Prince Hotel BlogsThis one is for the adventurers, foodies, experience-hunters and shoppers staying in hotels in Kyoto Japan and looking to pack as much into a 24-hour time frame as is possible while still enjoying it. Given the sheer diversity of experience in Kyoto, it should come as no surprise that it used to be the capital of Japan. Though this is now bestowed upon Tokyo, Kyoto is still glimmering with the rich history, gardens, temples and traditions that might seem like an overwhelming task to try and squeeze it into 24 hours. But it is important to remember that if you are limited by a time-constraint, you are never going to see absolutely everything in any city, especially one as vibrant as Kyoto. However, there is nothing stopping you enjoying the best of the best, making you feel like you have at least had a taste of everything.
If you are looking for a traditional Japanese breakfast in an iconic part of Kyoto, then head to its geisha district, Gion. In Gion, you will find your eyes drawn left, right and centre everywhere you go, enthralled by the bright kimonos and cobblestone streets. Be sure to take a picture or two by Tatsumi Bridge when you arrive (it is absolutely picturesque and historically significant) and start making your way towards Gion Niti restaurant for breakfast. You will realise quite quickly that you could choose any one of the upscale restaurants and boutiques off of Hamamikoji Street, but resist the temptation and don’t stop until you are sat in the machiya that is Gion Niti. A machiya is the word for a traditional townhouse that serves food during the day and drinks at night.
Now that you have made it to your breakfast perch, you are going to need an order-recommendation (especially if this is your first time in Japan and you have no idea what food is what, or even which is best served at breakfast-time). Kakigori is essentially shaved ice with flavouring, and though this may seem reminiscent of a snow-cone to you, it is more than appropriate to eat for breakfast and makes for a refreshing start to the day. A little bowl of shaved ice isn’t quite enough to fill someone for the day you’ve got planned hereafter, so it is recommended you order a traditional bowl of Abekawa rice – it is essentially the Japanese version of porridge. To drink, order a special tea, whichever is most appealing to you: there is no wrong choice.
Address: 570-8 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
More info: http://www.gion-niti.com/
From a stroll through Maruyama Park, you not only get a wholesome feel for the high-quality of green-space in Kyoto, but also you can do some cherry-blossom admiring and shrine-appreciating. The park is home to Shoren-in Monzeki Temple, Chion-in Sanmon and Yasaka Shrine.
Address: 463 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071
More info: https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/
If you are the kind of traveller who prefers an activity over self-entertainment, then there are plenty of options in Kyoto. There is the National Museum of Modern Art as well as the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art for those interested in understanding both the art of the 20th century and that of the modern day from local artists and sculptures, as well as the Kyoto City Zoo for those who prefer a little more of a roar factored into their tourism.
Address: National Museum of Modern Art, 26-1 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344
Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, 124 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344
Kyoto City Zoo, Okazaki Hoshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8333
More info: https://www.momak.go.jp/
http://kyotocity-kyocera.museum/ & https://www5.city.kyoto.jp/zoo/
Though there are a number of places you could visit that are specialists of their cuisine, Japanese street food is pretty much an institution and everyone loves a bit of variety – and lunch tends to be a great time to do this kind of mix and matching, while you still have the energy to compete with the street-market energy of Kyoto. Nishiki Market is your port of call, and it has been churning out delicious food and a bustling atmosphere for the last 400-odd years. It closes at 6pm so lunchtime can fall anytime before than, and it is closed on Wednesdays.
Address: 609番地 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054
More info: http://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/
Now it is time to kick things up a notch: head to Fushimi Inari Shrine (either by train, or by a delightful but medium-intensity hike) and take the Sake Brewing Tour. Sake is a Japanese rice, dating back to the 3rd century, and offers a happy hybrid between experience and little historical lesson. You may want to take the train home rather than hiking if you have a few sakes…
More info: http://wakjapan.com/course/id_147/
Treat yourself to a traditional, delicious dinner at Ippudo, masters of ramen and a restaurant within Nishiki Market. Alternatively, head to Katsukura by Kyoto Station for your dinner and be sure to order their famed tonkatsu: crumbed, deep fried pork cutlets, served with sesame dip. You know it has been made just right when it is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Address: Ippudo, 〒604-8143 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Bantoyacho, 653-1 錦ビル 1F
Katsukura, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 901 The Cube11F Kyoto Station Building
More info: https://stores.ippudo.com/1015?utm_source=Yext&utm_medium=Yext&utm_campaign=Listings
http://www.katsukura.jp/shop.html
What better way to end a day of Kyoto-exploration than with a cocktail on top of Kyoto Tower? The views are sensational, and that would be the case even without the cocktails but is made ever-more prominent with a dry martini positioned by your face in your city-scope selfies. Their espresso negroni is the perfect end to what has been a pretty intense day – an aperitief before heading back to your hotel and allowing the soft pillows to engulf you.
Address: 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 721-1 ３階 京都タワー 展望室
Once you have sampled everything that Kyoto has to offer in this short period of time, you will get the Kyoto-bug: you won’t be satisfied until you come back. When this happens, you will have the opportunity to unpack it more carefully, exploring each area you loved, eating more of the food you enjoyed, and experiencing your favourite activities again. Until then, you have had a pretty immersive sampling after following this guide.
Japan is seldom uttered in the same sentence as “cheap”, the country embodying everything from futurism to ancient history. The capital city of Tokyo can be very expensive to enjoy a vacation in if you don’t know how to budget. On the other hand though, returning guests of the Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu will probably know […]