Ohayo from Kyoto!
Today was a wild one — we left the city behind for a day trip to Nara Deer Park, where we made some unexpected four-legged friends, dodged rain clouds, ate lunch under a pergola, and ended the day with a steak so good, it nearly caused a toddler takeover.
Here’s how it all went down…
🥯 Breakfast: Bagels on the Run
We were off to the famous Nara Deer Park today, so breakfast was all about speed and snacks.
- We raided the local supermarket for blueberry bagels, croissants, and buns, and ate them on the go — while navigating the metro to Kyoto Station, and then hopping on the train to Nara.
- A few hiccups and delays along the way meant we arrived later than planned (shoutout to Japanese train station signs for keeping us on our toes).
By the time we arrived, it was nearly lunch — and our stomachs were making noises louder than a herd of deer.
🥪 Lunch: Convenience Store Fuel & Curious Deer Encounters
Before heading into deer territory, we hit up a convenience store for a quick lunch.
- Francesca grabbed sushi, Ted went for fried chicken, Mum had a chicken salad, and Dad slurped up some cold noodles.
- Let’s just say the food was fine — not our most memorable meal, but good enough to keep the hangry monsters away.
Then came the real excitement: deer. Everywhere.
We hadn’t even entered the park before a herd of hungry deer came casually strolling down the sidewalk like they were heading to a team meeting.
Some were majestic. Some were cheeky. The calves were super cute.
One even tried to nibble Lucia’s feet.
We found a peaceful spot under a pergola by the lake, right as the skies started to spit. There, in the quiet… Ted decided it was the perfect moment to ponder the curious case of the Beef Wellington death cap mushroom trial in Victoria. 🧐🍄
We left the park with full minds, full SD cards, and slightly deer-scented shoes.
🥩 Dinner: Sizzle, Steak & Sneaky Toddler Bites
After all that walking, deer-dodging and deep thinking, we were ready for a proper dinner. And boy, did Kyoto deliver.
We landed at Kyoto Niku Shokudō, a local spot known for its beefy brilliance.
- Each of us ordered a steak set, served on a sizzling platter with miso soup, steamed rice, and fresh salad.
- Dad got extra kimchi (because of course he did).
- The beef was tender, juicy and absolutely incredible — the kind of meal that makes you go quiet for a second so you can really appreciate it.
Lucia was a big fan. So big, in fact, that she almost ate all of Mummy’s steak. Toddlers and sizzling platters: a dangerously tasty combo.
✨ Final Thoughts
From bagels at sunrise to beef at sunset, and a whole deer-filled day in between, Day 6 was a reminder that not every meal has to be fancy — but when it is, it should definitely be on a sizzling plate.
Tomorrow we’re back in Kyoto, and there’s talk of temples, tofu, and more festival fun… so stay tuned!
With full bellies and furry memories,
Ted, Francesca & the Deer Whisperer Lucia 🦌🍱🔥
P.S. Ted’s still thinking about that mushroom trial. Francesca’s still thinking about the deer. Lucia’s still thinking about steak.
Ted Tastes Francesca Feasts 
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