Kyoto, The Eternal Soul of Old Japan
The Vibe of the Past
Step into the heart of ancient Japan. Once the imperial capital for over a millennium, the city carries a reverence for elegance and ritual. The air hums with quiet poetry, from the gentle rustle of kimono fabric along Gion’s cobbled lanes to the stillness of Zen gardens. Here, the past is not merely preserved, it is lived, honored, and layered into the rhythm of everyday life.
Travel
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Step into a mystical world at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its seemingly endless path of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind through a sacred forest. Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, this shrine is both a spiritual experience and a photographer’s dream, especially during early morning hours when the crowds are few and the silence is golden.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Rock Gardens of Ryoanji
Discover Zen tranquility at Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most celebrated rock garden. The arrangement of 15 stones in raked white gravel invites quiet contemplation and reflects the minimalist elegance of Zen philosophy.
Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 – 17.00
Admission Fee: 600 JPY/Person (Children 300 JPY)
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Admire the shimmering golden facade of Kinkaku-ji, reflecting perfectly on the surrounding pond. This UNESCO World Heritage Site captures the essence of Zen aesthetics and is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights.
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily 9.00 – 17.00
Admission Fee: 500 JPY/Person (Children 300 JPY)
Eat
Gion Karyo
Savor the art of kaiseki, Japan’s refined multi-course dining at Gion Karyo. Each dish is meticulously prepared using seasonal ingredients and presented with aesthetic precision, offering not just a meal but a cultural experience that echoes Kyoto’s refined spirit.
Address: 570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 11.30 – 14.30 / 18.00 – 22.00 Close on Wednesday
Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion
Indulge in one of Kyoto’s finest dining experiences at Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya, located in the heart of Gion. Specializing in top-grade Kobe beef, the restaurant offers a refined teppanyaki-style presentation where expert chefs prepare each cut to perfection right before your eyes. The warm, intimate setting pairs beautifully with the richness of the meal, making it an ideal culinary stop for those seeking both quality and ambiance.
Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 15.00 / 17.00 – 22.00
Izuju Sushi
Located near Yasaka Shrine, Izuju is a local institution specializing in Kyoto-style sushi. Try their signature sabazushi (mackerel sushi) or inari sushi, delicate, time-honored, and deeply local in flavor.
Address: 292 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 10.30 – 19.00 Close on Thrusday
Stay
Hoshinoya Kyoto
Tucked away along the forested banks of the Oi River, Hoshinoya Kyoto is a luxury ryokan that blends timeless Japanese design with riverside tranquility. Guests arrive by boat, sleep on tatami floors, and enjoy seasonal kaiseki meals in an intimate setting, making it one of the most immersive ways to experience Kyoto’s heritage and hospitality.
Address: 11-2 Genrokuzan-cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
Website: www.hoshinoresorts.com
Ryokan Yachiyo
Nestled near the peaceful Nanzen-ji Temple, Ryokan Yachiyo features traditional tatami rooms and a beautiful Japanese garden. Its convenient location and authentic atmosphere make it a great option for those seeking a serene retreat close to Kyoto’s cultural heart.
Address: 34 Nanzenji Fukuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Website: www.kyoto-ryokan.co.jp
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
A stylish blend of tradition and modern design, Hotel Kanra offers spacious rooms with wooden bathtubs and tatami accents. Located near Kyoto Station, it’s ideal for travelers looking to explore the city with comfort and character.
Address: 190 Kitamachi, Karasuma-dori, Rokujo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Website: www.uds-hotels.com
