While perhaps best known for its historic temples, traditional machiya architecture, and abundance of verdant gardens, Kyoto is equally appealing for its fusion of tradition and innovation. Alongside the aforementioned temples is an exciting mix of design-led boutiques, chic cafes, and museums and art galleries celebrating the city’s artisans.
In the interest of stepping off the well-trod temple run, we’ve rounded up our favourite things to do and see in Kyoto.
Where to stay in Kyoto
Whether it’s an intimate three-room-only offering like Malda Kyoto or the reliably lavish 180-room Four Seasons outpost, the best hotels and accommodations in Kyoto are united by their ability to blend traditional Japanese details with contemporary pleasures. Our guide to the best hotels in Kyoto has something for every type of traveller, but we’d specifically recommend looking into Hoshinoya Kyoto, Aman Kyoto, Arashiyama House Mama, Maana Homes, and Malda Kyoto.
Where to sip in Kyoto
Despite its comparatively small size, Kyoto is one of the best cities in Japan for getting a good brew — whether tea or coffee. Kyoto’s many kissaten—traditional tea and coffee houses—excel at both brewed beverages, while new wave coffee and tea shops duly cater to the Instagram generation with aesthetic matcha made in even more aesthetic settings.
Housed within a minimalist concrete space, Yugen is a contemporary tea house-cum-art gallery which never fails to make a good matcha or hojicha latte. Another gallery tea house fusion is Rust Sabi, a standing tea house that errs on the more traditional side. For the purest green tea served with fluffy cheesecake, Kaikado Cafe is the one to visit — they also do a good black coffee.
Even self-professed coffee snobs will be content with the offering at %Arabica (try the Kyoto latte or Dark latte; the latter is spiked with French cocoa, with the rich chocolate balancing out the coffee flavours), which takes its beans and latte art seriously. Alternatively, School Bus Coffee Stop offers a Japanese interpretation of a an American coffee store, and has some of the best pastries in the city.
Or, get your coffee with a side of raw vegan cake and a spot of shopping at Stardust, a vegan cafe and boutique set within a traditional machiya.
Galleries and shops to visit in Kyoto
It might seem incongruous to place shops and galleries in the same category, but in Kyoto it makes sense, with many boutiques resembling galleries in their approach to design. Below, the shops and galleries worth visiting in Kyoto.
Issey Miyake
The Issey Miyake store in Kyoto is set within a 200-year-old machiya townhouse and sees the Japanese designer’s iconic pleats complemented by the textural nuance of the traditional Japanese architecture. Inside, the contemporary interiors and futuristic garments contrast the historic exterior, with a dialogue between fashion and architecture at every turn.
Address: 604-8112 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Tsuchiyacho, Kyoto, Japan
Kankakari
Nestled within a renovated century-old machiya townhouse, Kankakari is a moody space devoted to showcasing traditional craftsmanship such as basket weaving, ceramics, and wood work.
Address: 15 Murasakino Shimotsukiyamacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Hosoo Textiles
Founded in the late 17th century, Hosoo specialises in high-end textiles that fuse Kyoto’s ancient Nishijin weaving techniques with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in fabrics revered by renowned designers around the world. A lesson in restrained design, the flagship store houses a gallery that provides insight into the history and culture surrounding textile design in Japan.
Address: 412 Kakimotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Le Labo Kyoto Machiya
Whether or not you’re after a new signature scent, a visit to Le Labo Kyoto Machiya—the NYC fragrance brand’s Kyoto flagship—is a must for the design- and olfactory-oriented. Housed within century-old machiya townhouse with minimalist wabi sabi interiors by Schemata Architects, the store allows visitors to explore the art of scent. Acting as a sanctuary for scent, the Le Labo Kyoto Machiya offers personalised consultations and sensorial deep dives, while the courtyard cafe encourages guests to linger over coffee, tea, and vegan pastries.
Address: 604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimokorikicho, Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto Museum of Crafts & Design
Offering a comprehensive look into Japanese craftsmanship, the Kyoto Museum of Crafts & Design weaves together a rich tapestry of old and new, showcasing the nation’s traditional techniques that have remained relevant to this day. Ephemeral exhibitions highlight specific crafts such as washi paper, lacquerware, and ceramics, while workshops allow you to experience them for yourself.
Address: 606-8343 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Okazaki Seishōjichō, Kyoto, Japan
Officine Universelle Buly Kyoto
We’ve never seen an Officine Universelle Buly store we didn’t like and this Kyoto outpost is no exception.
Address: 604-8032 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Yamazakicho, Kyoto, Japan
Where to drink and dine in Kyoto
An emphasis on culinary tradition and seasonal produce means the food scene of the spiritual home of Japan is on par with the likes of Tokyo and Osaka.
Menya Inoichi Hanare
Despite its Michelin star, it’s easy to miss Menya Inoichi Hanare. However, its unassuming facade hasn’t stopped locals and tourists alike from finding this ramen spot; with just 20 seats inside, expect to wait up to 30 minutes to be serves (it’s worth it).
Address: 600-8076 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Senshojicho, Kyoto, Japan
Rokujuan
Dining at Rokojuan is an experience. Set within the century-old Kubo Family Residence, meals begin with a tour of the residence and gardens. From there, you can opt for tea and hanawarabi (a type of Japanese jelly confectionary) or opt for a full omakase experience (available for dinner from Thursday to Monday).
Address: 604-8217 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nishirokkakucho, Kyoto, Japan
Sushidokoro Man
European wine, Kyoto-style, and Scandi interiors are unlikely bedfellows, but Sushidokoro Man manages to make it work.
Address: 34-2 Shinmachioike Agaru Nakano-cho, Kyoto-shi Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
RAU Pâtisserie & Chocolate
Serving up beautiful sweets and bear-to-bar chocolate in a contemporary setting, RAU Pâtisserie & Chocolate makes a convincing case for a not-so-healthy breakfast.
Address: 3/F Good Nature Station, 1-318-6 Inaricho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
A quick word on the unmissable temples to see in Kyoto…
We know we said this destination guide to Kyoto would look beyond the temples, but it feels almost sacrilegious to not mention them at all. While return visitors to Kyoto would do well to seek out the city’s artisan and cafe scene, visiting the temples of Kyoto is a must for first-time visitors. In particular, we’d recommend Tenjuan Temple, Tōfuku-ji Temple, Nanzenji Temple, To-ji Temple, and Shimogamo Shrine.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of Le Labo
