A visit to Kyoto should always be on your itinerary if you ever find yourself in Japan. The ancient capital of Japan might be a little bit slow-paced as compared to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, but it reflects a huge part of the rich Japanese culture and history.

Kyoto’s biggest attractions would probably be the sheer number of traditional temples. Most of them were built decades ago, and they still retain a certain rustic charm. But more often than not, we do not have the luxury of time to visit every single temple there is in Kyoto.

If you simply cannot make up your mind as to which temple you should go to, let our list of 14 Temples You Need To Visit While In Kyoto help you decide.

Photo Credit: Asana Noboru

#1 NANZEN-JI TEMPLE

Nanzen-ji is a spacious temple situated at the base of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains. The compound includes several other sub-temples, and was first built in the 13th century.

The central temple grounds are generally free of charge, but separate fees apply for other temple buildings and sub-temples such as the Sanmon Gate, Hojo, Nanzenin and more.

Nanzen-ji Temple
86 Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku
Japan 606-8435
Tel: +81 75 771 0365
Daily: 8.40am – 5pm (closes at 4.30pm from Dec to Feb)
Nearest Station: Keage

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#2 TOFUKU-JI TEMPLE

Tofuku-ji Temple is a large Zen temple, and is especially famed for its beauty in autumn, when hues of red, yellow and orange decorate the grounds.

Stretching across 100 metre, the Tsutenyo Bridge is often crowded from mid to late November, as many tourists would plan to visit during this period to catch the beautiful autumn leaves.

Tofuku-ji Temple
15-778 Honmahi, Higashiyama-ku
Japan 605-0981
Tel: +81 75 561 0087
Apr to Oct: 9am – 4.30pm
Nov to early Dec: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Early Dec to Mar: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tofukuji

Photo Credit: Japan Visitor

#3 DAITOKU-JI TEMPLE

Situated in the northern regions of Kyoto, Daitokuji is the head temple of Rinzai Sect’s Daitokuji School of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The quarters are known for their wide variety of Zen gardens.

Founded in 1319, the temple’s main buildings include Butsuden Hall, Hatto Hall, and Hogo Residence, which are usually not open to public. Visitors can, however, view the interiors of Butsuden Hall from outside.

Daitoku-ji Temple
53 Murasakino, Daitokujicho
Japan 603-8231
Tel: +81 75 491 0019
Daily: 9am – 4.30pm (closes at 5pm for Daisenin and Zuihoin)
Nearest Station: Kitaoji

Photo Credit: Digitravel Magazine

#4 ENGAKU-JI TEMPLE

Engaku-ji comes in second on the list of Kamakura’s five greatest Zen temples. The temple was built to pay respects to the fallen Mongolian and Japanese soldiers during the Mongol Invasion back in 1282.

Sitting on Kita-Kamakura’s forest hills, the temple is another location especially populated during the autumn season. Look out for the Shari-den, a reliquary hall used to house what they claim is the tooth of Buddha, which is considered a national treasure.

Engaku-ji Temple
409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura
Japan 247-0247
Tel: +81 467 22 0478
Daily: 8am – 4.30pm (closes at 4pm from Dec to Feb)
Nearest Station: Kita-Kamakura

#5 TO-JI TEMPLE

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the word To-ji literally translates to East Temple. As one of the most iconic temples in Kyoto, Toji Temple’s five-storey pagoda has become a symbol of the city.

The Kondo Hall is one of To-ji’s original structures that stood through all the fires and wars that occurred and it houses the temple’s main object of worship—a wooden statue of the Yakushi Buddha.

To-ji Temple
1 Kujocho, Minami Ward
Japan 601-8473
Tel: +81 75 691 3325
Daily: 8.30am – 5.30pm (closes at 4.30pm from mid Sep to mid Mar)
Nearest Station: To-ji

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#6 MYOSHIN-JI TEMPLE

Myoshin-ji has roughly 50 sub-temples within its grounds—and that excludes the main buildings. A large number of these are closed to the public but visitors are still free to wander along the temple’s other walking paths.

The Taizoin Temple is one of the more famous sub-temples in Myoshin-ji, and even has a pond garden built in the 1960s.

