Kyoto

Kyoto feels like the loveliest step back in time. Tradition, spirit, and beauty, permeate through every space. If deeply rooted culture and heritage is what you’re seeking, look no further.

Unlike the hustle and bustle and towering skyscrapers of Tokyo, Kyoto is slower pace with a small town feel. In this city you will find the essence of Japan, with its many temples, natural spaces, and cultural practices. Eat, explore, and stay in Kyoto!

Where to eat and drink

Wagyu Ryotei Bungo

This restaurant specializes in Wagyu beef from all over Japan, including the delicious Oita Wagyu. If you love beef, this restaurant is a must try! The menu is prepared in a course style, offering 11 different tantalizing dishes in an intimate setting at the Nazuna Tsubaki St. location. I still think about the beef tail soup! Probably my favorite dinner in Kyoto!

Tsujiri Kyoto

Tsujiri was founded by Tsujiiemon Tsuji, who invented a preservation teabox and established the Gyokuro manufacturing method, which finishes Gyokuro tea leaves with a beautiful, needle-like, bright green color. He was greatly impactful to the tea industry we know. Today, Tsujiri is still using these methods and high quality Uji tea in all of their products + locations. I visited their location in the Gion District.

Earth to table Michelin rated soba shop in Kyoto. The Soba master, Akiya Ishibashi is part of every step and process of his hand made soba from tilling the earth, harvesting the buckwheat berries, all the way to cutting the noodles. A true celebration of soba.

This world renowned restaurant featured on Chef’s Table, is known for their pizza, but specializes in seasonal wood fired cuisine. 7 course tasting style menu highlighting the best of the season. Intimate dining experience perfect for you or you and a guest. Nestled along the Philisopher’s Path.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a shopping marketplace located in downtown Kyoto offering different shops and food vendors that has been around 400 years! Like most other market places in Japan, there are a wide variety of tasty snacks to try and fun items to buy. It is another must visit in Kyoto!

  • The Matcha Tokyo

    The Matcha Tokyo is a sleek and modern matcha chain in Tokyo serving high quality organic matcha. Multiple locations throughout Tokyo.

  • Boul'ange

    Bou’lange is a Perisian inspired bakery serving your classic French pastries with a Japanese twist. I love their arabiki shiso pastry! I visited the Shibuya location.

  • HenriCharpentier

    HenriCharpentier is a high end sweets focused cafe. Serving seasonal sweet creations you can get dessert to go from the case or sit in the salon and have the full experience.

  • Shimokita Railway St & Reload

    Shimokitazawa is trendy for many reasons, but their food offerings at the rotating Shimokita Railway St. and reload space are incredible.

Matcha

Matcha, matcha, matcha! Kyoto is known for tradition, temples, and of course Matcha thanks to a town in southern Kyoto called Uji. Uji is the birthplace of matcha and one of the the largest producing places of matcha in the world. With so many different varietals, tea growers, and producers, matcha is widely abundant in Kyoto. I highly recommend bringing matcha back!

  • Azuki To Kouri

    Azuki To Kouri is a kakigori shop run by a pastry chef who formerly worked at a French Michelin starred restaurant. They highlight the beauty of kakigori focusing on seasonal ingredients. They also serve french toast, soup, and tea. There are only 7 seats, so reservations are a must.

  • Bricolage Bread & Co

    Bricolage Bread & Co was founded by a chef and baker after creating a soup kitchen to aid in relief after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011. Now, with a strong following, they aim to share happiness through food, bread, and coffee in their own DIY way.

  • Shirubee Shimokitazawa

    Shirubee is a lively izakaya in shimokitazawa. A real local spot to grab some drinks and great bites. I love the atmosphere. You take off your shoes in the front and sit at low tables on floor. A real cozy vibe.

Depachika

Depachika is a department store floor dedicated to food. It is usually located on the basement floor (hence the name chika = basement and depa from depaato = department store) and is genius concept. Most major department store shopping buildings have a floor full of a variety of high end food and grocery options. You can get everything from beautiful desserts, to ekiben (train bento), to extra gourmet fruits, to simple deli items. I am like a kid in a candy store in depachika…I love them! A tip for extra discounts is to head to the depachika about half and hour before closing !

  • Craft Curry Brothers

    Craft Curry Brothers is a charming little curry place with a camping feel hidden outside of the SMI:RE hotel in Yoyogi, serving some deeply spiced curry. I recommend the pork rib or keema curry!

  • Jikasei MENSHO

    Jikasei MENSHO is a ramen empire at this point, but for good reason. I had the Yuzu Tori Paitan with wagyu roast beef..it was so good! I visited the Shibuya location in the Parco.

  • BiOcafe

    BiOcafe is an organic cafe using completely pesticide free ingredients with a focus on health and beauty. All the products are carefully sourced and prepared. The salad bar + bread that come with the main dish are so fresh!

  • Brown Rice

    Brown Rice is a vegan restaurant focusing on whole foods and high quality ingredients from farmers and producers all over Japan. They highlighting those products by creating nourishing whole food focused meals.

What to do

Shopping

  • all BEAMS stores

  • Dover Street Market

  • EVISU

  • BAPE

  • Onitsuka Tiger

  • HUMAN MADE

  • MUJI

  • UNIQLO FLAGSHIP STORE

  • Vintage stores in Shimokitazawa and Omotesando

  • 15/e Organic

  • Don Quijote

  • 2nd Street

  • Stussy

  • Tower Records

  • Mandrake

  • Kith

There is so much shopping in Japan. Be sure to check out all the major neighborhoods and stores in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Omotesando, Shimokitazawa, and Akihabara!

Sights

  • Meiji Shrine

  • Tsukiji Market

  • Piss Alley

  • Senso-ji / Kaminarimon Gate

  • Shibuya Crossing

  • Tokyo Skytree

  • Ryogoku Kokugikan

  • Sumo Stadium

  • Yoyogi Park

  • Tokyo Tower

  • Nezu Museum

  • Yayoi Kusama Museum

  • Ghibli Museum

  • Teamlab Borderless

Where to stay

Minimalistic luxury with a sophisticated elegeance, The Edition Hotel is a relaxing home away from home. Beautiful views of the city and Tokyo tower await you. This bar offers a vibrant green bar and restaurant, meeting spaces, spa and more. This hotel has a Famima!! (Family Mart Kobini) right outside and is conveniently located near the subway stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon, and is steps away from Tokyo’s best neighborhoods and attractions.

Conveniently located in the heart of Shibuya right above Shibuya crossing, the Excel Hotel is a comfortable and functional hotel. On the older side in terms of design and decor, but the location cannot be beat. All the iconic Tokyo attractions are just moments away.