Japan’s historic cultural capital is known for its interesting mix of traditional arts and an avant-garde scene, according to Lucille Reyboz, cofounder of the Kyotographie photography festival. “But after the 2011 earthquake,” she says, “many artists moved to Kyoto, bringing a new energy.” Now the city’s leafy, machiya-lined streets are draws for their specialty crafts shops and chic concept stores. “The economic boom in the 1980s modernized so much of Japan; people were always reaching for the newest, cleanest, and most Western,” says Amy Merrick, a Brooklyn-based florist who spends part of the year in the city. “I think the younger generation is going back to its roots and rediscovering the simple and natural style lost along the way.” Here's what's hitting our radar right now.
Editor's Note: Many of these spots don't have a website in English (or any website at all), so we've linked to their location on Google Maps. Save the places you want to visit in your own Maps app to use on the ground in Japan.
Old-School Shops and Chic Boutiques
Pass the Baton
“This boutique in Gion carefully curates new and vintage clothing and homewares in a traditional wooden town house.” —Alex Postman, Features Director
Kyukyodo
“Like many of the shops on Teramachi Street, this place is filled with intricately packaged incense, fans, and calligraphy brushes.” —Sigrid Dilley, Creative Assistant
Stardust
“My favorite store not only in Japan but likely the world. Pick up some antique patchwork textiles found by Kana Shimizu, the owner, or a handmade soy watercolor candle.” —Amy Merrick, floral designer
Kamiji Kakimoto
“This charming and historic stationery store has lovely handprinted cards and large sheets of washi paper. Perfect for gifts.” —David Coggins, author of Men and Style
Granpie
"A two-story shop (there’s a smaller women’s clothing store across the street) full of textiles, furniture, antiques and accessories from around Asia and the world. If you're a fan of hand-printed fabrics and Caucasian rugs, you could spend plenty of time in this truly remarkable store." —D.C.
Fukiya
"This ceramics store is one of a few small, charming stores near Hokan-ji temple. The neighborhood gets a little crowded on the weekend since there are a few major temples concentrated here—go for the shops a little farther from the temple, those seemed most charming to me." —S.D.
Kamisoe
"They have the most exquisite paper goods. Koh-san, the owner, prints simple ivory and gold notecards with pigments made of crushed iridescent seashells—they're miniature works of art. I carry a stash in my suitcase because you always need to thank someone while traveling." —A.M.
Tenjin-san Flea Market
"This happens on the 25th of each month and is a must-do for the endless affordable antiques and delicious street food. There is a man there who sells 20 varieties of handmade Japanese twine, and I'm always looking for porcelain ceramics with gold threaded repairs. I always eat breakfast there, maybe a steamed pork bun or okonomiyaki." —A.M.
Cafés, Teahouses and Restaurants
Kousagisha
"The space is exquisite, modern but warm and cozy. The daily set lunch is my favorite meal in Kyoto—10 different little bites from miso marinated eggplant, homemade pickles, Japanese curry, or mashed purple sweet potatoes. And you won't even realize it's vegan until it's over. You need a reservation, but it's so worth it." —A.M.
Kanei
"For a more traditional experience, Kanei is my favorite secret soba spot in a traditional house far off tourist track. The soba is flawless, hand cut buckwheat noodles with a Michelin star for $12. Get the duck soba, the fried miso, and the dashi yaki egg roll. Lunch only, no reservations, sells out early." —A.M.
Monk
"This is a romantic, intimate Japanese-influenced farm-to-table dinner off the Philopsher's Path. The chef, Imai-san, interned at Noma, so the food is global but uses the most vibrant Japanese ingredients. His uni risotto is one of my best things I have ever tasted." —A.M.
Ippodo Tea Co.
“The iconic 18th-century teahouse still makes one of the best matchas in Kyoto.” —Lucille Reyboz, Kyotographie cofounder
Toriyasa
"This is a traditional 200-year-old restaurant in a series of large rooms overlooking the river. It serves a number of courses, and they all include chicken. Very ceremonial and enjoyable, with incredibly gracious service (the owner drove me to my hotel in a rainstorm!). A tremendous experience. " —D.C.
Nishiki Market
"The covered food market is not a secret by any means. But it's a delightful way to fit together an impromptu lunch with the prepared food from stalls. It’s so fun. There are little restaurants there too, if you want some casual tempura or sushi." —D.C.
Somushi Kochaya
"This Korean tea house is of my favorite places in Kyoto for lunch or tea. It was designed by one famous Obi artisan, who married a Korean woman—there's a strong and super sophisticated Korean community in Kyoto." —L.R.
Le 14ème
"This place has the best meat—I go here when I miss French food and wine. Shige, the owner, can tell you the story of the animal from which each piece of meat comes from. Everything comes from the Kansai area." —L.R.
Yoshidaya
"It’s like our second home. One of the few place in Kyoto where you can have dinner after 10 P.M. Everyone in the artistic scene meets there." —L.R.
The Ryokans and Boutique Hotels to Book
Ugenta
"An amazing place about an hour north of town set in the green mountains. It only has two rooms, and you should stay in the 'classic room.' They'll serve dinner in your tatami room. It's an incredible experience." —D.C.
Shiki Juraku
"This is hands down the best boutique hotel in Kyoto. Each room is actually a miniature wooden house, all lined up they form a private lantern lit alley. It strikes the perfect balance of modern and traditional, and it's where all of my chic Japanese friends stay when they visit from Tokyo." —A.M.
A Few Other Things To Add to Your List
"If I could recommend one other thing: it’s the Kawai Kanjiro House. He’s a famous ceramicist associated with the Japanese folk art movement. It’s so great and not widely known. And it’s a 10-minute walk from there to Sansujai Gendo, the famous temple with hundreds of Buddhist sculpture." —D.C.
"I was in Kyoto four years ago, and my biggest recommendation is to hire a guide from Chris Rowthorn tours. After navigating Tokyo on our own it was such a relief to have someone else leading the way in Kyoto. —Amanda Brooks, Contributor