Myoshin-ji Temple
64 Hanazonomyoshinjicho
Japan 616-8035
Tel: +81 75 461 5226
Daily: 9am – 5pm (closes at 4pm from early Dec to Feb)
Nearest Station: Myoshinji

Photo Credit: Kyoto Travel

#7 DAIGO-JI TEMPLE

Another designated world heritage site, Daigo-ji can be found on the base of a mountain, and connects various more temple buildings via hiking trails. Visitors will first encounter the Sanboin upon entering.

It is actually a prime example of the Momoyama architecture, which survived from year 1573 to 1603.

Daigo-ji Temple
22 Daigohigashiojicho
Japan 601-1325
Tel: +81 75 571 0002
Daily: 9am – 5pm (closes at 4pm from early Dec to Feb)
Nearest Station: Daigo Station

#8 TENRYU-JI TEMPLE

Tenryu-ji claims first place among Kyoto’s five best Zen temples. Dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, the temple has earned itself the title of being a world heritage site.

A number of the temple’s buildings have been destroyed by fire and wars overtime, but the gardens have made it through in their original form. You can expect to see rocks and pine trees surrounding a central pond, as well as the view of the Arashiyama Mountains.

Tenryu-ji Temple
68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryu-ji
Japan 616-8385
Tel: +81 75 881 1235
Daily: 8.30am – 5.30pm (closes at 5pm from late Oct to late Mar)
Nearest Station: Keifuku Arashiyama

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#9 KIYOMIZUDERA TEMPLE

This temple can be found on the grounds of the Otowa Waterfall and is well known for the wooden stage that extends from the main hall. It provides visitors with a stunning view of the cherry blossoms and maple trees during different seasons.

You will also be able to find the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love.

Kiyomizudera Temple
294 Kiyomizu 1-chome
Japan 605-0862
Tel: +81 75 551 1234
Mon to Fri: 6am – 6pm
Sat & Sun, Public Holidays, mid Apr to Jul, and Aug and Sep: 6am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Kiyomizu-Gojo

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

#10 RYOAN-JI TEMPLE

Another tourist favourite, Ryoan-ji is where you will find Japan’s most famous rock garden. What is most intriguing about the garden is how the rocks will always be hidden from the viewer no matter where they stand to look at them just like an optical illusion!

Besides that, you can also take a stroll around the park area below one of the temple’s main buildings.

Ryoan-ji Temple
13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho
Japan 616-8001
Tel: +81 75 463 2216
Mar to Nov: 8am – 5pm
Dec to Feb: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Ryoanji-michi

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#11 NINNA-JI TEMPLE

Unfortunately, none of the original buildings from the Ninna-ji Temple made it through destruction over history, but the rebuilt structures are nothing short of fascinating.

The temple architecture is modelled after an imperial palace, and you will find the different buildings connected to one another by sheltered corridors and sliding doors.

Ninna-ji Temple
33 Omuroouchi
Japan 616-8092
Tel: +81 75-461-1155
Daily: 9am – 5pm (closes at 4.30pm from Dec to Feb)
Nearest Station: Kyoto

Photo Credit: Potolkimaker

#12 SAIHO-JI TEMPLE

Saiho-ji Temple is more often referred to as Kokedera, which translates to ‘moss temple’. The temple grounds boast an estimated number of 120 different species of moss.

Kokedera encourages visitors to take part in a couple of religious activities, such as contributing to the observances of kito—which is the chanting and copying of Buddhist scriptures, and shakyo—which translates to sutra.

Saiho-ji Temple
56 Jingatani-cho, Matsuo
Nishiyo-ku, Kyoto
Japan 615-8286
Tel:  +81 75 391 3631
Nearest Station: Matsuo Taisha

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#13 SANJUSANGEN-DO TEMPLE

Commonly known as Rengeo-in, this temple houses 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Spanning across 120 metres, the temple hall clocks is Japan’s longest wooden structure.

Sanjusangen-do means 33 intervals, and the name originated from the amount of intervals between the building’s main support pillars. In the main hall sits the statue of Kannon, who is accompanied by 500 more statues of human-sized Kannon.

Sanjusangen-do Temple
657 Sanjusangendomawari
Japan 605-0941
Tel: +81 75-561-0467
Daily: 8am – 4pm (9am to 4pm from 16 Nov to 31 Mar)
Nearest Station: Shichijo

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

#14 ADASHINO NENBUTSU-JI TEMPLE

Adashino Nenbutsu ji Temple is home to 8,000 Buddhist statues erected in remembrance of those who passed away without any family members to remember them.

