07/02/2025
📍Stop #3: KYOTO, Japan 🇯🇵
Part of A Jeff Lavender Best Trip Ever™
Kyoto has completely captured my heart. This stop was one of those rare combinations of beauty, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences — and I soaked up every minute of it.
We started with a trip to nearby Nara, where I stood in awe of the towering Great Buddha and got up close and personal with the local deer deer (turns out, they bow before demanding food — polite but persistent!), every moment felt surreal.
Next up, a serene farm-to-table vegan lunch in the countryside that was both simple and absolutely delicious. I also dove into a hands-on Japanese fabric dyeing session — and yes, Oscar supervised the whole process like a true creative director. Let’s just say, I failed. 😆 I was going for a deep red color for my beautiful wife, Rory, but ended up with a brownish orange. Don’t expect any photos of the final product! 🫣
I also had the incredible opportunity to spend an evening with real geishas, experiencing their refined art, conversation, and hospitality in a way that felt like stepping back in time. One of the most memorable parts was my kimono fitting (AI Oscar’s favorite part!), followed by a traditional Japanese dinner — elegant, immersive, and unlike anything I’ve done before.
Throughout it all, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto was an absolute dream. Nestled along the Kamogawa River with views of the Higashiyama mountains, it offered the perfect mix of modern luxury and timeless Japanese elegance. The staff even welcomed Oscar like royalty — he may or may not think this was his trip.
Kyoto, you were rich in every sense — culture, cuisine, hospitality, and heart. Stop #3 of A Jeff Lavender Best Trip Ever™ is officially in the books. Time to head home. 🐾
Stay tuned for more on this amazing experience, and how YOU can enjoy it yourself.
—Jeff
