Kyoto, Japan
I spent 8 days in Tokyo before taking the Shinkansen down to Kyoto, and the differences between the two cities could not have been starker. Kyoto is for those who enjoy enmeshing themselves in history, stepping back in time, and taking the slow route. Wandering thousand-year-old streets and temples while sipping coffee from a local, tucked-away shop became my everyday routine - Sydne Aguilar
CAFES
% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama
Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho - Although %ARABICA locations can be found worldwide, this location likely has the upper hand when it comes to stunning views. After ordering, take your drink for a wander along the Katsura riverside.
LE LABO KYOTO MACHIYA
Shimokorikicho - Along with being a perfume store featuring Kyoto-exclusive products, this location also has a cafe in the back, with a small yet beautiful courtyard garden acting as a serene backdrop
Chikujō Sō
Honmachi - Located within a lush, tranquil garden teeming with brightly-colored trees, this cafe has tatami mats for you to sit comfortably as you drink your coffee and eat seasonal Japanese sweets.
HARIO CAFE Kyoto Store
Shimokawaracho - Enjoy award-winning drip coffee while seated amongst a tranquil rock garden. This cafe also hosts workshops and coffee seminars.
murmur coffee kyoto
Hachiojicho - I stumbled upon murmur coffee while trying desperately to find refuge from the hot September sun. This cafe is a cozy, family-run space, with big windows looking out onto a tranquil canal. Relax either indoors or outdoors with a coffee and seasonal toast.
FOOD
Kiraku Kiyomizu Gojozaka
Yugyomaecho - This cozy restaurant is famous for its Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake dish. Each table and bar seat is equipped with a hot, flat griddle, built directly into the surface, on which the chef deftly assembles each pancake.
Shigetsu
Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho - Vegetarian and vegan food can be difficult to find in Japan, so I was ecstatic to come across this vegan restaurant, located inside a serene Buddhist temple. Be sure to try their miso custard eggplant.
Kibunejaya
Kuramakibunecho - Enjoy a multi-course meal on their outside terrace surrounded by lush nature and the sounds of the Kibune river.
Chao Chao Gyoza- Shijo Kawaramachi
Junpucho - This izakaya restaurant serves up a variety of tasty gyoza. Be sure to try the garlic pork gyoza or the double cheese and chicken gyoza. This location is also the only one that offers vegan/vegetarian options like fried mashed potato and yuba gyoza.
Tsuchifuku
Kameya-cho - An inviting, family-run restaurant featuring small dishes packed with flavor. I highly recommend their miso soup, pickled seaweed, and tamagoyaki.
SHOPPING
TRAVELER'S FACTORY KYOTO
Banocho - A stationary lover’s dream, this store sells everything from notebooks to backpacks to vintage cameras. You can also pick up special Kyoto-edition products like washi paper made with green tea leaves. This is the perfect place to grab souvenirs for family or friends.
Kotouen
Saganisonin Monzen Chojincho - Surrounded by a lush bamboo forest, this store features a variety of beautiful, handmade pottery. Browse the shelves filled with one-of-a-kind tea cups, plates, and utensils. Or, take home one of their unique frog statues as a good luck charm.
Blue Parrot
Shogoin Entomicho - Kyoto is famous for its antiques, and this store offers a number of wares such as ceramics, furniture, and trinkets across its three floors.
MOMOTARO JEANS KYOTO
Umemotocho - Pick up some traditional Japanese denim, dyed a deep indigo color known as Tokuno Blue. The store can also quickly hem any garments for you if needed.
Hysteric Glamour
Benkeiishicho - A loud, funky Japanese designer label, this store carries often-provocative clothing and accessories. Hysteric Glamour brick-and-mortars only exist in Japan, so being able to see the clothing in person is definitely a treat!
KYOTO TSUTAYA BOOKS
Otabicho - Explore their extensive collection of Japanese and English magazines and books. The store also features home goods, art exhibitions, and unique souvenirs.
Columbia Sportswear Kyoto Store
Daikokucho - Although Colombia is not a Japanese-exclusive brand, their Kyoto store features unique products only available in Kyoto. The store itself is located in a traditional Japanese house, with beautiful exposed wood features and an enclosed courtyard garden.
THINGS TO DO
Kyoto has over 2000 temples and shrines, most of which are Buddhist or Shinto in nature. These places are usually calm sanctuaries, perfect for wandering through or just sitting quietly amongst the rock gardens. Some of my favorites include:
Hosen-in - Oharashorinincho - Buddhist temple with an extensive, tree-filled garden
Sanzen-in - Oharashorinincho - Buddhist temple founded in 784 AD
Jikko-in - Oharashorinincho - Buddhist temple with serene ponds and mountain views
Otagi Nenbutsuji - Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho - Buddhist temple with over 1,200 stone statues. Located nearby is Okochi Sanso Garden, a tranquil natural area with walking paths and a tea house.
Senbon Torii - Fukakusa Yabunouchicho - Shinto shrine known for its thousands of red gates. The walk is quite hilly and usually crowded, so be sure to get there early with good shoes.
Komyo-in Temple - Honmachi - Small Buddhist temple with a beautiful rock garden
Kinkaku-ji - Kinkakujicho - Buddhist temple with golden exteriors and a large reflecting pond
Ryōan-ji - Goryonoshitacho - Buddhist temple with a large rock garden, pond, and walking paths
HIDDEN GEMS: RYOKANS
One of the toughest decisions when planning a trip can be accommodation. In Kyoto, I highly suggest staying a night or two at a ryokan: a traditional Japanese inn (often family run). A stay at a ryokan can involve sleeping on tatami mats, a private or public onsen soak, meals served in-room, and/or traditional entertainment provided by the staff.
Ryokan Tori - Sasayacho - Dip your body into a private onsen, enjoy meals provided in-room, and marvel at an intensive matcha preparation demonstration by a member of staff.
Kagihei - Umeyacho - Wander the open-air hallways in your complimentary robe and sandals, sleep on the comfortable tatami floors, and indulge in a soak in the communal onsen.
Ryokufuso - Shimogyo - Enjoy a nine-course meal featuring Kyoto cuisine in the dining hall, or relax and take in views of the mountains in the indoor bath and spa. You can also visit the ryokan’s small but serene stone garden.
Honorable mention: Day trip to Uji
Uji is a historic city just south of Kyoto, easily accessible via a 20-minute train ride. Uji is best known for their matcha and green tea, and so most of the shops are centered around this. Stop by Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch (photo above) for high-end matcha souvenirs, or secure a spot at their attached restaurant. Be sure to order their matcha buckwheat noodles or their matcha beer!
Walk along the scenic Uji river for more matcha stores, selling everything from matcha tools and drinks to matcha-themed Hello Kitty plushies. Afterwards, head towards the Byōdo-in temple (photo above), a Buddhist temple with striking red exteriors and a reflecting pool.
Note: The newly-opened Nintendo Museum is also close to Uji, so if you’re a fan, I would definitely recommend a visit!
Author
Originally from California, Sydne has traveled solo around the world, documenting her trips mostly through pictures.
Instagram: @photosbysydne