Nishiki Market is a five-block long covered food market with over a hundred food stands and shops, offering traditional Kyoto specialties such as pickled vegetables, tofu, seafood, and wagashi (Japanese sweets). It is a great place for foodies to immerse themselves in Kyoto's local culture and flavors. Some recommended dishes to try are katsuobushi (smoked and dried bonito) and tsukemono (pickled vegetables). The market is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, known for its preserved traditional Japanese streets and architecture. For foodies, Gion offers a variety of traditional Japanese restaurants serving Kyoto's local cuisine, especially kaiseki (multi-course haute cuisine), tofu, and yuba (tofu skin). Some must-try dishes are kaiseki dishes that feature seasonal ingredients and five tastes, to enjoy Japanese cooking techniques with your senses. Gion is best explored by foot, especially at night when the streets are lit up with traditional lanterns.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a sacred shrine located at the base of Mt. Inari, dedicated to the god of rice and sake. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form tunnels over the hiking trails up to the summit of Mt. Inari. Foodies can enjoy street food vendors outside the shrine, selling Japanese snacks such as taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste), ice cream, and mochi (sweet rice cakes). The shrine is open 24/7, and the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is a small, charming shrine dedicated to the god of learning, Tenjin. The shrine is well-known for its festival held on the 25th of every month, where over 200 vendors gather and sell various delectable foods like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and agemochi (deep-fried sticky rice cakes). Foodies who miss the festival can still visit the shrine and pray for academic success while enjoying a cup of matcha tea and traditional sweets at the shrine's tea room. The shrine is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Travelers can use Kyoto's comprehensive public transportation system of buses and subway to move around the city. The city offers a one-day bus pass for 600 yen (approx. $6 USD) or a one-day subway pass for 900 yen (approx. $9 USD). Additionally, the city is bike-friendly with a bike-sharing system available for renting. Taxis are available but can be pricey. It is recommended to use a combination of transportation and walk to explore the city.
If travelers have more time, they can explore nearby cities such as Osaka or Nara, for more food and cultural experiences. If travelers have less time, they can choose one district or shrine to visit, depending on their interests, and focus on experiencing the local food culture by indulging in food tours and cooking classes.
Kyoto does not have an airport within the city limits. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), located in Osaka, approximately 80 kilometers away from Kyoto. Travelers can reach Kyoto from Kansai airport by train, bus or taxi, which takes approximately 1-2 hours. Another airport to consider is the Osaka International Airport (ITM) located in Osaka, approximately 50 kilometers away from Kyoto.