Kyoto Gyoen | Review by Linda Liao

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Kyoto Gyoen

Kyoto Gyoen

The park is centered around the palace where emperors have lived for more than 500 years.

11 Sep 2026 See More

Kyoto Gyoen is located in central Kyoto and is much larger than I imagined, with broad tree-lined paths, lawns, and straight roads crisscrossing the grounds. Most of the main paths are gravel, giving a distinct sense of the ancient capital. The area was once home to the Imperial Family and the residences of court nobles, and it bears important witness to Kyoto’s long history as Japan’s political and cultural center.

The highlight is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where generations of emperors once lived and held important ceremonies. The different buildings are not just beautiful on the outside; each palace, hall, and residence served a different purpose, from formal court ceremonies and receiving guests to the daily lives of the emperor and members of the Imperial Family. You can see the carefully planned spaces of Japanese court life. I recommend taking a guided tour to explore it more thoroughly and fully enjoy the visit.

Other Reviews by Linda Liao

Yojiya Shijo Kawaramachi Store

Opened in February 2025 in Kyoto’s bustling Kawaramachi district-one of the city’s top shopping and sightseeing areas-this new-concept store brings together the beloved Yojiya skincare brand, best known for its iconic oil blotting papers, and a relaxing café space, following in the footsteps of its Sagano Arashiyama and Kiyomizu locations.
- Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Cafés
11 Sep 2026 See More

The Yojiya Shijo Kawaramachi Store is located in Kyoto’s bustling Kawaramachi area. Blending traditional Kyoto aesthetics with a modern feel, it’s a souvenir shop worth stopping by during your trip. Popular items include Kyoto-exclusive and seasonal products. In addition to oil blotting papers, lip balm, hand cream, and Kyoto-inspired fragrances are also quite popular. With elegant packaging and Kyoto-style designs, they’re perfect for either personal use or gifts.
Hanamikoji-dori Street

Hanami-koji Street is a main street crossing Gion north to south from Sanjo to Kenninji Temple. It is “koji” (small alley), but the street is wide and lively with lots of stores hosting many tourists. The Teahouse district still maintains the traditional ambience in the district from Shijo-dori to the south. The original teahouses were on Shijo-dori and to the north of it, which were gathered to the current southern district in Meiji and Taisho Periods.
- Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
- Famous Places
11 Sep 2026 See More

Hanamikoji-dori Street is located in Kyoto’s Gion district and is one of the city’s most iconic historic streets. As you stroll along, you’ll see well-preserved traditional machiya townhouses, lattice windows, and teahouses on both sides. The stone-paved road and understated, elegant streetscape create a strong sense of the Edo period. This is an important setting for Kyoto’s geisha district culture. Since the Edo period, Gion gradually flourished thanks to visitors to Yasaka Shrine and its teahouse culture, developing unique traditions such as geisha and maiko.

Hanamikoji-dori Street is especially charming in the evening, when the lantern-lit street feels quiet and mysterious. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko hurrying by in a gorgeous kimono!
GRAND Calbee

Calbee, the famous potato chip brand launched sales of a special line in collaboration with Hankyu Umeda Main Store in 2014. Perfect as an easy gift, each crisp delivers the high end-taste of 100% Hokkaido-grown potatoes, with a one-of-a-kind thick-cut texture.
- Osaka Castle, Kyobashi
- Snacks
11 Sep 2026 See More

What sets GRAND Calbee apart is its thick-cut, crispy texture and variety of limited-edition flavors, making it suitable as either a snack or a gift. This time I bought the “Ariake Nori” flavor. It had a rich seaweed aroma and a savory, salty taste with plenty of umami. It was a pleasant surprise the first time I tried it, but it was also relatively expensive.

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