Kyoto’s Travel Gems
Stay
A luxurious and affordable hotel with onsen in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district. The rooms are beautiful and there’s an amazing bath. Great access to Pontocho too!
Eat
Breakfast
A perfect starting point for the day, enjoy Starbucks in a traditional Taisho era tea house.
Lunch
BEAUTIFUL and delicious tempura! The sweet corn tempura is to die for!
Stunning cocktails and phenomenal food, particularly great for lunch!
Dinner
A great beef kaiseki experience. A little in the pricey side but worth the splurge.
The best ramen I’ve had in Japan, plus a burnt tip BBQ bowl 🤤A little out of the way but so worth the stop.
Dessert
Right next door to Yoshiharu are crème brûlée donuts that melt in your mouth!
Experience (In Kyoto)
One of the coolest Japan experiences, after dressing in kimono, enjoy a tea ceremony prepared by maiko or if you’re lucky geisha, including a song and dance performance. Much more affordable than I anticipated, especially with a group. Staff speaks great English too.
A massive Japanese market, perfect for trying tons of Kyoto’s best foods! Also a really cool spot for authentic Japan photos.
Near Ninenzaka street, this is a great start or end to a tour through the historic area!
Experience (Near Kyoto)
One of Japan’s most iconic locations, a must visit! Worth going early before the crowds for photo opportunities. While in the area, don’t miss a walk along the River.
Even more beautiful in person, you can’t miss the golden temple.
The 10,000 gates is one of my most favorite experiences in Japan. Similar to the bamboo forest, I’d recommend going early to avoid the crowds.
Bar Crawl
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