Kyoto: Modern Thriving in an Ancient City
Kyoto is widely regarded as one of the world's best cities, drenched in incredible history and unparalleled prestige. There is a temple around every corner, from the middle of expansive parks to behind a hole-in-the-wall sushi bar. Kyoto comes with a vast spectrum of experiences, so here is how you can thrive, both in the city's luxurious intricacies, and cultural realities.
Kyoto is the city that most people refer to as their favorite in Japan. It is known as the cultural hub of the country, and arguably the cultural hub of the entire continent. Once the city for Japan's political elite, it is now the gateway into the past of a country with one of them most engaging and interesting history's. Our two days spent in Kyoto were truly a joy, due in large part to our hotel, so here's how to thrive in cultural hub of our world's largest continent.
Arrive
Japan bullet train, circa 1900
Getting around Japan is unbelievable easy and efficient. Undoubtedly the best and most interesting way to travel is via the bullet train. This transportation system is developed beyond any expectation I could have had. Trains are literally never late and provide great comfort, whether traveling 15 minutes or 15 hours. Our bullet train to Kyoto from Osaka was a mere 20 minutes. From Kyoto Station, which is a modern architectural gem, we grabbed a taxi (which we only did a handful of times while in Japan because taxis are considered a luxury and are ridiculously overpriced), and went to one of the top 10 hotels in Japan, along with one of the newest luxury hotels on offer: The Ritz.
Stay
Combining the well-known service and attention to detail of the Ritz as a brand with the incredible respect and meticulous nature of Japan results in one of the best hotel experiences I have had in my life. This place is unreal. It is designed with every last bit of Japanese and luxurious thought in mind. The minimalist approach to the aesthetic of the building manifests an atmosphere that truly feels like modern Japanese luxury.
Beauty through simplicity exemplified at the Ritz Kyoto
The resort is located on the river, just a 15 minute walk from the Gion district, a 20 minute walk to Nishiki Market, and a 30 minute bike ride from Fushimi Inari. The staff facilitates your exploration of the city on simply superior level. If I wanted the concierge lady to walk with me 15 minutes to the restaurant I had a reservation at, I would guarantee you she would do so without hesitation.
Ritz Kyoto entrance
A harmonious interaction between man-made and natural beauty
Our room was a standard room, but upon arrival we were upgraded to a river view room. And let me tell you, it was beautiful. Larger than any other "average" hotel room I have stayed at, with the clean lines you expect from Japanese architecture. And the view over the river did not disappoint.
Our lovely room
The pool and spa area are as breathtaking as you would expect. Located in the basement of the building, there is a lap pool which is beautifully lit up at night, with a backdrop of a large waterfall with water from the river. On either end of the pool is a sauna and steam room, and alternating between the two rooms and the pool made for an incredibly relaxing hour after a day of exploring the city.
The perfect place to relax after a day of walking through countless temples
The Ritz Carlton Kyoto defines thriving in the city of Kyoto, and is head and shoulders above every other luxury resort in the city.
Do
You can stay in Kyoto for a month and see a different temple or food market every day. We only had 2 days. Here's what you should do:
Nishiki Market
Considered by many as the country's kitchen (see: Japan: Arriving in the Clouds), Nishiki market provides an impressive look into the unique cuisine, both modern and old-fashion. Walk up and down the street and eat everything from grilled seafood and octopus to French macaroons. The streets around Nishiki Market offer great restaurants and shopping, so this area is definitely one you can spend a few hours in. And no matter what, don't be afraid. Open your palate and reveal yourself to new flavors, like octopus brain?
Octopus, served slightly differently than I am accustomed to-with the brain!
Gion District
World-renowned for the beautiful Geisha's that occasionally roam the streets, Gion is the old city downtown. Unique architecture occupy several blocks, which house everything from Hermes to matcha tea houses. Gion is a must to roam around and get lost by yourself, do not limit your experience to a tour because the alleyways and hole-in-the-wall's can lead you on a cultural tour on their own.
The key to thriving here: get lost!
Morning ride down the river to Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari Shrine
All I have to say here is, go in the morning. Like early. We went one day at 3 pm and it was impossibly crowded. You are forced through the gates like cattle and makes enjoying and photographing the shrine nearly impossible. The Torri gates are simply too vibrant and the sheer quantity is too unique to allow hordes of other tourists to ruin. The Ritz offered a free morning bike tour down the river and through a local neighborhood to the shrine, and so we decided to go back and visit it again. And let me tell you, walking through this shrine alone is one of the most incredible experiences imaginable, and made waking up at 6:00 AM completely worth it. Take advantage of the other free tours offered by the Ritz (biking, hiking, shrine tours, etc.). They're free, so why not?
All to ourselves
A scene out of a dream
Tea Ceremony
In Japan, tea is worshiped. You can find matcha flavored everything all over the country. Tea ceremonies are a great way to learn about the history of making tea, along with practicing a traditional Japanese ceremony. Our leader through the process of making tea was a grandma who looked too young to be a mother, and she did a great job of explaining all the intricacies in the process of making tea. After putting on kimonos, spending 15 minutes learning about the history and meaning of Japanese tea making, and watching the leader spend 5 minutes make one small cup of tea, my mom was given the cup of tea. And of course, my gloriously unfiltered mom took a sip, looked at me, and almost spit it out. I know, totally respectful, huh? She is not a fan of bitter drinks or food, so she spent her time eating the provided sugar cookies while I gladly drank the tea for her. We both went on to make our own cups of tea, and it was an incredibly unique experience. America has become so desensitized to the beauty of creation that sitting down to make one cup of tea for nearly 10 minutes was a truly eye opening experience.
She smiled for the camera, but, regardless of the effort put into making the tea, my mom was not a fan. She loved her kimono though!
Now if you're saying, "Hey how could you forget Arashiyama and The Golden Temple?" To that I say, "Go check my previous blog post!"
Eat
These building house countless restaurants and traditional shops!
When it comes to food, we did not plan any restaurant while we were here because we wanted to surprise ourselves and let our mouths and noses guide us rather than our brains beforehand. I would recommend you do the same, but definitely be sure to walk through the Pontocho Alley, which is a narrow alley boasting hundreds of fantastic mom-and-pop shops, the most famous being Kichi-Kichi Omurice (there's a video of the chef cooking and omurice dish that went viral, check it out). Also, even if you don’t stay at the Ritz, make sure you get the croissant and macaroons from the hotel's French bakery. We met a woman who even brought one of the croissants back to San Francisco for her pregnant and craving best friend!
Kyoto offers the most culturally engaging experience of any city in Asia, and I definitely would be more than willing to return to further embrace the history of what was once Japan's capital.