Ohara is ‘countryside’ Kyoto – impressive temples, tasty cuisine, and interesting souvenir shops set among the rice paddies of a small village about an hour’s bus ride from Kyoto Station. For visitors who want to see a different Kyoto, Ohara is a great day or overnight trip from the city center. Ohara is split into … More Kyoto’s Ohara District
With seventeen different locations recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, and many other incredible places not on ‘the list’, Kyoto is normally packed with tourists. With basic precautions (wear a mask, social distance, wash hands often…), a visit to Kyoto, before inbound tourists return, should be at the top of the list for anyone … More Kyoto 2022 – Without Inbound Tourists
Kinkakuji Temple underwent roof renovations in 2020. Kyoto’s most famous landmark is now more beautiful than ever. The brown wood roof will darken with time, but is currently a new ‘golden’ color. … More Kyoto’s Kinkakuji, the ‘Golden Pavilion’
Kyoto’s Shirakawa, or ‘white river’, was so named due to fine-grained white sand that, in the past, was carried downstream from the mountains. A lovely section of the Shirakawa, which is now just a shallow stream, connects the Heian Shrine with Gion Higashi – where it runs into the Kamo River. There are cafes, restaurants, … More Shirakawa Mini-Walk, Central Kyoto
Searching for a restaurant in Kyoto can be intimidating and/or overwhelming. Here are a few places that I have wandered into by myself, without prior reservations. They are also appropriate for couples and small groups. These restaurants are not famous, but they are authentic and very reasonable – especially considering the quality and quantity of … More Reasonable Dining – Central Kyoto
Kyoto is full of famous sightseeing spots, but wandering around in the evening, looking for just the right restaurant, is an attraction of its own. I strongly recommend that you do not eat dinner at your hotel or ryokan. The neighborhoods listed below have great atmosphere, are very safe at night, and are full of … More Kyoto: Best Neighborhoods for Dining
When in Kyoto, Gion Mametora is a fantastic choice for those looking to dine on unique local cuisine. The restaurant serves kaiseki ryori, an elegant course menu based on what’s in season. However, its speciality is mamezushi – small, roundish, bite-sized sushi. Also called ‘maiko-zushi’, they were originally designed for Maiko (Kyoto’s apprentice geisha) so … More Kyoto Restaurant: Gion Mametora
Kodaiji is one of Kyoto’s best temples, established in 1606 by Kita-no-Mandokoro in memory of her late husband, the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Kita-no-Mandokoro’s nickname was ‘Nene’, and the cobblestone street lined with traditional shops and restaurants that runs just below the temple bears her name ‘Nene-no-michi’ (Nene’s street). Kodaiji is open daily from 9:00 … More Kyoto ‘Must See’ Kodaiji Night Illuminations
I’ve walked these areas again & again, and never get tired of them. However, as a local, I do often skip the really famous sites and concentrate on the lesser-known spots nearby. Gion’s Kenninji Temple Kyoto ‘Top 3’ Recommended Courses for First Time Visitors 1) Philosopher’s Path Take a taxi or bus to Ginkakuji Temple. … More Kyoto ‘Top 3’ Recommended Courses for First Time Visitors
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