Hi, it’s Naomi. This month, I’d love to share something more personal - a little travel story from my recent trip to Japan in July.
My daughter, who’s heading off to university this year, hasn’t properly experienced Japan since Covid, so we planned a memorable 3-day stay in Kyoto. The real highlight was a special mother-daughter trip - just the two of us, making the most of our time together and creating unforgettable memories.
The main reason for our visit to Kyoto? We were lucky enough to get tickets to the brand-new Nintendo Museum, which opened near Uji in 2024, just outside Kyoto. But of course, we didn’t just go for that - we wanted to make the most of our time in Kyoto and enjoy some truly Japanese cultural experiences. So here are the 4 unforgettable highlights of our trip, along with some useful tips if you're planning a Kyoto visit of your own!
1. Wearing a Yukata in the Summer Heat
We couldn’t go to Kyoto without dressing in traditional attire. There are many kimono and yukata rental shops around the city - and the one we chose near Yasaka Shrine offered full styling packages including hair and accessories.
Since it was July, Kyoto was intensely hot (at one point it reached 38°C!), so instead of a full kimono, we opted for the lighter yukata. Even then, we only wore them for about an hour and a half - just enough to visit the shrine, take some beautiful photos and cool down in a local café.
Choosing the yukata, obi belt, bag and hair accessories was fun but almost overwhelming with so many styles available! The staff were very helpful, especially when my daughter couldn’t decide which colour combination to go with!
If you're thinking about doing this in summer, don’t forget a parasol or UV umbrella - it's both stylish and necessary!
(My daughter and I in pretty Yukata)
🏮 TIP: Rental shops will safely store your belongings so you can enjoy your outing hands-free — just carry your valuables!
京なでしこ Kyo-Nadeshiko (Japanese Website)
2. Riding a Rickshaw Through the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama
Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots — but it’s also one of the busiest. We’d heard how hard it can be to take a nice photo without crowds in the background. The solution? Book a rickshaw ride in advance!
Rickshaws have access to a special path through the bamboo forest, giving you a peaceful, near-private view of the scenery. We booked a 30-minute ride and it was absolutely worth it. Our rickshaw guide was not only a skilled photographer (he took amazing pictures on my phone!) but also spoke English, which made the experience more enjoyable for my daughter too.
(Travelling through bamboo forest on a rickshaw was an experience!)
🌿 TIP: Book online in advance — many services have English-friendly websites and let you pay ahead of time.
えびす屋 Ebisuya (English Website)
3. Matcha Heaven and a Visit to Uji
Before heading to the Nintendo Museum, we made a detour to Uji, a small city famous for matcha (green tea).
Here you’ll find the original Tsujiri tea shop, several other famous matcha spots and the breathtaking Byodo-in Temple, which you might recognise from the back of the 10 yen coin and world heritage! Though slightly outside of central Kyoto, Uji is easily reachable by train.
I was delighted to find matcha tastings available outside some shops, including a refreshing cold version made by simply mixing matcha powder (already sweetened) with water - perfect after a warm stroll around Byodo-in.
Don’t forget to get Goshuin (stamp) from the temple!
🍵 TIP: Matcha production is facing some challenges in Japan, so if you love it, support these local shops while you can — and take some goodies home! I bought few packets of matcha powder there!
(Magnificent facade of Byodo-in Temple)
平等院 Byodo-in Temple (English Website)
(Original Tsujiri tea shop in the center of Uji city)
Uji Tourist Information (English)
4. Fushimi Inari Taisha — Go Beyond the Crowds!
If you're planning to visit Kyoto, you’ve likely seen photos of the thousands of iconic red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. It’s incredibly popular - and understandably so - but also packed with people.
Most visitors only walk part of the way through the gates before turning back. But here’s a secret: keep climbing! The further you go, the fewer the people - and the more serene and photogenic the atmosphere becomes.
We made it halfway up the trail before deciding to descend via a side path. It was shaded, a little spooky, and passed by some lesser-known shrines - including one dedicated to leg and lower-body health.
Now, this might sound strange, but I’d been experiencing some discomfort in my feet from all the walking. After a quiet prayer at this little shrine, the pain disappeared - and it didn’t return for the rest of the trip. Coincidence? Maybe. But I was grateful either way!
🦊 TIP: Bring good walking shoes and don’t be afraid to explore beyond the main route — you never know what little gems you’ll discover!
伏見稲荷大社 Fushimi Inari Taisha (English Website)
Planning Your Own Kyoto Trip?
If you’re heading to Kyoto soon, I highly recommend including these four experiences in your itinerary. Whether it’s cultural immersion, scenic beauty, or even a little adventure, Kyoto has something magical for everyone — even in the sweltering summer!
I’m sharing some helpful websites and photos from this trip.
Can't Fit Everything in Your Suitcase?
During my trip, I actually spotted several items that reminded me of our collection at The Japanese Shop - from elegant tea sets and yukata, to Kokeshi Dolls and matcha accessories.
Of course, when you're travelling, luggage space is limited - and bringing home everything you fall in love with in Japan isn’t always possible. But the good news is, you’re in the right place!
At The Japanese Shop, we offer a wide range of authentic Japanese products, thoughtfully selected and available right here in the UK. Whether it’s a gift for a friend, or a little something to bring back memories of your time in Japan, we’ve got you covered.
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Visit www.thejapaneseshop.co.uk and keep the magic of Japan alive long after your trip ends.
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