A Magical First Day in Kyoto
Today we arrived in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, and from the very beginning we knew this stop on our journey would be something special.
One of the first things that impressed us was Japan’s incredibly efficient luggage transfer service. Instead of dragging suitcases through stations and city streets, we sent our luggage ahead directly to the hotel. This meant that as soon as we arrived in Kyoto, we could jump straight into exploring with nothing but our day bags in hand.
Our first destination was Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Walking through the castle grounds, students learned about Japan’s feudal history while admiring the impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and famous “nightingale floors” designed to chirp when walked upon as a security measure against intruders.
Before long, however, another Kyoto landmark stole the show: Kyoto Station itself.
To call it a train station feels like an understatement. Students were absolutely blown away by its sheer size. Rising more than eleven stories high, the station feels like a city within a city. Everywhere we looked there were shops, restaurants, food halls, and hidden corners waiting to be explored. The station’s enormous outdoor staircase doubles as an amphitheatre and gathering space, while at night the steps transform into a giant illuminated LED display. It quickly became clear that Kyoto Station is far more than a transportation hub—it’s an attraction in its own right.
After some much-needed downtime, it was time for one of the most anticipated experiences of the trip:
Kimono fitting day!
The process was fascinating from start to finish. Students selected from a wide variety of colours, patterns, and styles before being helped into the traditional garments by expert staff. Layers were carefully wrapped and tied, obi belts were secured, and final touches were added to complete each look. For many, it was their first experience wearing traditional Japanese clothing.
Once dressed, we swapped our usual footwear for traditional wooden sandals, which quickly became an adventure of their own! Walking gracefully turned out to be much harder than it looked, leading to plenty of laughs as we carefully navigated the streets of Kyoto.
Dressed in our kimonos, we made our way through the city to a nearby temple, where students enjoyed a special photo session. Surrounded by traditional architecture and beautiful grounds, the setting provided the perfect backdrop for some truly memorable photos.
The cultural highlights didn’t stop there. Later, we took part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve had so far. Students learned about the rituals, preparation, etiquette, and philosophy behind the ceremony. Every movement was deliberate and thoughtful, reflecting values of respect, harmony, and mindfulness. It was a unique opportunity to experience an important part of Japanese culture firsthand.
By the end of the day, there was one thing everyone agreed on:
We had an absolutely incredible time.
That said… after several hours of layers, belts, sandals, summer temperatures, and plenty of walking, there was also a shared feeling of relief when it was finally time to change out of the kimonos and cool down! The experience was unforgettable, but stepping back into comfortable clothes felt pretty amazing too.
From castles and cutting-edge train stations to centuries-old traditions and cultural experiences, Kyoto delivered an unforgettable first day.
A day full of history, beauty, laughter, and memories we’ll be talking about for years to come.