The temple was built on a hill looking out to the area where dozens lost their lives during the Heian period. Candle-lighting ceremonies are held on the evenings of the 23rd and the 24th of August every year.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
17 Adashino-cho, Sagatoriimoto
Japan 616-8436
Tel: +81 75 861 2221
Mar to Nov: 9am – 4.30pm
Dec to Feb: 9am – 3.30pm
Nearest Station: Arashiyama

There are so many attractions in Japan and most of these wonderful places are actually interestingly situated out of its capital, Tokyo. How does feeding the friendly deers at Nara Park, visiting the Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Monkey Park and exploring the compound of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle sound?

From the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to historic Fushimi Inari Shrine, here are the 9 Best Attractions In Japan That Travellers Should Not Miss.

#1 ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE

Chances are, you must have seen Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on travel websites or your instagram feed at any one point in time. The magical forest – also known as Kyoto Bamboo Forest – is exceptionally tranquil and is characterised by two rows of towering bamboos.

Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

#2 FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks and boasts a history of more than 1,300 years. Located in the south of Kyoto, this shrine is dedicated to the shinto God of rice. There are actually two trails of Senbon Torii gates but these pathways eventually merge into one.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan

#3 HARAJUKU

When in Harajuku, make a trip to the 400-meter long Takeshita Dori for the quintessential Harajuku expereience. Over here, you will come across boutique stores, dessert kiosks and many Japanese cosplayers.

1 Chome Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Read: 9 Things You Need To Eat & Do When In Takeshita Dori, Harajuku.

Source: Alpha Coders

#4 HIMEJI CASTLE

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle is a fine surviving Japanese castle complex – this national treasure consists of 80 over buildings! The Himeji is also a very popular cherry blossom spot.

68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture 670-0012, Japan

Source: The Travel Mentor

#5 JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is quite an unconventional tourist attraction. This unique hot spring is filled with wild snow monkeys and you can see these 150 primates every day throughout the year. Admission tickets are price at ¥500 per adult and ¥250 per child.

Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen, Yamanouchi town, Nagano prefecture, Japan

Source: Robert OToole

#6 MOUNT FUJI

Standing at 3,776 metres, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest elevation. The active volcano is located about 100 kilometres away from Tokyo. It is officially open to climbers in the months of July and August.

Source: The Globe and Mail

#7 NARA PARK

Nara Park is one of the oldest parks in Japan and is home to hundreds of free-roaming deers. Some of these docile deers have learnt to bow and you can even purchase crackers from the park to feed them.

Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan

#8 NATIONAL ART CENTRE TOKYO

Tokyo National Art Center’s visually stunning architecture should not be missed; check out the splendid undulating glass facade and the three spectacular conical volumes within. Admission to the museum’s main atrium is free of charge but charges do apply for entrance to the gallery’s exhibits.

Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan
The National Art Center, Tokyo
7-22-2 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8558 Japan

#9 TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the world’s biggest and oldest wholesale seafood markets. The world-famous destination is where you can eat the freshest sashimi and watch the iconic tuna auction. It is also where Japan’s fish traders gather to barter for the best fishes.

Note that Tsukiji Fish Market might be moving soon, but the verdict has yet to be confirmed. Read more about it here.

5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Kyoto is not the top-of-the-mind city to visit when people talk about a holiday to Japan. Is it because people do not understand how beautiful that city is, or do people not prefer the less cosmopolitan part of Japan? The ancient capital of Japan is one with so much hidden charm, so much to discover, so much to experience and take home; everywhere seemed to speak of some sort of mojo.

Maybe it takes a little more understanding about Kyoto, maybe it takes more postcards to entice you and to show you what an adventure the city can offer. For starters, here is our take on 10 things that will make you fall in love with Kyoto:

1. YASAKA SHRINE, ALSO KNOWN AS THE GION SHRINE

More popularly known as the Gion Shrine, the rich hues of Yasaka glistens under the summer sun and stands proudly in the heart of Gion. Every July, Yasake celebrates the Gion Matsuri, Kyoto’s annual summer festival that has a history that dates back over a thousand years.

Look out for the dance stage that is lined with lanterns that bears the names of all its donors; at night, it is a stunning array of lights that lights up the spirit of Kyoto.

If you are lucky to catch the cherry blossoms on specific dates in April, cross the road to Maruyama Park – a park in the vicinity which is arguably the most famous spot to watch the beautiful blooms.

