KYOTO

STAY

Genji Kyoto - Boutique design hotel on the river, with beautiful views and common spaces

Hotel Kanra - Modern and centrally located hotel

EAT

Farmoon - Beautifully designed tea and lunch spot

Jiki Miyasawa - Kaiseki in the heart of Kyoto with 1 Michelin Star — special dining experience

Manzara Honten - Izakaya with an authentic but casual environment and an extensive selection of great dishes

Nakatani - Hidden Kaiseki spot in Gion recommended by a local

Omen - Udon near the Silver Pavilion, a perfect stop for lunch

Pizzaria da Ciro - Excellent Neopolitan pizza

Ramen Nishiki - Yummy ramen in Gion for a quick bite (pre/post massage at Hiyoshido)

Tearoom Toka - Gorgeous tea ceremony in traditional teahouse, well worth a stop (~60 mins)

To. - Excellent à la carte and inventive dishes

The Sodoh - Italian in a beautiful setting

Weekenders Coffee - Don’t miss this coffee shop (only open weekends)

Washoku San - In the land of Kasieki, Chef Endo stands out as a rising star hosting guests for special meal in an authentic teahouse (reserve here)

SEE

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Adventure through huge bamboo stalks. Stop by Okochi Sanso Villa for incredible gardens and views of the city

Enkōji Temple - A peaceful, gorgeous reprieve that has a rock garden and bamboo forest that became our favorite temple in all of Kyoto

Kamagawa River - Perfect for a stroll or bike ride

Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Impressive temple on top of a hill with views overlooking the city

Kyoto Imperial Palace - Worth a visit

Gion - Get lost in the Geisha district filled with restaurants, canals and amazing shopping (lots of antiques)

Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) - A must (touristy, go early)

Okochi Sanso Villa - Villa of famous Japanese actor with incredible gardens and views of the city (within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)

Philosopher’s Path - Beautiful stroll, even if you skip the Silver Pavilion

Ryoanji Rock Garden - Very famous and traditional zen garden (touristy, go early)

Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji temple) - Famous temple off Philosopher’s Path

Shugakuin + Katsura Imperial Villa - Worth a visit to one, reserve on the Imperial Household Agency site to access these incredible private properties

SHOP/Do

Asahido Craft - Amazing crafts and gifts shop

Hiyoshido Massage - Excellent shiatsu massages on back street in Gion (casual place but book ahead)

Pass the Baton - Beautiful concept shop in Gion with a great vintage curation

Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery - The most incredible ceramics dealer in Japan. By appointment only.

Shinmonzen Dori - Antique street in Gion