Kyoto
Kyoto
Jenn S
I found Kyoto to be such a perfect mix of culture, food, and drinks! I wish we had planned an extra day or two just to enjoy the city. Below I have a few food recs (I always search for ramen and gyoza) but I also feel like you can’t really go wrong with most places there! We also found some really interesting bars and I kept a few I wanted to go to but didn’t have time. I also included the key sights to see while here.
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Where to stay
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji
@explorewith_jenn
This was a great place to stay. It was clean with comfortable beds. The location was very central. We were able to walk most places and the bus stops were just a few minutes away.
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Places to eat
BREIZH Café Crêperie Kyoto
@explorewith_jenn
If you are walking the Philosophers path this is a great place to stop!
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Gyoza Hohei
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I can’t explain what sets this gyoza apart from the others but it’s So delicious. Go, put your name on the list. It’s worth it. The wait doesn’t end up being that long!
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VINAINO kyoto
@explorewith_jenn
If you need a break from ramen this hidden Italian Restaurant is delicious! It’s down an alley and the owner/ chef is not only a great chef but very hospitable!
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Menbaka Fire Ramen
@explorewith_jenn
I read about this place but it was booked out while we were there. If you do decide you want to go, plan ahead and make a reservation!
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Ramen Sen-no-Kaze Kyoto
@explorewith_jenn
I read about this place and we did walk by but the line was way too long. I’m torn about famous ramen spots. I’ve never had bad ramen in Japan! If you do eat here I’d love to know if it was worth the wait!
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Tiger Gyoza Kawaramachi
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Kushikura
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We had a great lunch here! Great yakitori and it’s set inside a traditional old house.
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Pontocho Park
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This alley way is full of bars and restaurants. Some have patios with lovely views of the river walk (you may need a reservation during high season), some look a little touristy, and some look like the perfect spot for a meal! Part of the fun is wandering through here and finding a spot you like :)
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Cocktail bars
BEE’S KNEES
@explorewith_jenn
If you go to any coctail bars, pick this one! great cocktails and super friendly bartenders
Worlds 50 best
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L'Escamoteur
@explorewith_jenn
This bar is worth a visit not just for the cocktails but also for the show while they make the drinks! Not only are the cocktails unique, you may get a little fire or magic with your order!
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Bar KAKTEL(Prohibition cocktails and modern twists)
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This is a very small and intimate bar that was recommended to us by a bartender at Bee’s Knees.
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Kakimaru Ayanokoji
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Things to do
Fushimi Inari Taisha
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The famous shrine. The biggest tip I have is when you start walking through the gates just keep going. So many people stop to take photos and don’t walk through most of the gates. We went as quickly as we could past the crowd and then had a peaceful quiet walk through the gates!
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Ninenzaka
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This is a very cute (and popular) area. It’s worth wandering around, finding a quiet coffee shop and looking at some souvenirs. Go early if you want less crowded photos (like 7/8 am!)
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Higashiyama Jisho-ji
@explorewith_jenn
Walk from here to Nanzenji Temple along the Philospher’s path. This pavilion has a lovely garden to walk through.
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Beginning Philosopher’s path
@explorewith_jenn
This is a lovely quiet path to walk along from one pavilion to the other!
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Kiyomizu-dera
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Arashiyama Itsukichaya
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
@explorewith_jenn
I don’t think this needs to be a must do. The actual bamboo forest is just a short path. If you plan to do this, have lunch and see the area a bit it’s a fun afternoon!
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
@explorewith_jenn
If you go to the bamboo forest this is a fun stop. You do need to walk up a hill, but the view from the top are great! The monkeys are fun to watch. They don’t jump on the people at all. There is a small hut you can go in and then feed the monkeys through bars (I still wouldn’t but that’s me!)
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Kichi Kichi Omurice
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Gyoza ChaoChao (Shijo-Kawaramachi Branch)
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K36 (The Bar & Rooftop)
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I saved this because I love a rooftop but we didn’t make it here
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Bar Liquor Museum
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nokishita711 Gin and cocktail labo
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GIN BAR C&D 先斗町
@explorewith_jenn
This is a very small bar with a wide selection of gin. We were excited to try some new to us types. The bartender was slow to warm up and chat with us so we didn’t stay as long as we would have. If you like gin it’s a cool stop!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jenn S
Hello! My favorite way to explore a new city is through their diverse food and drink scenes. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or indulging in street food, I’m all about the local flavors. From dive bars to upscale spots, I appreciate them all! Whether it’s a fine wine or a well crafted cocktail or a beer on a plastic stool- they all show a side to a city. I’m the type to dive deep into research before setting foot in a new place, making sure I don’t miss out on anything! However, I also love wandering and finding the off beat spots- that’s where the real magic happens!
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