Kyoto Bucket List
Oiran or Maiko Photoshoot
This isn’t your typical kimono rental photoshoot located in Arashiyama (aka. Bamboo Forest). I’ve always wanted to do this so this was fun dressing up! The photographer was super pro on getting me into character.
For those that don’t know, Oiran is a professional courtesan/ prostitute back in the day who only served VIP customers. You have to go through intense training to learn the arts, have conversation skills while remaining elegant. You are basically a celebrity. The modern day equivalent is Kyabakura (キャバクラ), AV actress (AV 女優）or Minatoku Jyoshi（港区女子).
Maiko is “usually younger than 20, wears a more colourful kimono with a red collar, and lacks conversation skills. Maiko means "dancing child, " referring to apprentice geisha still training. Maiko has to live in the geisha lodging house (okiya) with their mother (okami-san) for 5 years. Maiko is not allowed to have a cell phone, carry money, or have a boyfriend.” (Source) The modern day equivalent is a pop idol アイドル.
For more details on pricing and the process, check out my Youtube vlog here
Kyoto’s coffee is better than Tokyo
Tokyo has better cold brew while Kyoto has better lattes. It’s nice, creamy and thick. However, this is based on your taste.
This is my friend’s spot near Kyoto station. Best I’ve had during my stay there. I’ve tried their shot, iced coffee, latte so I was super hyper when I left. The atmosphere is really relaxing with multiple seats. Yes, that’s cardboard furniture. Grab a coffee to-go or chill here before your train.
They only have one food menu which is this Kyoto style okonomiyaki, a thin pancake with variety of seafood and vegetable stuffings. Located in Gion, make sure to enter the shop! It’s like a museum. They also have drinks and desserts. Great spot for a quick bite anytime.
I went during covid-19, so I had the whole place to myself. The mannequins have names, I wonder if they were past employees? LOL. Super eerie but I loved it!
Dinner on Kamo River
This requires reservations, so make sure to book before your trip or at least stop by the restaurant a few days before or have your hotel concierge book it (if they do, most times only 5 star hotels do this).
This is only during the cool summer days, so make sure on their website.
Tip: Some restaurants are situated on the river, but the view is blocked by other customers so do your research before hand. The food is sometimes terrible and overpriced since it’s a tourist trap, but I managed to find one really good spot for sukiyaki (stay tuned!).
After dinner window shopping
This is near the Kamo river located in Shijo.
Google Map: TBA
Engraved Chopsticks
A gift for my friend, Evan since he is born in the year of the Golden Dragon (year 2000). For western names, there are a few that could have different variations of katakana. You can also do your name in kanji.
There are plenty in this area: Google Map: Ninenzaka There are no one special shop I recommend. If you find a design that you like, ask to get it engraved if they have the machine.
Tip: It’s by the popular old Kyoto Starbucks. I personally had the best matcha latte there on a hot summer day.
Parfaits are better in Kyoto
Tokyo parfaits are expensive compared to ones in Kyoto. Kyoto does it better and it’s very yummy and aesthetic. I really like this shop because they are known for their fruits. It’s a seasonal limited item. Big enough for lunch! They also had peach and mango.
Stay centrally located
You can easily get to your hotel via bus, taxi, train. This hotel has the Japanese minimal aesthetic and will put you in that Zen mood. Also four blocks away from the viral ice cream shop (THISIS)SHIZEN and Kyoto International Manga Museum.
If you zoom in, here are spots locals recommend. If you can’t see it, check out their IG account @agora_kyoto_karasuma
This list will keep growing, so don’t forget to check back in or keep updated on Instagram! @therealcyberbunny
