Kyoto, Kyoto

destination • experience • outdoors

Ryozen Kannon Statue

I was looking up at the trees while walking around the streets and suddenly saw this massive statue and couldn’t help but go check it out. It is truly breath taking how tall it is. It is their tomb of the unknown soldier. Admission is about $3 and they give you and incense to bring in as well.

Kyoto, Kyoto

experience • lodging

BnA Alter Museum

One of the coolest hotel experiences I’ve ever had! Each room is a unique art installation and a portion of what you pay goes to the artist. If you are looking for something memorable, here is your hotel. Take a look online at their other rooms too, they are incredible. (I booked a double room)

Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu

destination • experience • outdoors

Fushimi Inari Taisha

If you see anything when you come to Kyoto, see the torii gates and shrines at Fushimi Inari Yaisha. I booked a tour through airbnb which went through a scenic trail of bamboo forests, which was beautiful and honestly there was no way i would have found those paths alone. It was around 8 miles in total, but you can do much less of it through the main entrance - just a bit more crowded with tourists.

Kyoto, Kyoto

restaurants

CoCo Ichibanya Minami Ward Hachijōguchi Shop

I’ll start by saying this is a chain & definitely not a instagram shot but WOW seriously amazing japanese curry. I asked a tour guide what her favorite curry place was and she recommended this so I guess even the locals like it. I ordered a pork curry with an egg/sauce addition, sooo good!

Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu

destination • experience

Kiyomizu-dera

Such a beautiful and vibrant temple. A visit to Kyoto would not be complete without coming here. The main wooden hall is being refurbished but there is still plenty to see. I’d say the earlier you can get there the better, since it will get crowded with tourists.

京都市, 京都府

destination • experience • outdoors

Nineizaka (Ninenzaka)

This is one of the coolest streets in Kyoto, with traditional japanese style buildings and a winding road with tons of shops and sweets leading all the way up to the Kiyomiza-dera temple.

Kyoto, Kyoto

restaurants

Konna Monja

I stopped by with a tour to try the first ever made soy doughnuts! I actually really enjoyed these mini desserts but if you are looking for something super sweet, this is not for you. They are spongey and with a very mild flavor. They sell many types for tofu as well.

Kyoto, Kyoto

cafe • restaurants

Tsujiri Tea House, Gion Main Shop

The cure to my 3pm jetlag. I ordered a matcha ice cream & a matcha with milk and neither disappointed. The matcha was perfect sweetened, and not overdone. I’d go as far as saying one of the best matcha ice creams I’ve had. They also serve it in a waffle cone!

Kyoto, Kyoto

destination • experience • restaurants • shopping

Nishiki Market

Crowded but definitely worth walking through and stopping to try some food or pick up little items to take home! They are known for pickled vegetables and seafood. On my first stop in we tried tempura eel from a shop that had been there 100 years. On my second stop there is tried soy ice cream, a close little less creamy cousin of a vanilla cone! Also they sell fresh mitarashi dango! I tried them for the first time this trip - they are little mochi balls on a stick drizzled with a sweet teriyaki honey sauce, soooo yummy

Kyoto, Kyoto

bar

nokishita711 Gin and cocktail labo

Such a unique bar, and perfect for a gin lover like myself. Each drink is made in a different glass with different creative garnishes. Two things to note: its a super small shop that only fits around 6 so or people, and also there are no prices so you just pay what you think the drink warrants haha... interest concept

Kyoto, Kyoto

restaurants

Ippudo Nishiki-Koji

I tried to venture out from my usual ramen stop, Ichiran, and honestly was suprised when this ramen tasted soooo similar, especially the noodles. 10/10. I ordered their signature ramen, there is a spicy one too! Gyoza was decent, not a must have though.