Traveling to Kyoto is a bit like stepping back in time. I love exploring the cobblestone streets and the stores along the canals — every wooden doorframe contains another treasure, transporting me back three hundred years to the Edo Period, the time of geisha and samurai. Although I discover something new with every visit, there are a few that I find myself visiting over and over again; I am delighted to share these with you.
EAT
Nishiki Market – My first meal is at the Nishiki Market, called “the stomach of Kyoto.” Full of colorful sights and fascinating people, the market supplies food to all the restaurants of Kyoto. It is known for its sophisticated cuisine and fresh ingredients.
**Insider’s tip**
Ankyu – A six seat omakase restaurant. The chef has a beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of food that he uses to translate his dishes to foreign diners. It’s Michelin starred, and absolutely divine. You may even sit next to a geisha on a date as my friend Benita did.
SHOP
Miyawaki Baisen-an – One of my first stops is always Miyawaki Baisen-an, home to stunning fans and run by a dear friend. The simple lantern hanging outside the wooden entrance is humble and unassuming, but the store provides fans for geisha, sumo wrestlers and the Imperial Family.
FROLIC
Kinkaku-ji – In the evening, my steps take me to the lake of Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a popular destination and perhaps not quite a hidden gem, but I still consider this an unmissable part of the city. Whether the golden leafing gleams in a warm sunset or glistens in newly-fallen snow, it is a tranquil and inspiring sight. I am always calmed and energized by my visits here.
Hoshinoya Kyoto – It transports you into a tranquil world, untouched by time. Staying along the river is meditative and inspiring, and the service is always first-class.
