a Japanese retail chain with a flagship store located in Kyoto, Japan. It's one of the largest and most popular department stores in the city, offering a wide variety of products and services, including clothing, accessories, cosmetics, food, and more.
Mister Donut is a popular Japanese donut chain that was founded in the United States in 1956. The chain expanded to Japan in 1971 and became a popular destination for donut lovers. The Kyoto location is one of the many Mister Donut shops in Japan, offering a wide variety of donuts, including classic glazed, chocolate, and jelly-filled donuts, as well as seasonal and limited-time flavors. Mister Donut in Kyoto is also known for its unique and creative donut designs, often featuring Japanese cultural themes or characters. In addition to donuts, Mister Donut in Kyoto also serves coffee and other beverages.
Shijo Street, also known as Shijō-dōri in Japanese, is a major street and shopping district in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the busiest and most well-known shopping streets in the city, running east-west through the heart of downtown Kyoto. Shijō Street is lined with department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and traditional shops selling a variety of goods, including souvenirs, clothing, cosmetics, and Japanese crafts. The street is also home to several historic landmarks, such as the Nishiki Market, the Teramachi shopping arcade, and the Yasaka Shrine.
