October 2026
A SANCTUARY OF JAPANESE CRAFT AND TRADITION
As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is known for its serene atmosphere, rich cultural heritage and historic art scene. Tucked between the mountains, it remains a city of tradition and a quiet, slow pace; a sense of calmness seamlessly woven into daily life.
Beyond its iconic wooden temples lies a world of hidden tea houses, artisan studios, and understated culinary spaces. Building on our deep appreciation for Japanese culture and the local connections we have made along the way, we invite you to experience the spirit of Kyoto through our personal City Guide
Eat
01 – PIZZERIA DA CIRO
Located in Kyoto’s Sakuro ward, Pizzeria da Ciro brings the flavour of Naples to Kyoto through traditional Neapolitan pizzas, reminiscent of an Italian trattoria. Try classics like their signature Margherita with buffalo mozzarella, featuring authentic Italian ingredients. Reservations not available.
02 – LE14E
An intimate, French-style restaurant and bistro featured in the Michelin 2026 Guide. Renowned for its meat dishes and small plates alongside a thoughtfully curated wine selection, offering an understated dining experience in the heart of Kyoto.
03 – WAGYUMAFIA THE CUTLET SANDWHICH KYOTO
Located in Kawaramachi, it's a must-visit sandwich shop in Kyoto founded by Tokyo-based chefs Hisato Hamada and Takumi Horie. A relaxed space famous for its Kobe beef and wagyu sandwiches, truffle fries, and flavourful sauces.
Drink
04 – FUGLEN KYOTO
Established in 1963, the Norwegian specialty coffee roastery and our former collaborator operates locations in Norway and Japan. The intimate coffee bar is located in the Shichiku neighbourhood, in the former site of a Japanese confectionery shop, serving selected quality roasts, tea and pastries.
05 – CLAMP COFFEE SARASA
With over 30 years of experience, Clamp Coffee Sarasa is a specialty coffee roaster near Nijo Castle. A small, relaxed space serving traditional Japanese coffee and toasts.
06 – TEAROOM TOKA
Located in a century-old townhouse on the east side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Tearoom Toka offers a unique Japanese tea experience. This six-seat, counter-style tearoom serves organically cultivated, single-field, single-variety teas sourced from farmers across Japan, paired with a curated selection of sweets. The space also houses Gallery Nichinichi, a gallery specializing in tea-related art that showcases tea utensils and works by contemporary artists.
07 – BAR TRENCH
A speak-easy style absinthe and cocktail bar located in the Kawaramachi neighbourhood, and the first extension of the Ebisu cocktail institution in Tokyo. The intimate space offers traditional and reinvented drinks in a warm, eclectic atmosphere, set in a 120-year old Machiya house.
08 – NOKISHITA711
Located near Pontoncho and founded by former chef Tomeiki Sekine, Nokishita711 is a cocktail bar centered around “liquid cuisine”: offering experimental, one-of-a-kind cocktails infused with meat, fish, vegetables etc. The space offers a curated omakase menu, featuring five unique cocktails served with small bites. Only open for reservations.
09 – L’ESCAMOTEUR
Close to the Kawaramachi station lies L’Escamoteur, an alchemy-themed cocktail bar serving experimental drinks in an intimate setting. Explore the unique 30 ‘elixirs’, or drinks, by head bartender Christophe Rossi.
Experience
10 – RAINMAKER KYOTO
Based in a formed kimono fabric store, Rainmaker creates modern ready-to-wear fusing Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary tailoring. The brand features products created in collaboration with local craftsmen/creatives like dye artists, calligraphers, and painters: incorporating Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship.
11 – T.T (TAIGA TAKAHASHI)
A Japanese brand based in Kyoto and New York, featuring a unique flagship store and gallery space. The brand reimagines archival 50’s Americana and workwear clothing, brought back to life through traditional Japanese techniques. The art gallery features the artistic work of late founder Taiga Takahashi, including clothing, architecture, tea room and sculptures.
12 – ARTIFACT3D
A curated antique shop and repair workshop, Artifact3D sells and repairs old furniture through traditional Japanese techniques. The space also features a warehouse in the back of the store where you can source unique treasures.
13 – KOTOUEN
Established in 1817, Kotouen is a traditional tea house and pottery workshop located in the Arashiyama area. Discover traditional and contemporary ceramic pieces handcrafted by local artisans, like the signature Shigaraki ware. Explore the pottery-making process firsthand, as well as the historic garden connected to the space.
14 – HOSOO GALLERY
Established in 1618 by the renowned Hosoo textile company, the art gallery features curated exhibitions surrounding the theme of textile throughout history; approaching dyeing and weaving through perspectives of design, art, craft, science and culture.
15 – KANKAKARI
Established in 1817, Kotouen is a traditional tea house and pottery workshop located in the Arashiyama area. Discover traditional and contemporary ceramic pieces handcrafted by local artisans, like the signature Shigaraki ware. Explore the pottery-making process firsthand, as well as the historic garden connected to the space.
16 – OTAGI NENBUTSUJI
A buddhist temple located on the hillside in the Arashiyama neighbourhood, featuring around 1,200 distinct arhat statues around the temple grounds.
17 – SAGA TORIIMOTO PRESERVED STREET
A historically preserved street from the Meiji period, lined with traditional Machiyas housing cafés and small artisan shops, offering a historic glimpse into a merchant town of the Meiji era.
Stay
18 – MARUFUKUORO
A 5-star luxury hotel in Gojo, housed in the 1930s original headquarters of Nintendo, redesigned by modernist architect Tadao Ando. The hotel features curated restaurants as well as a lounge with historic Nintendo artifacts.
19 – GION SHIRAKAWA KOUKI MACHIYA
A traditional Machiya and two-story rental vacation home in downtown Kyoto. Tucked away in a quiet street in the historic Gion district, the house features a traditional Japanese tea ceremony room and a private landscaped Japanese garden.
