Kyoto

Located in the Kansai region and once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is more a traditional, cultural experience than modern Tokyo. Pocket Precincts describes it as “showing a sensitivity to the past while keeping an eye on the future.” Temples and shrines, ancient arts, Zen gardens, cherry blossoms (in the Spring… along with crowds to see them)… it is a spiritual city.

Transparently, I don’t know Kyoto very well (yet!) so this page is broken up differently.

I often take cabs here. Have Google Maps handy if you don’t speak any Japanese!

 

Northern Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji

Northern Kyoto - Coffee

Recommended
Highly

Notes
I shipped coffee from here to the US at the start of the pandemic and shipping was more than the cost of the coffee, unsurprisingly. It was so well-packaged and the quality was superb. I have not been to their store, but I hope to go on my next trip. Please check them out!

Northern Kyoto - Scenic

Recommended
Highly

Notes
The Golden Pavilion and one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. From what I recall, there were a few food stalls while wandering the grounds.

Shinto shrine I have not been to yet, but was recommended by someone who loves Kyoto!

If time allows

Southern Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Southern Kyoto - Coffee

Recommended
Highly

Notes
As of August 2024, it is temporarily closed but they say they’re opening back soon! Also a location on the shrine grounds. Great coffee, welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff.

Southern Kyoto - Scenic

Recommended
Highly

Notes
Shinto shrine well-known for its hundreds of red torii gates. Food booths just outside the shrine good for a snack!

Central and Eastern Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera

Central and Eastern Kyoto - Hotels

Recommended
Sure :)

Notes
Taking the bullet train from Tokyo, having the hotel right in Kyoto Station was incredibly convenient. On the pricier side, but I was able to use points to stay for 2 nights. I’m pretty sure they put as the end of the hall since I said I was traveling with a kid (nephew) so it was a surprising long walk from the elevator, haha. A very pleasant stay.

Central and Eastern Kyoto - Coffee

Recommended
If time allows

Notes
Donut shop near Nishiki Market that was recommended. Haven’t been yet!

Fancy cafe a short walk north of Nishiki Market that had 1.5 hour wait so will have to go next time.

If time allows

Tiny Starbucks with Kyoto interior in Ninenzaka. Limited seating upstairs. Something different!

If time allows

Central and Eastern Kyoto - Restaurants

Recommended
If time allows

Notes
Soba shop that is pretty far north. On my list to check out next time! Near the Kyoto National Garden.

Udon shop pretty far northeast. Haven’t been yet, but was recommended.

If time allows

A simple chain with good variety and locations throughout Japan. Just south of Kyoto Station. Haven’t been to this one myself but want to check it out.

If time allows

Sadly, no

Ramen that was inexpensive but pretty average. Cash only. Some staff were nice; some were a little less so.

Central and Eastern Kyoto - Shopping

Recommended
If time allows

Notes
A bit of an odd inclusion, but right by Kyoto Station and mailed post cards from here. Basic Japanese is probably best but the person was super friendly!

Small pedestrian street with older architecture and Kyoto charm. Good to head after Kiyomizu-dera. Coming from Kiyomizu-dera, there was a little shop on the right (can’t find it on Google Maps) right after turning at the sign to Ninenzaka. Maybe 5 shops down the stairs? Sells furikake (Japanese blend of dried seaweed and spices to put on rice) and they were handing out samples. One had a little spice but was so good, we bought some to take home! If you hit the Starbucks, you’ve gone too far.

Highly

Caricature shop in Ninenzaka. Found it on IG but my nephew wasn’t feeling it at the time. Next time.

If time allows

If you’re a Ghibli fan, then this is a Highly. Big statue of Kiki and Totoro, lots of fun merch. In Ninenzaka.

If time allows

It’s under Shopping but I was excited for all the food shops. Grabbed small bites here and there!

Highly

If you’re even reading this, just go. The Pikachu on my Home page is a Kyoto exclusive! May be the largest Pokemon Center we went to.

If time allows

Central and Eastern Kyoto - Scenic

Notes
Also an iconic Kyoto Buddhist temple. We took the bus and walked up from the main street (follow the people). Lots of shops and great for souvenirs and snacks. Goshuin was at the very top in the back left at a small building.

Recommended
Highly

Tradition Zen garden; small entry fee to get inside the temple. A short walk west from Ninenzaka. Goshuin was right inside the door after you pay (same booth, just after the pay point on your left). There wasn’t someone there to make one in our books, so they gave us a separate page (not uncommon) to put in the book.

Highly

If time allows

Buddhist temple that is on my list to check out (a little far northeast), based on a recommendation.

Western Kyoto

Arashiyama

Western Kyoto - Scenic

Recommended
Highly

Notes
If you’ve seen a picture of a bamboo forest in Japan, it is likely from here. Earlier in the day is better for minimizing the crowd. It’s pretty far northwest. Pretty sure I wandered to other sites near here but don’t recall specifics to write here…