After a week in Tokyo, a visit to Kyoto provides a pleasant change of pace with literally thousands of shrines and temples sitting alongside Michelin-starred restaurants and a vibrant local craft scene. The food in Kyoto ranges from the internationally recognised such as the three Michelin starred Chihana to the cosy neighbourhood yakitori of Torito where it is possible to eat most of a chicken grilled on skewers washed down with a highball or three.
Kyoto is a different type of shopping mecca to Tokyo, although many of the same brands are available here also. We bought modern incense from Lisn, traditional boxwood combs from Niju-san ya, and suddenly developed a love of lacquerware at Zohiko. Here are a few of the highlights;
Food: Chihana (3 Michelin-starred kiseki diner), Katsukura (pork tonkatsu), Torito (yakitori), Hachidaime (famous for its rice)
Attractions: Golden Pavillion at Rokuon-ji Temple, Silver Pavillion at Ginkakuji Temple, The Rock Garden at Ryoanji, Philosophers Path, Geisha Show, Sagano-Torokko Romantic Train
Shopping: Lisn (modern incense), Niju-san ya (traditional boxwood combs), Asahido (ceramics), Zohiko (lacquerware), Actus (homewares), The Real McCoy’s
Hotel: Hotel Kanra, zen-modern style with superb service