2. KYOTO HAS THE BEST MATCHA DESSERTS

They say when in Kyoto, eat Matcha desserts every day. Why, we couldn’t agree more! Nothing quite like the simple pleasures you get from a tall parfait oozing with Matcha goodness from everything in the glass. We paid homage to the Japanese signature every day during our trip and because there are a thousand and one ways the Japanese could serve Matcha in, we promise there is always something to excite your taste buds.

Our favourite Matcha dessert place is Kyo Hayashiya, an established tea house and dessert cafe just a stone’s throw from Gion. It can be a little tricky to get there, but just follow our instructions and you are on your way to heaven.

At the foot of Shijo-dori is a building called Takase Building, surrounded by many eateries on the first level. Look out for the outlets ‘Pronto’ and ‘Ganko Sushi’ and you will see the elevator that will lead you up to level 5, where Kyo Hayashiya is.

You can also check out our Guide to Kyoto’s Best Dessert Shops for more matcha sweets options.

3. TOJI SHRINE, ONE OF KYOTO’S UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Toji is one of Kyoto’s UNESCO world heritage sites and is founded in the beginning of the Heian Period back in the 700′s. The five-storied pagoda is probably the most symbollic of Kyoto, and standing at 57m, it is the tallest pagoda in Japan. The ground level of the pagoda houses various Buddha statues and is irregularly opened to visitors.

Standing near the pagoda is the Kondo Hall – the temple’s main hall that houses a large wooden Yakushi Buddha. Destroyed by a massive fire in 1486, what’s left are mysterious remains of burnt wood and a reconstructed architecture that still smells of the rich Kyoto history.

4. NISHIKI MARKET, THE MOST FAMOUS MARKET IN KYOTO

More affectionately known as the “Kyoto Kitchen”, Nishiki Market dates way back to many centuries ago and is a long block of retail market where you can find anything and everything you need for your kitchen – from seafood and vegetables, to spices and condiments, to knives and cookware, and seasonal ingredients.

And if that is not enough, you can also count on Nishiki Market for Kyoto specialities like the traditional Japanese sweets, all kinds of tsukemono (pickles) and even freshly prepared sushi.

Some of the stalls have been operated by the same family for several generations, and it is a truly eye-opening experience to walk down the stretch of hundreds of stalls to learn and discover what Kyoto has to offer in its raw form.

5. GION, THE LAST FRONTIER OF KYOTO

Synonymous with geisha is the one-and-only Gion – what we would prefer to affectionately know as “the last frontier of Kyoto”. A charming street located in Shijo avenue, Gion is quite the translation of the ancient Kyoto. It is also the main area where geishas and maiko (apprentice geisha) entertain. But only if all stars are aligned, else the chance of bumping into them is actually and realistically very slim. Elusively mysterious and rare, geishas are.

Take a stroll down the iconic street and a beautiful scene that you thought you would only see in the virtual world unfolds right before your eyes – rows and rows of machiya (traditional wooden merchant houses) and ochaya (tea houses), all with the one-and-only Japanese X-factor.

Apart from the scattered boutiques and sweets shops, go on a food trail and dine to your heart’s content at the endless options of authentic nihon-ryori (Japanese cuisine). The Hanami-koji is a hot spot for lush dining – you can find both international and local delights, including kaiseki.

But our favourite has got to be quieter Shirakawa, a picturesque part of Gion that runs along the Shirakawa Canel just a stone’s throw from the main Shijo Avenue. Like a postcard, the Shirakawa area is lined with willow trees and a calm river that flows along to the beat of the (slow) life in Kyoto; rhythmic, tranquil and soothingly speaking of the magic that is otherwise unbeknownst to the world.

6. PONTOCHO, HOME TO GEISHAS AND EVERYTHING ANCIENT KYOTO

Like Gion, Pontocho is home to geishas and everything ancient Kyoto. Well-preserved with its traditional architecture, this famous street in the Hanamachi district is filled with ochaya, ryotei and many expensive dining outlets. Some are perched along the tips of Sanjo-dori and Shijo-dori, and boasts a riverside dining experience at the outdoor wooden patios.

Lined with traditional Japanese lanterns that serve as signboards and light up at night, you can also find other entertainment along Pontocho – from kabuki to traditional music and dance.

7. FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE, PROBABLY THE MOST FAMOUS SHRINE IN KYOTO

Recognised as one of the most important shinto shrine in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari sits on the south of Kyoto and is one of the most distinct shrines in Japan. A shrine that is dedicated to Inari – the shinto God of rice.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most impressive shrine that no one should leave Kyoto without visiting it. For the uninitiated, shinto is the indigenous way of religious life that is as old as Japan is, and is the main religion of Japan alongside Buddhism.

Back at the olden days, foxes were known to be the messengers of God Inari, which explains the many fox statues within the premise. But what is a lot more visually arresting is the Senbon Torii – the iconic duo parallel rows of vermillion gates that densely form a side-by-side linear, making it one of the world’s most enjoyable hikes that leads to the Mount Inari. Nothing quite like walking through the richly coloured gates that bear the names of all its donors – from individuals to companies, with the small gates beginning at ¥400,000 and the large ones costing over a million.

If you remember the impressionable scene from Memoirs of a Geisha – where little Chiyo found hope in the Chairman and ran through the Senbon Torii to give prayers to become a Geisha – this is it. The one-and-only Fushimi Inari of Japan.

On a side note, do try the inari sushi and kitsune udon – dishes that are primarily prepared with aburaage (fried tofu), known to be the foxes’ favourite food.

8. KAISEKI, A TRADITIONAL MULTI-COURSE DINNER

The highest form of art and food integration is Kaiseki (or kaiseki-ryori) – a traditional multi-course dinner that displays the best of a chef’s culinary skills. Kaiseki is also a form of art, and is often a testament to a chef’s acute senses to balance out tastes, textures, colours and presentation. Though known as a historic way of dining, Kaiseki is actually the modernized version inspired by its predecessors Honzen and Chakaiseki.

Served in ryotei (high class Japanese style restaurant) and typically comprising nine courses, Kaiseki is a reflection of the seasons – something so beautiful and it is precisely what makes Kaiseki so intriguing.

The menu differs every day, and it is the chef’s daily challenge to prepare the courses based on whatever seasonal ingredients and daily produce he has on hand. The cooking method – known as obanzai – usually revolve around the traditional Kyoto home styles to emphasize on its roots, and it is quite simply bringing out the natural flavours of ingredients.

The price does not come cheap, of course. But it will be well worth the splurge; or we’d call it the mandatory indulgence. In Kyoto, much is said about the renown Roan Kikunoi – undisputedly one of the best Kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto.

Lunch is ¥4,000 to ¥10,000, and dinner is ¥10,000 to ¥18,000. Reservations are a must, and cancellations are not advisable due to the imposed charges and for the very fact that it is highly disrespectful to the highly-acclaimed chefs.

9. TRADITIONAL KYOTO-STYLE SUSHI

Sushi in Kyoto is not quite what we know sushi as. The stark difference is one that you must experience to remember Kyoto. Very unlike the regular sushi in the market that is commonly known by the world, the traditional Kyoto sushi has a rich history and is a culinary fixture that had me developing a new level of appreciation for the Inarizushi (inari sushi).

We found the legendary Izuju – one of the oldest traditional Kyoto sushi restaurant in the heart of Gion, just across the Yasaka Shrine. Stepping in was like going back to the old Kyoto, with an intriguing interior and displays, every bit speaking of a certain history from their younger days. Even the paper talisman from the Atago Shrine has a story to tell.

It looked like nothing has changed; well actually, nothing has changed – the method of preparation and quality of ingredients used, the humility of Kitamura-san (the owner), and the unbeatable fragrance and freshness of a Inarizushi that has every inari pocket traditionally simmered in a hearth. No one else in Kyoto uses wood to cook, except Kitamura-san, and this clearly explains why his Inarizushi is the best we have ever had in my entire life. If you can’t already tell, yes, we really love our traditional Kyoto Inarizushi.

Go for the modest sampling set which includes the sabazushi (pickled mackerel sushi), hakozushi (box-shaped sushi with hamo pike eel and winter sawara Spanish mackerel) and of course, the Inarizushi (sweet and simmered tofu skins filled with sushi rice and simmered vegetables).

10. DAY TRIP TO ARASHIYAMA, A STUNNING DESTINATION IN THE OUTSKIRT OF KYOTO

Take a day trip to the outskirt of Kyoto and explore the pleasant Arashiyama. The sheer sight of Arashiyama’s natural landscape is breath-taking to say the least, and particularly beautiful in April with the cherry blossoms, and in November with its palette of fall colours.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is the landmark of Arashiyama, and is a common spot for couples for wedding photoshoots.

