We arrived in Kyoto around 4 p.m, greeted by the gorgeous afternoon sun that bathed the city in a warm glow. Our accommodation, Nol Sanjo, is stunning with minimalistic yet elegant design that perfectly captures the essence of Japanese aesthetics. There are also complementary sake tastings and snacks in the lobby each day, which we will definitely be partaking of.
We set out for a walk and wandered through the shops beneath the Ace Hotel, where we stumbled upon a craft beer bar, Dig The Line. We decided to stop and enjoy a hazy IPA and a yuzu saison while people-watching - excellent.
After returning to the hotel for a much needed shower, we ventured out in search of a yakitori restaurant for dinner. We’re very quickly learning that reservations are essential in Kyoto, as we were turned away from two restaurants. However, we finally found a chicken yakitori spot that, while not the most welcoming, offered a delicious meal.
On our walk back through the markets, we couldn’t resist stopping at Family Mart to grab some ice cream sandwiches to satisfy the need for a sweet treat after dinner.
Kyoto Day 2
Our first full day in Kyoto was packed with sights, nature, and delicious food. We started the morning on a mission for breakfast and found ourselves at 2/7 Artisan Bakery. Their selection of pastries and artisan bread was a delicious combination of french and japanese influences. We walked away with a fougasse edamame and fava bean, bacon epi and chocolate and almond croissant. Every bite was delicious! Next stop, a caffeine fix at Stumptown Coffee.
After our coffee, we made our way to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a vast, serene park surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The garden is a lush green space filled with beautifully manicured trees, walking paths, and ponds. The Imperial Palace itself, once the residence of Japan’s emperors, showcases traditional Japanese architecture and offers a tranquil glimpse into the country’s imperial history.
After enjoying the gardens, we caught a bus to the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walkway along a canal lined with cherry trees. We made a quick stop for another iced coffee at Drip & Drop along the way.
The Philosopher’s Path was simply beautiful and serene. The trees and greenery framed the canal perfectly, and we spotted plenty of fish swimming lazily through the water – such a peaceful stroll. After walking the path, we opted for a scenic walk back to the train station. Along the way, we passed many stunning Japanese homes with intricate and elegant entrances.
On our way, we stopped at the Kyocera Museum of Art to check out their Summer Collection: Women Painted by Women exhibition. The collection showcased striking artwork depicting women through the lens of female artists. The building itself was stunning and we loved the Louis Vuitton and Muraki Takashi Murakami Flower Parent and Child sculpture in the garden. Unfortunately we could go outside to see it as there was construction in the gardens.
Next, we took the train to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the famous Shinto shrine known for its hundreds of striking orange torii gates. As expected, it was crowded with visitors, many dressed in colorful kimono, trying to capture the perfect Instagram shot. About halfway up, we found a side trail leading through a peaceful bamboo forest, providing a welcome escape from the crowds. Afterward, we returned to the final section of the path, managing to catch a rare moment when no one else was around, allowing us to snap a photo of the gates in solitude.
After a busy day, we returned to the hotel, where we enjoyed a complimentary sake tasting in the lobby before freshening up for dinner. That evening, we had the tastiest ramen we’ve ever experienced at Ramen Mugyu Vol. 2 Karasuma Takoyakushi—the flavors were rich, the broth perfectly balanced, and the noodles were spot on.
To cap off our day, we visited Scotch and Branch, a quirky bar with an English telephone booth as the entrance. We enjoyed a few expertly balanced cocktails and rounded off the night with some fine Japanese whisky. After walking nearly 30,000 steps, it was the perfect way to wind down an incredible day.
