City Guide
Directions: Kyoto
12 July, 2022
Kyoto is a very special city. It's got the balance of old world charm mixed with modern attributes a big city offers. Temples and history, blended with natural wine bars, fashion and delicious coffee. Here are our top tips.
STAY:
Rakutoko
We stayed in this renovated machiya. It was stunning, quiet and incredibly aesthetic. A little far from the hustle of bustle of Kyoto, it was nice to dip in and out.
The Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel never get it wrong. This one in particular is playful and fun, mixed with stunning gardens, architecture and open spaces.
Tsugu
Part of The Shares Hotel, this one is in a super trendy area, has a yummy little cafe downstairs and crisp white sheets.
01
Rakutoko.DRINK (MORNING)
Clamp
The first time we went to Clamp was about 8 years ago. It's tucked down a little alleyway and offers pour over coffee and thick cut toast.
Kurasu
Yozo Otsuki started Kurasu after living in Sydney. The coffee and atmosphere are top knotch. He has multiple locations in Kyoto now and worldwide. He believes in not only great coffee, but allowing his staff many opportunities to grow within Kurasu.
Here
Good coffee and sweet treats, not to mention a very cute space to hangout in.
DRINK (NIGHT)
Komorebino
Natural wine from all over the globe, tick!
Before 9
For the lovers of craft beer and nicely designed interiors.
Ethelvine
A cute little bottle shop specialising in weird and wonderful natural wines from around the world.
02
Clamp Coffee.EAT:
Monk
Monk lived up to the hype. Located on the Philosopher’s Path, Monk is a tiny restaurant that specialises in woodfired sourdough pizza and vegetables, not to mention the amazing natural wine selection. We own Yoshihiro Imai’s cookbook so it was a pleasure to dine in his restaurant.
Dupree
Last time we were in Kyoto we ate here and it was a charming dining experience, featuring paddock to plate style food, an excellent wine list and a peaceful little garden they pick herbs from.
Salcissia Deli
Home cooked comfort food with a side of natural wine. Great for a low key night.
03
Monk.SHOP:
Lader
For all your minimal kitchenware utensils.
Kapital
Kapital will have you leaving with pants so baggy you didn't know they existed. A true Japanese fashion experience.
Essence
Essence is a gallery that represents ceramic artists from all over Japan. They also make their own tea.
D&Department
While D&Department have a few stores around Japan, the one in Kyoto is very special. It's located in an old temple and is filled with well designed items for the home.
Beams Japan
BEAMS Japan is a special project where every item is based on the theme "Japan". Each items is selected from a prefecture and then turned into a Beams collaboration.
ShinPuhKan Mall
This mall is new and located under The Ace Hotel. It's filled with amazing stores such as Uka, 1LDK, Le Labo, Beams and more.