Konbanwa from Kyoto!
Today was all about movement — moving cities, moving snacks into our mouths, and moving our feet to the beat of a magical summer festival. That’s right, we said goodbye to Tokyo and zoomed off to Kyoto aboard the legendary Shinkansen (bullet train) for the next leg of our Japanese foodventure.
Here’s the scoop on our travel-filled, street-festival-fabulous day:
🥐 Breakfast: Croissants on the Tracks
This morning we had one mission: get to Kyoto.
Our Shinkansen was at 10:30am, so we made our way to the station, weaving through the busy morning rush with our bags and sleepy faces.
- We grabbed a quick brekkie from a bakery in the station: flaky croissants for us kids, and a wrap for Dad .
- Then we hopped aboard the Shinkansen — zooming across Japan at rocket speed while munching on buttery pastries. 🚄💨
We still can’t get over how fast and fancy the train was. Lucia spent half the ride squealing at the window and the other half asleep.
🍣 Lunch: Traditional Plates in a Kyoto Gem
We arrived in Kyoto just after 12:30pm, dropped our bags at the hotel, and headed straight out in search of food. (As you do.)
We found a tiny traditional Japanese family-style restaurant, known as a Syokudo, serving Teishoku which is like a DIY set menu with a main dish and various tasting plates.
- We picked out a main dish: salmon, tuna, or grilled chicken, and various small plates of deliciousness: rice, seaweed, pickles and even okra (surprisingly slimy, surprisingly tasty).
- It was simple, quiet, and totally different from Tokyo — in a good way.
🛍️ Dinner: Supermarket Smorgasbord Showdown
Tonight we tried something very different — a supermarket dinner challenge!
Each of us got a budget of ¥1,000 (around $10), and we had to pick our own meal and a drink.
But here’s the twist:
- The store was packed.
- Festival music was playing.
- Lucia kept grabbing random things.
- And there were too many amazing choices!
It took half an hour of wandering, debating, and snack analysis, but we all finally made our picks. 🍢🍙🍤🥤
Then we walked back to our apartment and sat around the little Japanese table, opening our supermarket treasure boxes like it was snack-themed Christmas.
And honestly? It was one of the best dinners yet. Everyone found something they loved, and nobody had to do the dishes. 🎉
🏮 Gion Matsuri Festival: The Calm Before the Celebration
One of the coolest surprises about arriving in Kyoto was realising we’d landed just before the Gion Matsuri — one of Japan’s most famous festivals that takes over the city every July.
While the main festivities haven’t started yet (they officially kick off on the 17th July), the preparations are already in full swing, and it’s giving us a sneak peek into the magic to come.
- Our street already has giant wooden floats being built — tall, intricate, and surrounded by scaffolding and ropes.
- Lanterns are starting to appear, and there’s the sound of traditional festival music drifting through the air — flutes, drums, and distant chatter.
- Shops and stalls are slowly transforming, and you can feel the excitement building.
It’s like watching the city slowly getting dressed for a party, and we get front row seats. 🎉
Francesca is counting down the days. Ted is plotting the snacks he’ll eat during the parade. Lucia just keeps pointing at the lanterns and yelling “more!”
✨ Final Thoughts
Today was about going somewhere new and realising that sometimes the best food adventures are the ones you build yourself — even in a supermarket. And arriving in Kyoto during Gion Matsuri felt like stepping into a dream.
More noodles, temples, and lantern-lit fun coming soon…
Stay hungry and festive,
Ted, Francesca & little festival queen Lucia 🚅🍜🏮
P.S. Ted wants to do the supermarket dinner challenge again. Francesca wants to live in the festival. Lucia just wants more croissants.
Ted Tastes Francesca Feasts 
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