BY: ARTFUL HOTELS
Kyoto is undeniably cool. Japan’s former imperial capital has always been a guardian of tradition, but today, it’s also a well of creativity. The city’s machiya-lined streets are flooded with next-gen izakayas, third-wave coffee shops, intimate ramen counters with minimalist interiors, and storefronts stocked with handmade ceramics.
It’s a well-rounded destination that invites you to lean into your curiosities. Into tea? Visit a centuries-old tea house and sample matcha three ways, freshly ground to order. Into craft? Browse hand-dyed textiles and stoneware. Into history? Kyoto has more than 1,500 temples to explore.
In this guide, we cover the places worth your time, including four design-forward hotels handpicked by Artful experts.
Kyoto’s most iconic shrine is best experienced early, when the vermilion torii gates catch the morning light. Hike past the crowds into the forested upper trails, where the silence feels ceremonial.
Higashiyama District & Yasaka Pagoda
A visual love letter to old Kyoto. This preserved neighborhood is home to narrow stone alleys, teahouses, and the five-tiered Yasaka Pagoda. Arrive early in the morning to capture it without the crowds.
A hidden temple in Arashiyama where more than 1,200 hand-carved stone figures greet you with playful expressions. It’s quirky, sacred, and utterly transporting.
A UNESCO-listed complex with seasonal gardens and a five-story pagoda dating back to 951. In spring, the cherry blossoms here are among Kyoto’s most revered.
Philosopher’s Path
A gentle walk beneath cherry trees, tracing a canal once followed daily by a Kyoto University philosopher. Lined with small galleries, shrines, and cafes, it’s a meditative way to experience the city.
A landmark of Kyoto with views to match. This hillside temple is known for its sweeping wooden terrace, built without nails and suspended above a forested valley. Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or in autumn when the surrounding trees turn crimson. The walk up through the preserved lanes of Sannenzaka is just as memorable.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto’s most photographed temple. Covered in gold leaf and reflected in a still pond, the pavilion is pure visual poetry.
Gion District
Kyoto’s historic geisha district with wooden teahouses, lattice-fronted townhomes, and lantern-lit alleyways. Stroll around at dusk for the best chance of spotting a geiko. Hanami-koji Street and Shirakawa Canal are especially atmospheric.
Kyoto’s main food market. Under the covered arcade, find grilled wagyu, yakitori skewers, takoyaki, and tamagoyaki. Come hungry and curious.
Omen Kyoto
A worthwhile udon spot near the Kamo River. Order the hot udon with vegetables—served with an aromatic broth.
A tiny, counter-style shop dedicated to pan-fried dumplings. The classic pork gyoza is crisp and golden, but don’t skip out on their other menu items—it’s one of the best dumpling spots in Kyoto.
This restaurant makes one dish: meatballs and rice. The meat is cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill and it’s served with a variety of sauces and toppings, like raw eggs and plum vinegar.
An upstairs cafe serving one of the best egg sandwiches in Kyoto. Get the French toast for dessert if you have room.
Now internationally known, % Arabica started here in Kyoto. The original Higashiyama location delivers impeccable espresso in a minimalist space. Try their “Kyoto Coffee.”
A Kyoto institution since 1717. This centuries-old shop offers a curated selection of high-quality Japanese teas, from ceremonial-grade matcha to everyday sencha. Sample a flight at the in-house tearoom or pick up beautifully packaged leaves to take home.
In Sanskrit, Sowaka means happiness, and you will find just that in the heart of the Gion district. A ryokan reimagined for the modern traveler, Sowaka blends lacquered wood and washi paper with curated contemporary design. Rooms open to inner gardens, and the on-site restaurant, Gion Loka, offers a poetic take on Kyoto’s seasonal cuisine.
A wabi-sabi dream, these restored townhouses pair organic textures with sculptural restraint—think earth-toned plaster, charred cedar, and linen soft furnishings. Each space feels intentionally minimal, offering a quiet retreat in the heart of the city.
Understated but quietly luxurious, NOL offers apartment-style suites with hinoki tubs and modular living spaces. A favorite among design-minded travelers who prefer independence over formality.
Kyoto’s most storied ryokan, family-run since 1818. Each suite is unique, adorned with antique lacquerware, painted screens, and tatami mats. The service is intuitive, and the multi-course kaiseki dinner alone is worth the stay.
