City Guide
Explore Kyoto
2 August, 2024
On this trip we spent a total of two weeks in Kyoto, much of that time was spent driving to and from Osaka and meeting a new supplier in Shiga but we felt like we visited nearly every suburb in Kyoto.
We got to visit lots of new places on this trip (as well as visiting our must-visit spots) so we thought it's time we create a fresh guide to this truly magnificent city.
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Ace hotel.02
Kyoto.Stay:
Ace Hotel Kyoto
When Kengo Kuma designs a space you know it's going to be good. The ace is just so cool and it's in Sanjo, which is a fun little area. On this trip we did out very first candle making workshop at the Ace Hotel, which was an absolute dream come true. A stay here is well worth it!
Machiya Inn
Traditional Japanese townhouses.
Tsuga Shares Hotel
Great place to stay in the heart of Kyoto.
Eat
Suba
A very cool, very delicious soba restaurant.
Tadka2
We know it sounds strange to say that this was the best Indian meal we have had so let's say it was the best Indian fusion meal we've had. It was blow-your-mind good! They had a yummy curry leaf cocktail and lots of good natty wines.
Noodle Shop Rennosuke
Michelin star ramen! We came about this place by total accident - we were mapping whee to eat for dinner and it was a 4 min walk from our accomodation and what a happy accident it was! It was so yummy and well priced! You can book through their website.
Dupree
This is always on our list but it's such a good spot! The food is amazing, and their wine comes from their other business/bottle shop Ethelvine.
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Suba.04
Tadka2.Kumano Winehouse
Make sure you book before you go. It's French and the wine is great! One of our favourite meals.
Honke Owariya
Top notch traditional soba noodle house.
Mul
This tiny Korean restaurant is where it's at! Small shared plates packed with flavour and run by the sweetest woman.
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Honke Owariya.06
Kumano Winehouse.07
T.T Gallery.08
Kew.Shop
D&Department
We go to every D&Department store, we are a big fan! This is the first time we ate there and the curry we had was sooooo good! We also purchased some "mozzie coils" and trying to explain to the girls who worked there that that is what we call them in Australia, made us realise that Aussie Slang is hilarious.
T.T Gallery
This is a clothing brand by Taiga Takahashi, with the most phenomenal fit out ever. It makes you wish you had an income to buy into what they are selling. All their clothes and denim and naturally dyed and locally made. There is a tea ceremony on top you can book as well.
Tezomeya
This cute little shop and workshop operated from an old machiya. Tezemeya uses the natural power of plants to dye complex colours and you can see it all happen here.
Books and Things
A hidden gem of a bookstore filled with vintage books.
Graphpaper
Great basics and simple but elevated pieces.
Kyo
This delightful space was renovated keeping the structural integrity of the building. They have covered the staircase and walls with washi paper and built stunning shelves and joinery. The shelves are filed with beautiful homewares from Japan.
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T.T Gallery.10
Tezomeya.Do:
Kamigamo Shrine
A lovely place to spend some time wandering around.