Kyoto made me forget about schedules and just explore. From hidden tea shops to golden temples, these are my favorite finds and the moments that made me fall for Japan’s most peaceful city.
Sections
5
Restaurants I loved
Bars to drink the night away
Landmarks and Fun!
Shopping until you drop
Hotels we stayed at
Restaurants I loved
Kyoto has a lot of restaurants so it’s hard to just pick a few but these are my favorites
Sushi on a rotating belt. You can’t go wrong.
Kura Sushi Plus Kyoto
We randomly found this place and it was amazing. When we got home from Japan, I spent at least an hour trying to find this place and save it in my bookmarks.
Yakiniku Hiro - Kyoto Tower Sando
Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage Pancake) cannot be beat, This is a great place to try it.
Donguri Kyoto Station
Matcha Tiramisu. I search for it here in NOVA. I haven't found it.
MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto Kawaramachi
This was a peaceful retreat in the middle of the extremely crowded Nishiki market.
THE CITY BAKERY Kyoto Nishiki St.
It will be shoulder to shoulder. Don't be afraid to try the random samples in a stall. *you can grab a $1 first time sake sample every day from both places, they won't care.
Nishiki Market
Bars to drink the night away
There’s also no shortage of bars
Daichi was our bartender here and he was fantastic. They had a great whiskey selection.
BAR LIQUOR MUSEUM Karasumananazyo, Kyoto, Japan
Beer beer and more beer. What else can you ask for?
Kyoto Beer Lab
This bar was between my hotel and the shopping street. I had a great time here and even talked a bit of Japanese with a local!
Stand Umineko Koto CRAFT BEER STAND
Landmarks and Fun!
Kyoto is shrine and Temple heaven. There’s no shortage of shrines temples or things to do.
Get here early or get here late. The shrine is super crowded. Walk towards the top for less people and an amazing view.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Amazing views of the city. A must visit.
Nidec The Kyoto Tower
If you want a giant plushy, you have to get here early. Pretty cool museum with some interactive fun stuff to do.
Nintendo Museum
The area around Arashiyana is actually better than the bamboo forest.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
I love this temple so much. I’ve visited twice and plan to go here on my third trip.
KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE
Shopping until you drop
Buy a Japanese chef knife here, bring it home in your carry-on.
Seisuke Knife - Kyoto
Hotel Miru is right next to the shopping street. I spent a lot of time walking up and down the shopping street.
Shinkyogoku Shopping District (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ...
Tea for purchase and tea for drinking.
Ujicha Specialty Store Fujiya Chaho · Kyoto, Kyoto
I stop here every time I’m in Kyoto. I really enjoy picking up new incense.
Yamaguchiya Buddhist altar articles and souvenir store · Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotels we stayed at
This hotel was a typically sized Japanese hotel but still amazing. The team showed amazing hospitality and gave us great suggestions.
Miru Kyoto Nishiki: A Tranquil Stay in the Heart of Kyoto
We stayed here on our first trip. It was luxurious. Heated bathroom floors and a private in room onsen. It featured a rooftop lounge with amazing views of Kyoto. I want to stay here again.