Take a stroll through the Bamboo Forest – a picturesque sight that every photographer will love, and a walk so calming that the soul will find peace with every step.

Stop by the Tenryuji – among the largest zen temples in Kyoto and is among the many other UNESCO heritage sites.

Have lunch at Unagiya Hirokawa – a famous and perpetually packed unaju specialty house just across the road from Tenryuji. Be prepared to wait for at least 30 minutes on good days, and do note that the restaurant imposes a minimum order of one main course per diner.

Other activities at Arashiyama include Ukai (traditional cormorant fishing), Hozu River Boat Tour and Saga Scenic Railway.

With these, we trust that you have a sharpened perspective of Kyoto now. The next time you need to take a holiday, book your flights to Japan and explore this exhilarating ancient capital that has much more to offer than you ever knew.

For more tips, read our food & travel guides to Kyoto and discover more of this beautiful city.

Sushi in Kyoto is not quite what we know sushi as. The stark difference is one that you must experience to remember Kyoto. Very unlike the regular sushi in the market that is commonly known by the world, the traditional Kyoto sushi has a rich history and is a culinary fixture that had us developing a new level of appreciation for the Inarizushi (inari sushi).

We found the legendary Izuju – one of the oldest traditional Kyoto sushi restaurant in the heart of Gion, just across the Yasaka Shrine. It is known to serve the best Kyoto style sushi in Kyoto, if not Japan.

Stepping in was like going back to the old Kyoto, with an intriguing interior and displays, every bit speaking of a certain history from their younger days. Even the paper talisman from the Atago Shrine has a story to tell.

It looked like nothing has changed; well actually, nothing has changed – the method of preparation and quality of ingredients used, the humility of Kitamura-san (the owner), and the unbeatable fragrance and freshness of a Inarizushi that has every inari pocket traditionally simmered in a hearth. No one else in Kyoto uses wood to cook, except Kitamura-san, and this clearly explains why his Inarizushi is the best we have ever had in our entire life. If you can’t already tell, yes, we really love our traditional Kyoto Inarizushi.

First-timers may step in feeling lost like us, because nothing on the menu would look familiar. The origins of each item are separate stories to tell, and chefs spend years to master the preparation of traditional Kyoto sushi. But for a start, here is an overview of the classic ones that you cannot leave without trying:

Inarizushi – Sushi rice in pockets of sweet beancurd skin simmered in a traditional hearth. Sweet, fresh, and an irresistible comfort that one can never get sick of. If this is not the essence of simplicity, we don’t know what is!

Sabazushi – Pickled mackerel with sushi rice. Unless the nigiri sushi that we are all used to, Sabazushi is really a whole slab of deboned mackerel that is used as a wrap for sushi rice.

Hakozushi – Box sushi. ‘Hako’ means ‘box’ in Japanese, and this is a significant representative of traditional Kyoto sushi. It is usually rice wrapped with summer grill hamo pike eel, or winter sawara Spanish mackerel – both in box shapes.

Mushizushi – Steamed sushi that is widely eaten during winter. A simple dish of steamed rice with a copious amount of dashi (Japanese soup stock). Every bit Japanese, indeed.

Sasamaki – Unlike the usual bite-sized maki, this is a relatively big version that is wrapped in bamboo leaf. Wrapped with sea bream, the fishiness is too strong for our liking, but we realized it is a hit among the local diners.

For budget eaters, Izuju is an ideal eatery for a modest traditional meal, and you can fill your tummy under S$10.

However for a more gastronomical experience, we highly recommend the sampling set that comprises all the specialty sushi. With an extra serving of Inarizushi, please.

Izuju Kyoto Sushi Restaurant
292 Gionmachi Kitagawa
Kyoto Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Tel: +81 75 561 0019

Kyoto is known for many things, and one of them is matcha desserts. Think matcha parfaits, soft-serve, ice cream and shaved ice… However, matcha desserts are not the only options in the city. There are also several fine patisseries that are worth checking out. Here is our list of 6 best dessert shops in Kyoto.

It can be rather difficult to find the shops in Kyoto, especially if you are not familiar with the city. I have included simple directions, and hopefully you will be able to find the shops. My advice is to use Google Map to map out the locations. You should also ask your hotel’s concierge to help you with the directions. Have fun in Kyoto!

