Travel Diary: Shopping and Dining In Kyoto

To make up for my absence, here are 44 photos of Kyoto’s shopping and dining hot spots. You’re welcome!

First on the list are Ninen-zaka and San’nen-zaka, two of the most beautiful (and crowded) streets in Kyoto. They’re gently sloping and narrow lanes near Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nene-no-Michi Lane, lined with traditional looking shops and restaurants. It’s easy to lose track of time while roaming around these streets. There are just so much to see–from souvenirs to kiyomizu-ware (a pottery created around Kiyomizu temple), artwork, Japanese snacks, tea houses and more! Don’t get carried away though and make sure you watch your step as you walk on the flagstones and stone steps of these lanes. Because “Ninen-zaka” and “San’nen-zaka” means “slope of two years” and “slope of three years” respectively, it is said that those who fall down at Ninen-zaka will die within 2 years and those who fall down at San’nen-zaka will die within three years. I didn’t know this at the time I visited but thank God this clumsyhead didn’t trip. For once, my legs and feet didn’t fail me.

Next on the series of photos below is Gion– a district that’s famous for geishas/geikos and maikos (geishas in training) roaming around its streets. Within minutes of being here, I already spotted a few geikos and maikos rushing to ochaya or teahouses where they entertain guests. It’s so surreal seeing them! I couldn’t help but feel like I was at the set of Memoirs Of A Geisha. Majority of the film was actually shot here. I can totally see why. Gion is a dream especially when you stroll around the place at night. The beautiful Shirakawa river, traditonal wooden machiya (merchant) houses, restaurants and tea houses transports you to a different time. When you visit Gion, make sure you go to Hanami-koji Street to dine. Book a reservation in advance though because most of the restaurants (which used to be machiya houses that were transformed into restaurants) serve Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) and they only prepare a set number of meals for confirmed guests. Check out the Shirakawa Area as well. It runs along the Shirakawa River, lined with willow trees, nice restaurants and ochaya, many of which have rooms overlooking the river. It provides the perfect ambience to end your day.

Last on the series of photos below are those that I took while shopping and dining around Nishiki Market. It’s Kyoto’s largest and best traditional food market which is why it’s famously known among locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry”. It’s been around for centuries, starting out as a wholesale district for fish. It has now transformed into a retail market selling anything and everthing food-related, from tsukemono (Japanese pickles), fresh tofu, Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), wagashi (Japanese sweets), tea, fresh fish, shellfish, dried seafood, knives and cookware and more. A lot of the shops sell skewers of yakitori and sashimi and a few sit down restaurants are present too so make sure you come hungry. I recommend eating at Nishiki Warai. It serves the best okonomiyaki around Kyoto!

36 Responses to “Travel Diary: Shopping and Dining In Kyoto”
  1. Anna

    Hi Camille! Just want to ask for a best place to visit in Kyoto for 1 day and a half tour. I am having a hard time to choose which of the places i should visit considering that I am a first timer in Japan.

    Reply
  2. Ray

    Did you eat at Nishiki Warai alone? I’m travelling to Kyoto alone and wanted to know if it was okay to eat there alone. Any recommendation for food to eat alone? ^^ You pictures are making me hungry.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Ray! I went there with my mom and sister but don’t you worry! Lots of people were eating alone :)

      Reply
  3. Patti

    Hi Camille, I love your photos! Anyway, I’ve been recently looking around your blog for travel ideas in Japan, may I ask how many days you stayed in Kyoto?

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      I think we stayed there for more than 3 days. Probably around 4 days? But it’s because we really didn’t want to rush. We wanted a more chill itinerary. I think overall we spent around 10-11 days in Japan for Osaka, Nara,Kyoto.

      Reply
  6. presyl

    the shirakawa area! too bad I can’t found it, is it far from hanami-koji street? I asked everyone in hanami-koji how to get there but no one can give me the right answer, and I got lost, huhu and finally go back to hotel :(

    and the geiko! is it ok to take photo of them from near distance like that? I read somewhere sometimes they feel uncomfortable so I just taking pict from far, but as usual your photos are awesome!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      I was kinda far when I took the photo because of my camera lens so I guess that’s why I didn’t get any reaction from her. I think she didn’t notice :)

      The places are super near each other though! Too bad you weren’t able to find it. :(

      Reply
  7. Katy

    Ganda ng mga pamaypay! Would totally buy one for myself if I had been there! Lakas maka Titas of Manila. Lol

    Reply
  8. Ericka Garcia

    OMG! Wala akong ma-comment sa ganda ng Kyoto! :) Aw, meron pa la. ;)

    Love,
    Ericka Garcia

    Reply
  9. Dilek

    These photos are so beautiful. It feels like I’m there just by looking at them. Wish I could visit some day! Love your overcoat, by the way.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      You must!!! It’s be worth it! If not for the dining experience alone!

      Reply
  13. Katrin Tuaño

    The urge to visit Japan has become stronger because of this post. I love how organized and artsy they are! I also love how they were able to preserve their traditions and culture and meet it with modernization. I can’t wait to learn more about their life when I visit. Hopefully really soon!! PS sorry for being mia hehe ive been busy and i was able to finally have an out of town vacation. Yaay rest. At least, im now able to update your instagram fan page hehhehe i apologize if your feed got flooded :D

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Yay! I remember you were just saying you wanted to go out of town but work is getting in the way. Happy for you! And I know I don’t say this much but know that I’m so grateful for the fan page you set up and for all the support you’ve been giving me!

      Reply
Leave a Reply