Kyoto Address Book
Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Kyoto is the star of this long-awaited Japan Travel Guide, Part II. My favourite spots to eat, drink, shop and stay from my trip with Nori in 2022. Enjoy!
KYOTO
TO STAY: Ace Hotel Kyoto
As soon as we arrived at The Ace, we immediately extended our stay.
There is of course so much to see and do in Kyoto anyway, but The Ace was the perfect escape from bustling Tokyo. It’s in a really great location, there’s Stumptown in the lobby, plus lots of great shops surrounding the hotel.
We loved the cosy beds and architecture, and wished we had stayed even longer.
245-2 Kurumayachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8185, Japan
TO EAT
TO EAT: Monk
One of the most special restaurants run by Yoshihiro Imai. You might have seen him on the latest Chef’s Table on Netflix. Everything is cooked in a wood-fired oven and centres around his famous pizza. Imai drives to the countryside just outside of Kyoto everyday to pick and collect produce for the evening’s service.
One year I was lucky to go on this trip with him and it was so special. Set on the Philosopher’s Path, it is simply a must!
147 Jodoji Shimominamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8404, Japan
Website
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Image: Yuka Yanazume
TO EAT: Berangkat
Recommended to us by the GM of The Ace, I loved this casual izakaya. It felt incredibly local and the food super seasonal. The changing menu is influenced by the flavours of Okinawa, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Oh, and it’s in the Michelin guide!
334 Maruyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8086, Japan
Image: Courtesy of Michelin
TO EAT: Yakiniku Dining Kinoe
Really great Yakiniku and one of the most renowned spots. We had a great night here with friends!
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〒604-0956 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Tojijicho, 34-1 ペペ御所南 1F, Japan
Image: Courtesy of Yakiniku Dining Kinoe
TO EAT: Farmoon
Admittedly I haven’t been here, but it’s been on my list for so long! Everybody recommends it and next time I am sure to make it. I just had to add it here so maybe you will go!
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9 Kitashirakawa Higashikubotacho Sakyo-ku Kyoto, Japan
COFFEE + SWEETS
COFFEE: Stumptown Coffee
In the lobby of the Ace! A reliable spot for your daily brew!
Located in the Ace Hotel, Kyoto
〒604-8185 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kurumayacho, 245-2 エースホテル京都 1階, Japan
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Image: Courtesy of Ace Hotel Kyoto
SWEETS: Hitsuji
Incredible doughnuts made with natural yeast. They have a really wonderful texture and come in an array of flavours. There is always a line before it opens as they are a favourite with locals and travellers.
〒604-0092 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Oicho, 355-1 富小路通, Japan
SHOPPING
POJ Studio, Kyoto
SHOPPING: D&Department
There are D&Department locations all around Japan. Each location highlights locally made homewares. Kyoto’s one is rather lovely, set on the grounds of the Bukko-ji Temple. They also have a cafe adjacent which is great to stop and have wagashi and tea.
〒600-8084 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shinkaicho, 397 本山佛光寺内, Japan
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SHOPPING: POJ Studio
A beautiful shop which stocks artisanal wares from around Japan. They also sell DIY kits for shibori, kintsugi and urushi making which are great for gifts.
427-19 Myōhōin Maekawachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan
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SHOPPING: Ki-to-ne
One of my favourite homewares shops to buy ceramics, wooden objects and other Japanese objects. It’s significantly smaller now – it was once a cafe too, but still worth a visit.
589-1 Tōrōchō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8401, Japan
SHOPPING: Aritsugu
My go-to for Japanese knives. While it is VERY popular and therefore extremely busy, it’s still worth it as the quality is excellent. Have your chosen knife engraved before you take it home.
〒604-8052 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kajiyacho, 219, Japan
