Kyoto
LODGING
Azukiya / Sem
A place I’ve stayed a few times is Azuki-ya / Sem, which is a B&B from a machiya, which are traditional wooden japanese townhouses. It is run by this woman, chiyeko, who is very nice. One part is a full townhouse, and the other is a small rooming house. I’ve only stayed in the townhouse, which is probably a bit too much for two people — I’ve always been with a group of four people. I’m sure the B&B rooms are nice. Very clean and well maintained place.
DINING
No Name Ramen
Hyper-modern ramen shop that literally does not have a name, and is in the basement of a nondescript building They have a vending machine (tickets) that you purchase the style of ramen. If you’re unfamiliar with food ticket machines, ask me.
https://www.insidekyoto.com/no-name-ramen
Katsukura
While this is a chain, i found it’s tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet) to be good. I recall them having english menus. One of their gimmicks is a variety of sauces to put on the cutlet. Actually, they’re all quite good. I believe we went to the “main” sanjo shop. I it a bit hard to find, in a shopping arcade, since the entrance is set very far back from the street.
http://www.katsukura.jp/en/index.html
Da Yuki Pizza
Good pizza place. Small. Near Azuki-ya B&B.
Soto
Simple yet hip teishoku (set menu) restaurant. In basement. Odd hours.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d9910688-Reviews-Teishokuya_Soto-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Cafe Bibliotic Hello!
Technically a bookstore, but has excellent food and pastries. Stylish decor. I recall it being open fairly late.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14124519-d1171740-Reviews-Cafe_Bibliotec_Hello-Nakagyo_Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Drinking EStablishments
https://barbunkyu.jimdo.com/english/
https://stevejobko.com/5241.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298564-d3882471-r482623042-Bozu_Bar-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html
SHRINES AND TEMPLES
Kyoto’s main attraction is its vast array of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Most are well over one thousand years old.
Eikando Zenrinji
Nanzen-ji Temple
Inari Shrine
Philosopher’s Path
https://www.insidekyoto.com/walking-the-path-of-philosophy
Sanjusangendo Temple (1000 Buddahs)
Kiyomizu Temple
https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
Sightseeing
36 Hours in Kyoto (2014)
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/travel/36-hours-in-kyoto-japan.html
Gion and Pontocho
Gion is the geisha district.
Pontocho is a famous dining / drinking area.
Kamogawa Nouyou-Yuka
This is the Summer tradition in Kyoto of open-air dining along the Kamogawa river.
https://yuka-kyoto.com
Nishiki Market
Arashiyama
A day destination in mountains outside Kyoto. A bit touristy. Nice bamboo forest.