Harper’s Kyoto Adventures: Staying at The Ritz-Carlton and Exploring Japan’s Magic

Hi, friends! It’s Harper, and I was recently on an amazing trip to Kyoto, Japan. I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, and it was a beautiful and relaxing hotel that offered a unique blend of luxury and Japanese culture. Let me share all about my stay and why Kyoto is such a magical place to visit.

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: Luxury with a Cultural Twist

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a stunning hotel that blends luxury with traditional Japanese design. The hotel sits right by the Kamogawa River, and the views are so peaceful—it felt like a little slice of heaven. The rooms are super cozy and elegant, and the hotel offers so many fun activities for families.

🛎️ Love a hotel that welcomes kids in the best way? Read about my experience with the Ritz Kids Check-In, where I got a VIP welcome like no other!

One of the most special experiences I got to do at The Ritz was making origami cranes that would be sent to the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima. It felt so amazing to leave a little piece of something I created in Japan as a wish for peace.

Another highlight, which is exclusive to The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, was a private one-on-one session with a real monk. We joined him for his morning chants, and it was so fascinating to see how he starts his day. Getting to participate in such a meaningful ritual felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Oh, and for my fellow foodies out there, the kids’ menu was so good! It had so many tasty options, and I loved getting to try new things every day.

You can watch my monk experience in my video here

Exploring Kyoto: A Private Tour of Incredible Sites

Kyoto itself is such a magical city. It’s full of temples, beautiful nature, and so much history. We did a private tour, and it was amazing to have a guide who showed us the best spots while giving us exclusive access to hidden gems.

Here are some of the places we visited:

• The Bamboo Forest: Walking through this towering forest of bamboo felt like stepping into a fairytale. It was so peaceful, and I couldn’t stop taking pictures!

• The Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji): This temple is covered in gold leaf, and it sparkles so beautifully in the sunlight. It’s like something straight out of a storybook.

• The Thousand Gates (Fushimi Inari Shrine): The famous red torii gates go on forever! Walking through them was so cool, and our guide told us all about their history and meaning.

  
  

But the best part of the tour was getting exclusive access to a small gated community. We got to shop in a jewelry store filled with unique handmade pieces and visit the most pristine zen garden I’ve ever seen. It was so artistic and peaceful—it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

A Tasty Adventure: Private Sushi Bento Box Cooking Class

One of the highlights of my trip was a private cooking class where we learned how to make sushi bento boxes. It was so much fun rolling the sushi, arranging everything perfectly, and then eating our creations. Everything tasted SO good!

🍣 Love Japanese food? Check out my favorite kid-friendly sushi spots around the world!

When I got home, I tried to recreate the recipes, but let’s just say I need a little more practice. I think I’ll leave the sushi-making to the pros for now!

Why Kyoto Should Be on Your Travel List

Kyoto is such a special place. It’s filled with history, beauty, and unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else. From staying at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto and meeting a monk to exploring famous landmarks and learning to make sushi, my trip was full of unforgettable moments.

If you ever get the chance to visit Kyoto, don’t miss it. Whether you’re traveling with your family or on your own, this city has something magical for everyone.

Have you ever been to Kyoto? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Harper

Want to see more of my travels in action? Check out my latest videos on my Harper’s World YouTube