Kyoto is probably the most beautiful city I have lived in so far, it is what I had imagined Japan to be like. Tea Houses, Temples, people wearing Kimono. On top of that, I discovered a plethora of rivers flowing through this ancient city. Wonky bridge and narrow winding streets, along with a very peaceful lifestyle is what makes this city so special to me.
Compared to Tokyo, this place is much calmer, there is no sense of urgency. People go along with their business and I guess wearing traditional clothing does its part to slow things down a bit. Having worn a Kimono a few times, it is not a garment that lets you hurry or do things in a rush. The sleeves for one, are a real challenge, as you trying not to knock things over, you find yourself slowing down and plan your next move. It is rather refreshing.
Now that I have spent a few months in this wonderful city, I have found plenty of amazing places. Some, that the big City Guides are mentioning, some that I just happen to walk by or that I was told about by local friends. So this is a compilation of “my Kyoto”. The places I love.
Where to Eat in Kyoto
As the name “Let’s Travel and Eat”suggests, food and where to get it plays a major part in my life. Now one thing I want to mention, I am neither a snob nor am I trying to do things as cheaply as possible. I am trying to find special things, experiences, and above all – great value.
So these are the cafes, restaurants and small shops in Kyoto I would love to go back to.
“Murmur Cafe”
A small cafe overlooking the Takase River is a real hidden gem. Get a coffee, breakfast set or cupcake, sit on the porch outside and just relax…
Location and more info: https://bit.ly/2LhZvTb
“Vermillion Cafe”
Hands down my favorite Breakfast/Brunch place. Must visit if you are near Fushimi Inari Shrine!
Check out my full review here: https://obsessedwithjapan.com/vermillion-cafe-kyotos-best-brunch/
Location and more info: http://bit.ly/35OXPrW
“Slow Jet Coffee”
Well hidden in plain sight, this is the perfect stop if you are sight-seeing in Higashiyama. Sit on their terrace with a formidable view on the Yasaka pagoda or get cozy under a “Kotatsu” a low, wooden table covered by a heavy blanket. It does not get more Japanese than that.
Check out my full review here: https://obsessedwithjapan.com/slow-jet-coffee-kyoto/
Location: http://bit.ly/3qsm0Eo
“Gion Shirakawa Ramen”
The first Ramen I ever finished! This is a real Kyoto secret, so if you love your Ramen, bookmark this.
Check out my full review here: https://obsessedwithjapan.com/gion-shirakawa-ramen-kyoto/
Location: http://bit.ly/3nTyHqe
“Tarokichi Yakitori Restaurant”
This is a fancier Yakitori. Normally these places are very local, often smokey and loud, but this is the Kyoto version. Surrounded by the typical Kyoto style private winter garden if you sit in the back. The food is served on clay dishes, beautiful and delicious, but with Izakaya prices, cannot beat that!
Check out my full review here: https://obsessedwithjapan.com/tarokichi-yakitori-restaurant/
Location: http://bit.ly/39L1I2l
“Le Bac a Sable”
Le Bac a Sable is my favorite bakery in Kyoto, because of its small tarts and quiches. Once you tried them you understand why. Freshly bakes every day they make you feel like you are in France, delicious and best of all affordable 🙂
Location: http://bit.ly/30Zhz9e
More Kyoto restaurants and cafes added soon…
What to Visit in Kyoto
Kyoto is amazing! To be honest, if you would just get off the bus or train and randomly walk around, you would find phenomenal sights. The ones I am sharing with you are the ones I enjoyed the most.
“Yasaka Koshindo Temple”
Kyoto’s most colorful temple, great for photography!
Check out my Video: https://youtu.be/og5PevFs3kk
Location and more info: https://bit.ly/2WcnDsV
“Fushimi Inari Shrine”
This should be on everyone’s list when visiting Kyoto, just a 10min train ride to the south are the famous red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make sure you have about 2h to fully enjoy them.
Check out my Video: coming soon!
Location and more info: https://bit.ly/2WcnDsV
More Kyoto sights and places added soon…
Kyoto Hangouts
Hangouts for me are places I like to spend some time. They might have no educational value but are either fun to go to and “waste” sometimes (surely time is never wasted when you are having fun).
You will find many outdoor spots here, as I love nature and it is sometimes hard to find a nice spot to just recharge. These are some of my favorites.
“The Lemonade Square”
Yes, I made this one up, as it does not have an official name (yet). It is a green square shared by a few coffee shops, a brewery, and the Lemonade shop. Bring your own food or buy something there. Everything goes. I love it.
How to get here: http://bit.ly/2XS5uRT
(The link brings you to a coffee shop next to the square)
“Kamo River”
Flowing through the heart of Kyoto it is where life happens. People old and young come here for lunch, drinks, and hang out. The perfect place to just chill a little. And if you go up the stream you will find some turtle stones that help you cross the river…
How to get here: http://bit.ly/2M3Zv9J
(The link shows Sanjoo Bridge, a great place to access the rive walkway)
More Hangouts added soon…
Random Things I Found and Loved
I love traditional things, artsy stuff, and unusual things. So these are my favorite things I found and loved in Kyoto.
“Geisha Performance”
Although often a bit pricier, if you are visiting this is as a once in a lifetime experience. It will leave you with a different appreciation for Japan and it is one of the most mesmerizing things I got to see and experience old Japanese culture first hand.
Check out my Video: https://youtu.be/xxfiaL7wnRU
“NEKOANA”
A souvenir store dedicated to cats. So if you are looking for that perfect feline souvenir, this is it and the lady who runs it is absolutely lovey…
How to get here: http://bit.ly/3qvNtF6
More to be added soon…
This is only the start…
And yes, this is not the end! There are so many places to see and don’t get me started on the list of restaurants and cafes in Kyoto that I yet have to visit. The list is growing every day. So watch this space, as this is my ultimate Kyoto guide and I will keep adding to it. <3
