Ruthi Daugherty

Travels

Kyoto

IMG_8778.jpg
 

We arrived to our apartment in Kyoto to find a beautiful view of the historic town and the hills that overlook it.

Our location was ideal as it was central to most things that interested us. We would walk out the door and along a small creek that ran through the city to go get coffee in the mornings. Wandering through small alleyways filled with shops and giant food markets that show cased odd seafood, among many other items.

A long walk through the historic Gion district led us to sunset at a temple on a hill, overlooking the city. Then we found a small sushi bar to duck into before ending up at a french-owned, magic themed bar.

Our last day there was rainy and peaceful, a pretty magical way to end a trip in Kyoto.

 
IMG_2354.jpeg
IMG_2363.jpeg
 
IMG_2348.jpeg
 
IMG_2439.jpeg

STAY

  • Bijuu Residence - This private apartment is huge and features really nice design elements. It has views of the hills and is on a really cute street in a good part of the city. There’s even a hot tub in the middle of the kitchen island!

  • Hoshinoya Kyoto

 
IMG_2446.jpeg
IMG_2076.jpeg
 
IMG_2390.jpeg

COFFEE, TEA & JUICE

  • Weekenders Coffee - Cute coffee shop tucked off the street with delicious coffee.

  • Drip & Drop Coffee Supply - Little coffee stand serving their own roasted beans.

  • Blue Bottle - This location is stunning! In a converted, 100-year old building, the design details are thoughtful and the space is a nice place to hang out.

  • Dongree - Tiny cafe making pour-overs on camping stoves. They feature a rotation of 5 different Kyoto coffee roasters.

  • Wife & Husband

  • Walden Woods

  • %ARABICA

 
IMG_8535.jpg
 
IMG_2394.jpeg

FOOD

  • Naruto Taiyaki Hompo - Stand serving taiyaki--the sweet potato flavor is delish!

  • Stardust - Daytime cafe with a fresh, vegan menu. It’s a light lunch but a very special and intentional menu.

  • Mumokuteki Cafe & Foods - Vegetarian-friendly cafe in a home goods and apparel store.

  • Sushi Taka - Good, quick and casual sushi spot

  • Gion Tsujiri - Stopped here for some match ice cream--a perfect, not-too-sweet dessert.

  • Monk - looks amazing and was sad it was closed during our visit. Make a reservation far in advance.

IMG_2487.jpeg
IMG_2488.jpeg

DRINKS

  • Nokishita711 Gin & Cocktail Labo - A pay-what-you-want gin bar run by one guy who is a complete artist. Each drink is unique and has really interesting preparations and garnishes (like burned sugar pulled into a web). Not our favorite drinks, but a wonderful & special experience!

  • L'Escamoteur - A very popular, magic-themed bar run by a french guy with and an extensive menu of decent cocktails. Get there early or be ready to wait in line. 

  • Sayura

  • Forum Kyoto

 
 

ACTIVITIES

  • Gion District - Historic district in Kyoto with old architecture and historic temples and walkways.

  • Kiyomizu-dera - Beautiful temple in a quiet neighborhood.

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha (Orange Gates)

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

  • Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

IMG_8631.jpg
IMG_2419.jpeg

TRAVEL

  • The entire city is easily traversed by foot, train, or bus. It can feel kind of spread out, but neighborhoods and areas are definitely highly walkable.

  • There are no app-enabled bikes or scooters so don’t count on them.

  • Taxis and Ubers are available but definitely run more expensive.

  • Kyoto is a little more spread out so it’s helpful to stay near where you want to be.

Bold - Highly Recommend

Bold Italics - Haven’t personally experienced but comes highly recommended and looks amazing.

Italics - Haven’t personally experienced but looks promising

Travel, Travel GuidesRuthi Daugherty