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Discover The Timeless Beauty Of Kyoto

Once the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto’s name literally translates to “capital city.” Today, it remains the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan, filled with ancient traditions and breathtaking 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 celebrated for its innovative fashion, with renowned designers like Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, along with brands like ASICS (formerly Onitsuka Tiger), leaving their mark on the global fashion scene. While Tokyo is famed for its trendy fashion districts such as Harajuku, Kyoto is also home to a number of stylish vintage and thrift stores that offer one-of-a-kind pieces. Here’s a few must-visit spots:

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 serves mouthwatering tacos and delicious cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients.
Kakyo: A unique spot that pushes the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine, this restaurant uses seasonal ingredients to create an ever-changing and innovative menu.
Tajimaya Shijo: Offering high-quality meats with an all-you-can-eat option, this cozy restaurant is great value for food lovers.

See

Gion: Kyoto’s famous geisha district, renowned for its wooden Tatsumi Bridge, upscale Japanese restaurants, traditional Kyomai dances, vibrant 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 serene gardens.
Nijō Castle: Built in 1603 for the first shogun of the Edo Period, the incredible Nijo Castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
Nishiki Market: Sample traditional Japanese foods and explore a variety of traders serving everything from fresh seafood to soy ice cream and culinary supplies
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A magical and tranquil bamboo forest, offering one of Japan’s most picturesque natural landscapes.

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 a 90-year-old listed building, Kaikado serves incredible coffee, delicious breakfast options and delectable freshly baked goods.
Mar Café: With Instagram-worthy interiors, tasty lunch options and decent coffee, Mar Café is a great place to get a change of scenery during the work day.
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 an unassuming ‘The Book Store’ sign, this speakeasy-style bar is inspired by prohibition-era NYC, serving up delicious cocktails in a stunning atmosphere.
Rocking Chair: Cozy and intimate, this bar’s eclectic cocktails and relaxed vibe make it perfect for a low-key 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 to 26th, 2025. Whether you’re here for food, fashion or history, Kyoto has endless possibilities to immerse yourself in its timeless beauty and rich cultural tapestry.