It seems like everyone going to Japan has Kyoto on their itinerary. Social media highlights places like Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the ever so popular Fushimi Inari Taisha with the vibrant orange gates. The historic district of Sannenzaka is bustling with tourists and trains are full; but despite the crowds, we found the real allure of Kyoto to be the kindness of the locals and strolling the quiet neighborhoods.
Stay
We stayed at the Moxy Kyoto. It was a clean, compact hotel room in a great location with the Kyoto Nijo Station nearby. The hotel had a bar and breakfast area and coin operated laundry - which was very helpful for a two week trip.
Nakagyo Ward
LIFE Supermarket - a large grocery store that was not only fun to explore, but great for snacks and fresh items.
New Delhi Indian Restaurant - we had to try this restaurant with 4.8 star rating and over 1000 reviews and were not disappointed. The flavors were incredible, the price was very affordable, and service was so hospitable.
Kafu - was a recommendation from a new local friend of Kyoto. Located on the Kyoto Sanjo Shopping Street, is Kafu, a ramen shop. The retro interior is simple and clean and the ramen is hot and flavorful.
Panscape - this is also on the Kyoto Sanjo Shopping Street and is a baked good chain I saw in other cities of Japan. The custard filled roll was delicious fresh out of the oven.
Neoki - J.J. found this coffee shop in walking distance from our hotel simply for its 5 star review. The uniqueness of Neoki is that its located in a neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle. When you happen upon Neoki, a wooden sliding door will reveal a small, but tastefully curated coffee shop where its owner, Yoshi, is ready to create a most delicious cup of coffee. We went twice in our two night stay and cannot decide if we enjoyed the coffee or conversation more. Yoshi is now a good friend of ours and we are grateful God crossed our paths!
Fushimi Ward
Vermillion Cafe - I admit, I was influenced by social media with Vermillion Cafe as were all of the tourists queuing for a chance to sit on their back deck overlooking a pond and the autumn trees. The food was fresh, the service was great, and the birds chirping, sun shining and ducks swimming were well worth the wait. This is also in the area with many shrines and the famous orange torii gates mentioned previously.
Shimogyo Ward
Bistro n/n - we stumbled upon this restaurant a few minutes before it opened and are so glad we did! Bistro n/n is a French restaurant with Japanese chefs and a 4.9 star review. We had a set meal with the choice of steak or fish with a front row seat of the chef and sous chef cooking. It was incredible service and delicious. When we left, they walked us to the door and waved as we departed.
Kamo River - we happened upon crossing the Kamo River at sunset and almost made us teary with joy. The quietness and beauty of God's Creation was breathtaking.
From Bistro n/n there's a shopping district that runs parallel to Hankyu Kyoto Line. We picked up some fun souvenirs and shopped at J.J.'s favorite outdoor gear store, Nanga.
Nakagyo Ward
Nijō Castle - we're so glad we didn't miss this Samurai castle from the early 1600s. You could easily spend half a day wandering the gardens, enjoying the views, and going through the castle itself. Something I found interesting was when you walked inside the castle made of cypress wood, the floors would creak from all the footsteps and mimic song birds. The way it was designed makes every detail a delight.
Sannenzaka Ward
This is the ever so popular historic district of Kyoto with pedestrian streets and souvenir shopping. We saw many people rent kimonos for the day and walk through the historic neighborhood as well as rickshaws pulled up the hilly streets powered by one man. It's a fun area for a short time.
There is an art to the way this country lives - perfecting their trade and creating beautiful things. The coffee barista is an artist as is the ramen shop owner. The pastry chef takes great care in every custard filled baked good and the shops are organized and inviting. Kyoto is a special place that is worth all the hype. Please visit and say hi to our friend, Yoshi!
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