A Culinary Tour of Kyoto
If I had to pick my last meal on this earth, it would be eating Gyoza in kyoto, japan — hands down.
Kyoto felt like stepping into an alternate universe — one where there were sinks on top of toilet tanks, minimalist design reigned supreme, and geishas tight-skirt scurried into back alleyways. But my favorite part of visiting Kyoto was, hands down, THE FOOD.
Top Four Eats
Gyoza Hohei ♥ | Directly next to Muraji Ramen, this is so worth going to. They only have two types of gyoza (one ginger based, one garlic based) and there’s always a line. Get there before 6pm and put your name on the list on the clipboard to the left of the door. The gyoza are truly life-changing. Literally. I dream about them.
The illuminated clipboard to the left of the door is where you’ll sign up to be seated.
The view when sitting up at the bar!
THE GYOZA ♡
Muraji Ramen | The ramen here, in Gion, is delicious, but the fried chicken is definitely the best part here, so make sure you get the combo! It’s located right next to Gyoza Hohei, up a hidden (and very narrow!) flight of stairs.
Yummy shoyu ramen at Murayi Ramen.
Nokishita711 Gin Bar | This gorgeous gin bar feels like stepping into an alternate universe — there are wacky decorations, drinks with terrariums inside them, and no prices. The bar is very small and pay what you want (we paid 1000 yen each), and the cocktails are out-of-this world good.
And now, so do I!
My first cocktail of the evening.
Nishiki Warai | If you want to try okonomiyaki, this is the spot. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake of sorts with lots of goodies inside and on top. The restaurant itself feels a bit like a cross between an IHOP and a Benihana, so you’re more there for the food than the ambiance, which makes this a great lunch spot. Order one to split between two people, and wash it all down with some local beer.
Jocelyn snapping photos of our first okonomiyaki at Nishiki Warai.
The tasty “pancake” was delicious, but definitely needs the beer alongside it!
Other Noms
Kyoto is well known for a type of “haute cuisine” known as Kaiseki Ryori (会席料理), so for Thanksgiving Day 2018, my friend Jocelyn and I decided to try it out. We made a reservation and shelled out ¥ 8,855 ($83 USD) per person for a traditional Kaiseki meal at Gion Kyo Ryori Hanasaki. To put it mildly, I hated it. I’m definitely a bit of a picky eater, but Jocelyn isn’t, and even she wasn’t thrilled. Courses included things like crab bits encased in murky jello and lumpy cold soups. If you’ve got money to burn and want to try it out, I’d recommend going to a really high end spot, but even then, it’s not my favorite.
On the much better end of things is the extremely adorable taiyaki, which is a custard stuffed pastry shaped like a fish (or “tai”). I got mine filled with sweet potato, but they are also filled with traditional custard, chocolate, cheese, or red bean paste.
Our go-to snack of a taiyaki with iced coffee.
Jocelyn “enjoying” kaiseki haute cuisine on Thanksgiving Day.
The Fine Print
Where to Stay | Kyoto hostels book up very far ahead of time, and this is especially true for the more traditional family-style houses called ryokans. We booked late in the game, but were able to find a spot at Santiago Guesthouse. It was very clean and a perfectly nice place to stay, but a bit out of a far walk from the main attractions, and not super social. If I went back again, I might try staying at Friends Kyo.
How to Get to Kyoto | We flew into Osaka and used our Japan Rail Pass (which we purchased ahead of time, and activated upon arrival at the airport) to take the train from the airport into Kyoto. From there, we took an English language taxi to our hostel.
Where to Shop | Kyoto has loads of adorable shopping, especially around the Sannen-Zaka area. I also recommend Hinaya Kyoto for vintage, second-hand kimonos.
