🇯🇵 KYOTO
If you only read one thing for your next trip to Kyoto, this will have you covered.
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Follow my Google Map of Kyoto - every location on this list (and more) is pinned
Table of Contents:
GENERAL
Travel from Tokyo > Kyoto
Tokyo Station > Kyoto Station: The Nozomi line is the fastest (2 hr 15 min)
For tours, I recommend booking with Chris Rowthron tours. Book with Koko! She’s the very best
Go for a traditional Japanese green tea ceremony (I list a few places below)
TO DO
Arashiyama - Bamboo Forest
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavillion)
Southern Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Shrine + Tofuku-ji Temple
TO STAY
Hotel The Mitsui - could not recommend this hotel more. The perfect mix between a traditional, tranquil stay you would receive in a ryokan experience and being in the heart of the city. Save a day to experience the thermal spas!
RESTAURANTS
Dinner
Mouriya Gion / モーリヤ祇園 - Kobe beef
Hyotei - 3 michelin star Kaiseki meal
** Be prepared that Kaiseki cuisine might not be your favorite (think jelly textures, red bean paste, and raw fish), but it’s a traditional Japanese dinner and the experience and history at Hyotei is truly special.
Sushi Gion Matsudaya / 寿し 祇園 松田屋
Lunch
Moritaya - Kiyamachi - Japanese Shabu Shabu
Honke Owariya Main Branch - Famous soba noodles + great donburi
Breakfast
STARDUST - Vegan cafe
Bars
NEIGHBORHOODS
Northern Higashiyama
Shops/galleries – Kyoto Yamahon, Rokurokudo, 日日 gallery nichinichi / 冬夏 tearoom toka, Kapital
Nishiki Market (for lunch)
Shops/galleries – Kawai Kanjiro’s House, T.T, POJ Studio
