three days in kyoto

(+ day trips to nara and arashiyama)

Eat and drink

Kichi Kichi Omurice

This was, by far, one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Chef Motokichi Yukimura is famed for his omurice, and he gives quite the show. Omurice is a super popular yōshoku (western-influenced cuisine) dish in Japan, which usually has a french-style omelette over fried rice. I cannot get over how good this was. Be sure to snag a seat at the bar for optimal viewing! Chef plates the omurice right in front of you and cuts open the omelette with a knife. The video I posted caused some seeerious feelings – check it out here. Reservations are available online six weeks in advance. Oh, AND it’s in English – big plus! 

Kara Kusa Curry House

I LOVE Japanese curry, and this tiny, counter-seating-only spot was UNREAL. Half red, half black curry is the go-to. 

Tsujiri Tea House

I’m not going to lie and say this wasn’t a total tourist trap, but it’s essential when in Kyoto. It’s a chain, so there’s a ton of locations (and there are even gift shops at the train station). The matcha soft serve is TDF (to die for).

Izasa

If you’re hanging with the deers at Nara during lunchtime, eat here for lunch. There’s a bakery downstairs and you walk upstairs to the dining room. I got a set lunch that included somen (cold noodles, which were perfect for a hot summer day ), persimmon-leaf wrapped sushi (the persimmon preserves the fish, which is a super common thing in Kyoto as it’s farther away from the water) and crispy tempura. This place seriously hit the spot. 

Feel “Kyo” Good

The cocktail game in Japan is v strong, and Feel “Kyo” Good in Kyoto just does it right. TJ, the owner, couldn’t have been more warm and hospitable, and he makes a mean drink to boot. One of the best conversations we had with a local our entire trip!

Sumibi-Torito

Really good yakitori spot in an adorable neighborhood. If you’re doing yakitori, definitely try all the chicken options. The chicken oysters are my fave! 

Cremia

This soft serve can be found all over Japan. The first time I tried it was while in Nara, and I have to say, there’s just something so weird/special about eating a soft serve cone literally next to hundreds of deer.

Izuju

I really wanted to try a traditional-style Kyoto sushi spot, which means the sushi’s preserved (similar to the persimmon-leaf-wrapped sushi in Nara). Not going to lie, this wasn’t my favorite (although seriously stunning!), but if you’re really interested in trying something very traditional from Kyoto, give it a shot!

Explore

Gion Hatanaka

If you go to Japan, staying in a ryokan is an absolute must. The traditional Japanese inn allows you to truly get immersed in the culture (eating kaiseki meals, sleeping on futons on the floor, etc.), and this specific ryokan in Kyoto was unbelievable! Highly recommend staying here.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Yes, this is the redish/orangeish shrine that you see all over Instagram, and yes, it’s just as stunning/awesome in person as it is in photos. The shrine sits at the base of Mt. Inari and has trails up the mountain to smaller shrines, lined with about 10,000 Torii (gates). The entire hike itself is around 12,000 stairs and can take 2-3 hours, so I’d def recommend comfy shoes. Needless to say, I absolutely didn’t do the entire hike, because, well, food was on the agenda. 

Nishiki Market

This narrow, covered market spans five long blocks in Kyoto and has a ton of food vendors, yummy packaged goods, like furikake, and shops for little trinkets and chopsticks. I got a great black sesame soft serve cone here, and even tried a baby octopus with a quail egg stuffed in its head (this honestly didn’t taste that good, but it’s a staple at Nishiki!).   

Kamo River

This is the gorgeous river that runs through Kyoto. There are paths to walk alongside the river, and it’s SO stunning at golden hour and nighttime. We were there when a summer festival was going on, with tons of food vendors and traditional Japanese entertainment. Grab some snacks and sake to enjoy there!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

This was one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen. We went here while staying in Kyoto as it’s only a 15-minute train ride. Being surrounded by thousands of bamboo trees over 130 feet tall was wild, and definitely a must, even if you’re not staying in Kyoto.

Nara Park

Being surrounded by hundreds of wild deer in one place was pretty insane. Warning: they can be super aggressive, but hey, you know that Instagram photo is worth it. It’s also only a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto plus a short bus ride from the train station.