Gion Kinana

Tucked in a narrow lane next to Hanamijoji Dori – the iconic street in Gion – Gion Kinana is a famous ice cream shop in Kyoto.

Kinana is extremely popular, and it is one of those places that you will see it being recommended in most of the Kyoto travel guides. Needless to say, it attracts truckloads of tourists, but remains a firm favourite for locals who come here for a quiet afternoon tea to have their signature matcha parfait and to sip tea.

To find the ice cream shop, enter Hanamijoji-dori from Shijo-dori. Turn right at the second alley, and turn right again into the narrow lane.

570-119 Higashiyama-ku
Gion-machi Minami-gawa
Tel: +81 75 525 8300
Daily: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Gion Shijo (Keihan Line)

Kagizen Yoshifusa

One of the few traditional sweet shops, Kagizen Yoshifusa is heralded by many as Kyoto’s best dessert shop.

In a city filled with many dessert spots, Kagizen Yoshifusa is the best place to head for traditional Kyoto desserts and a cup of matcha. First-timers to Kagizen must try its highly-rated Kuzukiri (¥900) – translucent noodles made from arrowroot that is eaten with a sweet brown syrup. You can also take home with you some wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) at its retail shop.

Kagizen Yoshifusa is located on Shijo-dori. To get there, head towards the Yasaka Shrine direction from Gion Shijo Station, it is at the intersection of Hanamijoji-dori and Shijo-dori.

264 Gion machi Kita gawa
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Gion Shijo (Keihan Line)

Kyo Hayashiya

This is an established tea house and dessert cafe that specialises in Japanese sweets and tea. On the menu, you can find matcha-based desserts such as parfait, shaved ice, soft serve, and ice cream.

We highly recommend the matcha parfait and matcha cheesecake set. The former has a scoop of matcha ice cream that sits atop matcha soft-serve, generous cubes of matcha jelly, and fresh pineapple slices. The latter comes in a neat plate of a delectable matcha cheesecake, a scoop of matcha ice cream, shirotama-zensai (red bean with mochi dumpling), and a pot of houjicha.

Finding the branch in Sanjo-dori can be slightly tricky. It is on level 5 in Takase Building, you have to look out for Pronto and Ganko Sushi. For those of you who are not going to Kyoto, Kyo Hayashiya also has several branches in Tokyo.

Level 5 Takase Building
Sanjo-dori
Nakagy-ku, Kyoto
Tel: +81 75 231 3198
Nearest Station: Sanjo (Keihan Line)

Patisserie Au Grenier D’or

When you are visiting Nishiki Market, make sure to drop by Patisserie Au Grenier D’or. It is located on SakaiMachi-dori, just a few steps north of the market. Do a takeaway from the patisserie if you are in a hurry, or head to the tea salon which is housed in a machiya (old Japanese houses) and enjoy a leisure afternoon over carefully baked and decorated desserts and cakes.

519-1 Nakagyoku Sakaimachi-dori
Nishikikoujinoboru Kikuyacho, Kyoto
+81 75-468-8625
Nearest Station: Karasuma/Kawaramachi

Patisserie Gion Sakai

Just a stone’s throw away from Tsujiri Tea House and Kagizen Yoshifusa in the Gion area is Patisserie Gion Sakai. It serves Japanese desserts with European influence. Expect exquisite creations like Lemon Meringue Tart, Fruit Tart, Mont Blanc, Strawberry Shortcakes, and Eclairs. Prices range from ¥300 to ¥500 each.

Their lovely Kyo Gokoron cookies – available in Matcha, Shichimi (Japanese chilli pepper), and Wasanbon (refined Japanese sugar) – are perfect as gifts. Each box is around ¥500 (S$6.40).

Patisserie Gion Sakai is located on Shijo-dori, just a minute’s walk east of Gion Shijo station.

215 Nakano-cho
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Tel: +81 75 531 8878
Daily: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Gion Shijo (Keihan Line)

Tsujiri Tea House

Probably one of the most famous green tea shops in Kyoto, Tsujiri is an institution — a must-visit when you are in the city — and it is known for Japanese tea and matcha desserts. Think of a green mountain of matcha shaved ice, and tempting creations like Chiffon Cake Parfait, and Matcha Parfait.

Tsujiri is also located on Shijo-dori - the same stretch as Patisserie Gion Sakai.

573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Tel: +81 75 561 2257
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Gion Shijo (Keihan Line)