Cotoha and Clamp Coffee Sarasa are housed in a small building in the neighborhood of Nijo Castle. The former is a specialty shop above the cafe that sells plants and gardening “zakka”- the word encompasses everything that improves our daily domestic lives. There is also a quaint gallery space that regularly hosts exhibitions about plants and greens. On the ground floor, enjoy a cup of coffee from Clamp Coffee of the famous Sarasa chain in the city, in a rustic and cozy space draped in plants. Though only steps away from several historical sights, this group of stylistic shops seem worlds away. Round up a relaxed afternoon with a stop by Lader, a kitchenware and home goods shop, or the antique furniture store, both in the same alley.

Geographically speaking, Kyoto has a basin landform and Kamo River enters the city from the Kamigamo-area in the north, where Kamigamo Jinja Shrine stands, passes southeastern towards Shimogamo Jinja Shrine and meets with the Takano River right in front of the Kamo Ohasi Bridge. This upriver region used to be occupied by the Kamo clan, a sacerdotal kin group identified as the founders of Kamo Shrine. The city has installed many stepping stones since year 2000, however, the most famous turtle stepping stones can be found at where the rivers confluence in front of Shimogamo Jinja Shrine.

As one strolls along the Kamo River, the aforementioned shrines and Minamiza theatre are historical sites that should not be missed. In the summer, another attraction is the Yuka- a seasonal tradition of adding terrace dining spaces on the riverside. Between Nijo to Gojo, fancy ryoteis, tea houses and restaurants will open up terrace seating facing the riverside. This is definitely the place to be during fireworks season in Kyoto!

Keibunsha Books at the Icichoji location is the epitome of an independent bookstore; an unmissable stop for book lovers. The books are displayed based on themes and functions, or recommendations from the staff, decidedly atypical of the usual alphabetical or genre categorizations. The concept is for readers to encounter books, finding them in surprises at times. There is also an area dedicated to showcase a variety of books from independent publishers around the world. In addition to books, one can also find other paper goods and stationary, as well as seasonal exhibitions of all types of lifestyle products and accessories in the annex. As written in the windows: “BOOKS, GIFTS, SOMETHING FOR LIFE,” there’s most definitely something for everyone to find here.

Only open to the public during two specific periods annually, Ruriko-in is known for having some of the most beautiful and scenic views. Originally the site of local statesman Tanaka Kentaro’s mansion, the building has since undergone a major renovation helmed by famed architect Nakamura Shoji and landscape master Toemon Sano during the 20th century, from Taisho to Showa era. Rurikoin is considered a very young site since it was only officially named a temple in 2005. From the city center, take the Eizan Electric Railway train to Yase and an abundance of natural beauty welcomes you to the temple. Today, a rare prototype of the rejuvenative Japanese steam bath (kama-buro) can still be found preserved in the house as Yase area has been known as a place of healing since the Heian era for the aristocrats and samurais. While touring the grounds and gardens for the breathtaking views, don’t forget to also keep an eye out on the numerous historically significant screens placed throughout the interior of the building. Please check the official website for the most updated opening times for each spring and autumn season.

Antique & Art MASA is set in a residential house just around the alleys neighboring the Shimogamo Shrine. The gallery is dedicated to a collection of antiques from different eras, mostly of tea or sake-ware as well as vases and items in relation to floral arrangements. Mr. Masa, the creative mind behind it all, is inspired by traditions and artisans. As a creator himself, he also makes ceramic interpretations modeled after vintage vases, or reworks the antiques to fabricate new pieces, all in hope to bring more art into our lives. He also shares the aesthetic and philosophy at his cafe. To visit the gallery, don’t forget to request an appointment ahead of time.

A secluded eighteen-seater restaurant in Gion, Miyoshi’s unique beef kaiseki shines as a gem beyond its one Michelin-star status for the gourmands. Throughout a multi-course dinner, Chef Ito demonstrates his mastery of the art of wagyu. The technicality is precise as the beef must be prepped to the right balance of marbling, which means carefully slicing off any excessive fats, to best showcase the prime textures and flavors. For those looking to get to know Kyoto through its cuisine, Miyoshi is a culinary feast and exploration like none-other.

