Kyoto is a beautiful juxtaposition between old and new. A tourist destination that caters to its visitors with shopping and restaurants but a city whose focus is to remind everyone of the country’s history and culture. A place where you can experience a well blended mix of classic Japanese architecture, spirituality, and cuisine. The energy is different too. Your time spent exploring shrines, interacting with nature, and appreciating Japanese customs, inspires peace and joy. Explore and be inspired by this remarkable town.
How we got there
We traveled to Kyoto from Tokyo via Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen bullet train which took approximately 3 hours. You can book your tickets ahead of time on the JR Pass website, registration is required. You can pay to reserve your seats in case you have oversized luggage and want to keep it near your seat instead of in the luggage holding area.
Tip: Arrive to Tokyo station at least 45 minutes before your train - it’s a huge maze! Find the platform first, then grab some food and beverages for the trip, nothing is sold onboard. Be at the platform 5-10 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart - they don’t wait long.
Where we stayed
The first hotel we stayed at was called Dhawa Yura Kyoto by Banyan Tree Group. This hotel was next to the train station, right along the river, and only a short 5-minute walk to downtown restaurants and shops. The area is known as the Gion district and is ideal for first time visitors to Kyoto - offering easy access to everything.
As a Christmas gift to ourselves, we stayed at Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo, a traditional ryokan that was nothing short of incredible. On Christmas Eve, things went to the next level when we got to experience a mind-blowing dinner at their exclusive restaurant, Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St (only for hotel guests—so VIP!).
It all started with a chauffeur ride from the hotel (fancy, right?), followed by a private booth where we were greeted with a custom cocktail. And then... the wagyu! 9 courses of wagyu beef prepared in all kinds of amazing ways. Just when we thought, “How could this night possibly get better?”—we ended the evening soaking in a tub, in the middle of our private Japanese garden, sipping sparkling sake. Talk about a Christmas Eve to remember!
But wait, there's more—on the morning of our departure, we had our very own private chef prepare breakfast over a coal fire right in front of us! Not only did we enjoy an incredible meal, but we also got to hear stories about his culinary adventures around the world.
This whole experience? 100% one for the books! If you can splurge a little, do it—you won’t regret it.
What We Did
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka - walk these iconic streets known for classic Japanese architecture, teahouses & cherry blossoms. Make your way up the hill and stop at the souvenir stalls along the way before ultimately finding your way to Kiyomizu-dera temple. Our favorite find: Ghibli Studios Shop.
Kiyomizu-dera - Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views overlooking Kyoto. You'll pass several shrines once you reach the top of this hill before making it to the main temple. The view overlooking Kyoto is breathtaking. Don't forget to stop at the water shrine down below - look for the walking path behind the main temple. Traditionally, you use water to cleanse yourself. Pick up the ladle with your right hand, pour over your left hand, then pour over your right hand. You can also add water to your mouth (we opted out of this part). So calming and comforting - it truly brings you peace.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - About 50 minutes from Kyoto (30 min train+20 min walk) giving you a taste for the countryside. You’ll spend about an hour or two walking through the towering bamboo forest, which feels magical and otherworldly. Be embraced by the spirit and energy of the nature you’re surrounded by. We went first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. It's almost worth it because the peace and quiet add to your overall experience of the place. However, I would try to time it with the monkey park which opens at 9am.
Arashiyama (Iwatayama) Monkey Park - After you're done walking through the bamboo park, walk 15 min to the entrance of the Monkey park where you'll purchase your ticket from the ticket booth. Next be prepared for an additional 30 minute uphill climb to get to the actual monkeys - 100% worth the trek! You'll sweat it out all whle enjoying the beautiful forest. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain, you can purchase apples or crackers to feed the monkeys inside the enclosure. Watch the monkeys sunbathe, play, fight, and beg for more apples and fall in love with their adorable personalities.
Fushimi Inari Taisha - One of the signature sites in Kyoto are the thousands of red torii gates leading up the mountainside. Make pit stops at the small Shinto shrines along the way or pet a shrine kitty! Note: These gates go a long ways up (2.5 miles) which will take you several hours to make it to the top. We stopped about half way up because we chose to go at sunset to see the gates lit up. I can't say if it's worth it to make it to the top but a mile in and we felt fulfilled.
Nishiki Market - On Christmas day we visited this indoor shopping street with shops and food vendors. Shots of sake and wagyu beef skewers for Christmas breakfast! It's a cool experience to check this out but I will say these types of shopping strip malls are found all over Asia. If you've seen one, you've seen them all.
Samurai Experience - Hands down, the coolest Airbnb experience we’ve had yet! I HIGHLY recommend making time for this activity if you can swing it. Hear about the history of samurai, learn how to wield a REAL katana, and practice meditation, all while dressed in traditional samurai kimono. Rey finally lived out his samurai dreams!
Where we ate
Ichiran - Kyoto Kawaramachi - I dream about this ramen to this day. Another location from the popular chain restaurant - you just can’t go wrong if you’re in the mood for this noodle soup. Order from the vending machine, print your tickets, sit at an individual booth and wait for your ramen behind a curtain. So niche!
Anzukko - Gyoza bar - need I say more? I’m obsessed with dumplings so when we found a restaurant specializing in gyoza we couldn't get there fast enough. I would absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a delicious Japanese meal.
Gansan - The best yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) in Kyoto! Kimchi sampler - to die for. Delicious, high quality meats. Cool, quiet, low-key vibe with minimal traffic. A hidden gem for sure.
Kyoto absolutely captured our hearts.
Whenever someone says they're going to Japan, our first reaction is: Make time for Kyoto! Sure, Tokyo gets all the buzz, but Kyoto gives you a completely different (and totally essential) side of Japanese culture. While Tokyo is all about that electric energy and excitement, Kyoto connects you to nature, tradition, and spirituality—it’s like the perfect counterbalance to the Tokyo hustle. That's why, in our humble opinion, you need to split your time equally between both cities to get the full experience.
And if you’re wondering which city we’d go back to in a heartbeat? Kyoto. Hands down.
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