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 Neapolitan pizza, for a break from Japanese

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

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

Washoku San - For Kasieki, Chef Endo stands out as a rising star hosting guests for special dinners in a historic 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 - Touristy but fun to 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 (located in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)

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

Ryoanji Rock Garden - 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 in historic building 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

Drinks

The Shinmonzen​ - Sister property to Chateau Lacoste, designed by Tadao Ando. Fun for a drink or tea!

The Common One - Incredible bar in back streets of Gion

TIPS

  • Kyoto can feel very touristy. If you’re planning to go to the “key” sites (Arashiyama, Ryoanji, Gold or Silver pavilions), go early. Or don’t go, there are so many beautiful spots!