Gallery Nichinichi, tucked away in a residential area, is owned by a lovely husband-and-wife team, Elmar Weinmayr and Okumura Fumie. Mr. Weinmayr is an experienced gallerist having worked in the arts for over 20 years and Ms. Fumie is an independent creative consultant who works with food as a medium. Nichichi specializes in contemporary applied arts, and the works are exhibited in a classically elegant residence built in the Taisho era. The owners have added a delicately arranged tearoom, Toka as they remodeled the space. The tea service here is just as focused on craft, with artisanal chocolates from Germany to accompany the locally grown teas- making it an unforgettable East-West fusion experience in Kyoto.

The origin of Kyoto’s famous artisanal hand-woven wire work, kanaami, can be traced back to the Heian period. In recent years, kanaamitsuji has made tremendous efforts in reviving the traditional craft and popularizing these copper wire netted utensils, in patterns of chrysanthemum or hexagonal tortoise shell, for the kitchen. Since he inherited the family business, Mr. Toru Tsuji, has been promoting the art of kannami to a more contemporary and even foreign audience through multiple collaborations with fellow craftsmen, creating new designs such as pour over coffee dripper. The Kyoto flagship store is located near the entrance of Kodaji temple, in the area of Kiyomizu-Ninenzaka. Here you can shop for all the signature classics from tofu servers, tea sifts, to toaster grill nets.

Established in 1947, Honke Daiichi Asahi is known for its classic ramen as well as a mainstay of Kyoto’s nightlife. Open from 5am to 2am, the shop is always packed with locals and tourists craving for a savory bowl of umami goodness. As it is only a short five-minute walk from Kyoto station, should you arrive in the late evening to the city, do start your journey here with some soy sauce tonkotsu ramen before checking in at Wuz. The restaurant next door, Shinpuku Saikan, also comes highly recommended.

Built in 1700, this historical building, previously a kimono shop, now houses the flagship store of Zen Kashoin. As a tribute to local heritage, the company is keen on preserving architectural elements particular to classical machiya townhouses in this 300 year-old house. Details include “inuyarai”- a type of exterior low screen made out of bent bamboo strips, for keeping animals and people from damaging the house walls, and “mushikomado,” a style of window with lattice to illuminate the upper floors.
Established in 2009 by Nagasakido, renown Japanese cake maker, Zen Kashoin offers a mix of contemporary and traditional confectionary, the most popular being the half-baked cakes and limited seasonal wagashi. Admire the house and garden with some sweets and tea at the teahouse, or take in the art in the surrounding spaces of Gallery Sugata.

Can drinking be a way of meditation? You can look for the answers at Mr. Haneda Takahide’s Bozu Bar (bozu being the Japanese word for monk). By day, Mr. Haneda is the head priest of Kouonji Temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganjiha school of practice. This particular lineage of Japanese traditional buddhism does not enforce abstinence, which gives way to his night job: an expert bartender. His intention is to create a place for people to gather and share, like a temple. The bar interior is simple and modest, sitting on each table is a copper bell used for chanting sutras. The drinks menu consists of mostly whisky and sake based mixed drinks, though sometimes you just might find special drinks made with Chartreuse of Carthusian monks. At the end of the night, Mr. Haneda sends off each patron with a piece of paper with Today’s message, just like a divine message from the temple, for everyone to head home with some food for thought. It seems like the only place to find this ever presence of tranquility, even at a bar, would be in Kyoto.

Located in an alley just off Kamo River, Wife & Husband is an intimate, charming cafe. A warm wooden toned exterior is decorated with woven baskets, blankets, and bamboo mats, which are all available for rental for a picnic by the river. Welcoming one into the cafe are the owners, Kyoichi and Ikumi Yoshida, and a curated selection of Japanese and French antique homeware goods. The signature is their Kyoto-style, dark roasted coffee rich with notes of nuts, aptly named the Daughter blend. A picnic with a basket from W&H by the Kamo river is definitely one of the most romantic ways to spend an afternoon in Kyoto.