Days off in Kyoto
Days off in Kyoto
Where I ate, where I shopped and what I bought
Hello readers! It’s been a while.
Over Easter, I hopped on a plane at Manchester and left for Taipei. It was several days of catch up with friends, followed by my partner cousin’s wedding in Tamsui. Ambitiously, I have also flown to Osaka and Kyoto for onsen (yes, first time), cherry blossoms and authentic taste of Japanese food which was terribly missed. While social media updates have temporarily paused for an immersive travelling experience in my favourite country, still, a replete camera roll of photos was taken during the trip with some shopping spots and local restaurants I would happily share without gatekeeping. At the bottom of this email you will find my linked Google Map for Kyoto, where I ate, shopped and spent most of my time looking for great hojicha and matcha ice cream every day.
Special thanks to Haruka, my dearest customer back in Hong Kong — for her insider recommendations in Kyoto for sushi places and vintage shopping huts which I visited quite a few too!
ZEN GARDENS
Cherry blossoms are everywhere within the city during this time of year, but nothing beats the combination of sakura with zen gardens:
Ryoanji Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock garden, with the house, temple, grounds and lakes sharing the equal amount of beauty and serenity that tops my list in this trip. Glad that I went!
Okochi Sanso Garden: A tranquil and picturesque mountainside spot to hide from the overly crowded Arashiyama Bamboo Grove that I thanked myself for going or would have considered my day in Arashiyama wasted. A zen garden with very few people, those who truly enjoys spending time walking slowly in nature would love here. Remember not to throw the entrance ticket away for a serve of sweet matcha latte and biscuit at the tea house, or you would walk away without a treat like I did…
RESTAURANTS, BARS & DESSERT SPOTS
(left to right)
Tsujiya Kyotoekimaeten: A local yakitori restaurant located near Kyoto Station. Personal favourite: Chicken stick, kidney and tofu!
Den: Be prepared for a long line as this small soba noodle shop is really popular among locals. I’d say the duck soba was good but the oyako don was great! Very reasonably priced for its taste.
Komatsu Shokudo: Local sushi bar that serves more tourists than locals to my surprise. They have simple English menu but the hidden gems are in the handwritten Japanese one. Highlight of your meal? Chef’s special rare fish parts of three (in handwritten menu).
Tsujiri Tea House: Fabulous matcha ice cream I had multiple times, including their matcha ice lolly selling in 7-11 and Family Mart. (An extra spot on my map pinned for Tsujiri)
Fujiino Purin: This minimal pudding shop sells only 8 flavours and I regretted having a huge breakfast and could only taste 1/8 of their offerings. My pick: black sesame pudding + mini tube of black sugar which uplifted the whole tasting experience. ¥500 well-spent.
Luke’s Lobster: A favourite go-to already in Tokyo. Saved my Rinku Premium Outlet lunch quota for their lobster roll soaked with butter and garlic-filled bread and was fully recharged for hours of shopping without guilt.
SHOPPING PLACES
Happily pinned over 30 must-go shops prior the trip but managed to visit only around 1/3 of them… all good ones.
Snowpeak Arashiyama: 100% atmosphere for Snowpeak lovers. Would love it even more if it offers tax-free service.
Megane-ya Strike Baseman: Mega friendly and helpful staff is one of the reasons to shop for glasses in a foreign country. Scored a pair of Guepard and you will see me wearing it very often, no jokes.
Loftman 1981: Curated mens and ladies shop. Helpful and friendly staff with brand selections of Aura Lee, Codera, Saint James, Needles, Engineered Garments etc. A firm favourite!
Spingle Kyoto: If you are looking for Japanese handmade sneakers, go here. Their signature kangaroo leather does not disappoint.
Ruffue Kyoto: A small select shop selling leather products and exclusively Patrick, a Japanese sneaker brand embracing comfort and style which I too, happen to own a pair for 5 years and counting.
Prince of Peace Vintage: Always loved a vintage shop in Japan selling European curates.
Reveille: Another European vintage clothing shop favourite with very accommodating and knowledgeable staff. Extra points added.
Link: Unique unisex vintage shop with good taste. Lots of Burberrys trench coats and brand selects in sublime condition.
Milou: A less touristy spot for extensive vintage rummaging. Cozy and inviting environment to shop at your own pace. Tips: I recommend digging their ¥1000 corner for steals.
Kindal Kyoto: Lovely prices and quality for mid to luxury brands. Almost bought a 1998 Dries Van Noten jacket but it ran a little small for UK’s weather so it’s an unfortunate pass. A must visit shop for next return!
WHAT I BOUGHT
Deciding what to/not to buy is certainly the trickiest part of this entire trip. Never a person who second thought too much on travel purchases, I turned on a snoozing alarm for premeditated shopping in mind, reminding myself there is almost no summer in Manchester. Eventually? Items in summer fabric, consisting elements of sheerness or sleeveless were instantly out of my shopping radar. Being really conscious, I am happy to share the few things that I have bought with a self-imposed shopping ban:
Words from Ryoanji Temple
Rotating clockwise is the philosophical phrase「吾唯足知」that is chiseled on the surface of a stone basin frame in Ryoanji Temple. The phrase can be translated as “I learn only to be content”, the quintessential zen view that richness of spirit comes from knowing satisfaction instead of longing, and be happy with what one has. Would have the words placed in a wooden frame like the above. No.1 favourite purchase.
It’s beautiful, it’s practical and it’s wearable during 80% weather conditions in UK, so I simply cannot think of any justifiable reason not to get it when it was sitting quietly at a sale corner in the shop. Got a size bigger for slightly oversized fit to pair with slip dress, shorts, flowy skirts or baggy bottoms.
Glad to have found this casual version of balloon skirt in white with less pleated details than the Alaia version on top. Easy to dress up and down, I most probably would be seen wearing it with a cap and a pair of bold, dangling vintage earrings during warmer months.
Even though I am on the constant lookout for waterproof shoes with vibram sole, this pair came in sight as a total surprise being 100% influenced by a cool-looking Danner salesperson who paired the boots with her mid-length curly hair, band tee and loose wide nylon pants in all shades of grey. Wish I could show you her outfit. The shoe size is tricky with some mentioning EE-width should be well-considered over D-width (mine is a D and is slightly narrow)… Bet my boots would be styled more streetwear than functional… let’s see!
PETER RABBIT keychain
Fan of Miffy and Peter Rabbit (but not rabbits themselves…), this chubby and fluffy Peter Rabbit keychain is a no brainer. POV: I ran straight to the cashier after holding it in hand for a short minute.
A trend I’m following closely this summer and the season after but would have my sturdy bag choices dedicated to pass on by Grandma:
Sightseeing, munching, shopping and buying… I did all at my physical best within a week. In Japan, the sense of satisfaction would never be enough until tummy goes bloated and all last pennies are spent… I learn only to be content… ☺
Finally and above all, if a family member or friend is visiting Kyoto soon, you can make their planning a little easier by sharing my Google Map link to them. Or you can save it your own as a mapping reference for your next Kyoto stay.
Next week: Is vintage shopping haul a good idea?
Yours truly,
Chris
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