Kyoto is in many ways a contrast to Tokyo. The town is much smaller and in a way cozier. There are lots of small Japanese izakaya, temples, old beautiful buildings and small vintage shops. We love Kyoto and it is definitely a recommendation to spend a few days there. The distances are a lot shorter than Tokyo and therefore you can also get around to a lot more things in one day. Therefore, you can just take 2-3 days here if it is just a detour on your further tour of Japan.
Where to live?
In Kyoto you can find many cozy hotels and the style is a little different than in Tokyo. Many of the hotels radiate a more "zen" vibe, which we especially love if you just need a break from the big city. Hotel rooms can be small, so if you want to find something decent, you must book well in advance. But even if you book a double room, it does not necessarily mean that the room is bigger, just that the bed is bigger. The prices in Kyoto are a little cheaper than in, for example, Tokyo, so here you may be lucky to get a little more for your money.
In addition, you can also find many wonderful "ryokan" in Kyoto, which is a traditional Japanese inn/hotel. It's a nice way to live a little more Japanese than in a normal hotel. Here you often sleep on a tatami mat or futon on the floor. A third option is Airbnb. There are many good offers, but often the apartments are as small as a hotel room and the price is almost the same.
Here are our best picks for hotels and ryokan:
Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
This hotel has been one of our go-to places as it is just such a lovely and comfortable place.
Cinq Ryokan
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Where to eat and drink?
They maintain the good quality of food all over Japan. That's why we also stick to our claim that you won't get a bad meal in Japan! Although Kyoto is not as busy as Tokyo, you still need to be patient if you want to eat at the good places. There can often be a queue, but it's worth the wait.
Here are our top recommendations for places to eat:
Nishiki Market
Here you will find plenty of Japanese street food, ceramics and Japanese art
No Name Ramen Shop
The restaurant may not have a name, but the quality of their ramen is top notch!
Izuju Sushi
You can never go wrong with sushi in Japan. This little cozy sushi place is no exception.
Sushi Gion Matsudaya
This sushi place is on Japan's Michelin guide and is therefore also one of the more expensive places. The restaurant only has room for 6 people at a time, so the chef can give all visitors the very best experience.
Gyoza Hohei
Gyoza is a must when you are in Japan and this place in Kyoto is worth a visit.
Gion Duck Rice
A small place located in a basement, in a long corridor. So keep your eyes open when you need to find the place. The concept is rice and duck, where you make yourself a little miso soup to pour over. It looks like a little laboratory of spices and delicious things you can prepare your food with.
Motoi Gyoza
A cozy little place that you will also find on Japan's Michelin guide. The menu consists of the most delicious gyoza and noodle soup!
Cactô
If you miss a slightly more Western breakfast, this is a super delicious place, with a view of the Kamo River. Here you can get avocado toast, fluffy pancakes and good coffee.
Good coffee spots:
Weekends Coffee Tominokoji
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Kurasu Kyoto
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Starbucks Gion
Reportedly one of the nicest Starbucks around. It is located in a beautiful old building.
% Arabica Higashiyama
It's a chain, but their coffee and iced coffee are really good!
What you don't want to miss in Kyoto!
Hōkan-ji Temple - “Yasaka-no-tou”
The fine temple is located in Kyoto's old town Gion. Here the streets are crooked and the buildings are old and beautiful. It is especially in this area that you see many dressed in kimono. There are several places where you can rent a kimono for the day. It may well be experienced as a bit touristy, but it looks really nice in the streetscape. Here you can also eat ice cream with gold leaf!
Fushimi Inari-taisha
Here you can take a fantastic walk through hundreds of orange traditional gates set out in beautiful surroundings. This is also a bit touristy, but something you don't want to miss either.
Maruyama Park
This park is especially known for its cherry trees, and is the center of Kyoto when there is “Sakura” (the cherry blossoms that pop out). The main attraction is "The Weeping Cherry Tree", which is lit up at night. It can get crowded here in high season.
Nijo Castle
Beautiful Japanese castle with a nice garden all around. Take a walk around or book a guided tour, with stories from the "Shogun" era.
Kinkakuji Temple
A temple covered with gold. Take a walk in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the sight of the amazing temple.
Yasaka Shrine
Located in the Gion district, Yasaka Shrine is a Japanese shrine with traditional red gates and decorated with hundreds of beautiful lanterns. Come in the evening and see the many lanterns light up.
Tea ceremony
In Kyoto there are several places where you can experience a Japanese tea ceremony. Make sure you book a place with few visitors at a time. It's a bit touristy, but it's still very interesting as it gives an insight into Japanese culture. A cup of tea is not just a cup of tea, there is a lot of fuss about making a good cup of matcha tea.
Shopping // Vintage shopping
Kyoto is full of fine old vintage shops. There is plenty of opportunity to buy a beautiful silk kimono or some beautiful Japanese ceramics. In addition, you will also find many fine paper shops, where you will find, among other things, beautiful "washi prints", which is a traditionally finely made Japanese paper.
