Discover The Timeless Beauty Of Kyoto

Kyoto's name literally translates to "capital city" as it was once the capital of Japan for over a thousand years. Today, it remains the spiritual center of Japan, brimming with ancient traditions and natural beauty. From iconic Buddhist temples, lush gardens, serene palaces, and Shinto shrines, Kyoto invites you to immerse yourself in its rich heritage. Don’t take advice from Phoebe Bridgers about what to do with a day off in Kyoto, let us be your guide through this timeless city instead.

Your Guide To Kyoto

Wear

Japan is known for its unique street style, with designers like Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, and brands like ASICS (formerly Onitsuka Tiger), making a name for themselves in the global fashion scene. Tokyo might be the top spot for trendy fashion districts like Harajuku but Kyoto also has many vintage and thrift stores filled with hidden gems and one-of-a-kind pieces. Here’s a few must-visit spots:

• Kindal

• 2nd Street

• Little Trip to Heaven

• Kanful

• Loftman

• Spyder

Eat

• Chao Chao Gyoza: A speciality gyoza shop with a variety of sweet and savory options, perfect for meat lovers and vegans alike.

• Inoichi: A tiny 10-seater ramen restaurant offering rich umami flavors and a fully customizable experience. Definitely worth every minute of the wait.

• Piopiko Mexican: From award-winning chef Wesley Avila, this spot is famous for its incredible tacos and delicious cocktails all made with local ingredients.

• Kakyo: A unique spot that pushes the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine, this restaurant uses seasonal ingredients to curate an ever-changing menu.

• Tajimaya Shijo: Offering high-quality meats with an all-you-can-eat option, this restaurant is great value for all you foodies.

See

• Gion: Kyoto’s famous geisha district, known for its wooden Tatsumi Bridge, Japanese restaurants, traditional Kyomai dances, sake bars and izakayas.

• Kinkaku-ji Temple: Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), is a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf and surrounded by pristine gardens.

• Nijō Castle: Built in 1603 for the first shogun of the Edo Period, the Nijo Castle became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

• Nishiki Market: Try traditional Japanese foods and explore a wide range of traders serving everything from fresh seafood to soy ice cream and kitchen supplies.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A magical bamboo forest, known as one of Japan’s most picturesque areas.

Work

• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Known for delicious coffee, fairly priced food, super-fast WiFi, and a lovely outdoor seating area, this hotel is a solid spot for working.

• Blue Bottle Coffee: This café provides a spot of tranquility, with traditional Japanese architecture. This is the perfect place for some quiet, solo work.

• Kaikado Café: Located in an almost 100-year-old building, Kaikado is known for its great coffee, delicious breakfast options and freshly baked goods.

• Mar Café: With an Insta-worthy design, tasty lunch options and good coffee, Mar Café is a great place to get some work done.

• Len Kyoto Kawaramachi: A vibrant and buzzing place to work with spaces to relax as well as buckle down for some deep work. Plus, the on-site bar is great for some post-work drinks.

Play

• Bees Knees: Hidden behind a ‘The Book Store’ sign, this speakeasy-style bar is inspired by prohibition-era NYC.

• Rocking Chair: Cozy and intimate, this bar’s eclectic cocktail menu makes it the perfect vibe for a chilled evening.

• St. James Club: A riverside bar with a mellow jazz soundtrack and a selection of over 260 different drinks, offering a taste of old-fashioned charm.

• Yamatoya: Straight out of a Murakami novel, this local bar serves up smooth jazz and even smoother whiskey, this reasonably priced bar is a great spot for a drink.

• Sake Bar Yoramu: Experience sake like never before. At this bar, sake is the main event, with each one chosen for its distinctive character with complex and powerful flavors.

Join us in Kyoto from October 5th - 26th, 2025. Whether you’re here for food, fashion or history; Kyoto has got it all.

TAKE A TRIP TO KYOTO