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Tonkatsu Ichiban

Who can argue with tonkatsu made from pigs raised in the Hokkaido mountains? Certainly not us. Tonkatsu Ichiban is a 15-minute walk west of Kyoto Station, but it's worth the short trek out there. The

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Toraya Ichijoji

Not far from the west side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, this superb and tranquil tearoom is a great place to sample some traditional Kyoto sweets and excellent green tea. If you want to sample

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Tousuiro

If you think you know tofu, think again! The artisans at this branch of a famed Kyoto tofu restaurant chain do more with tofu than you'd have thought possible. Hidden down a narrow allow off of Kiyam

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Towzen

If you've always avoided ramen because you're vegetarian or vegan, you no longer have to worry. Towzen serves up one of Kyoto's most delicious bowls of soy milk ramen, and it's completely vegan! ![To

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Vegan Kyoto

With a strong Buddhist vegetarian tradition, Kyoto has plenty of dining choices for vegans, but you'll have to work hard to avoid fish products. Here is a list of our favorite vegan restaurants in Kyo

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Unagi Hirokawa Arashiyama

Unagi Hirokawa is an excellent Michelin-starred grilled eel specialist located on the main street of Arashiyama. But be warned: Book ahead or wait hours in the queue. ![A simple noren greeting you at

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Wabiya Korekido

Wabiya Korekido is a restaurant in Gion that serves top-notch oyakodon (chicken-and-egg rice bowl) at lunch and fabulous yakitori at dinner. If you can't decide what time to head there, don't choose -

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Warajiya

WIth over 400 years of serving unagi under its belt, Warajiya has an eel pedigree to be proud of. It's located near Keihan Shichijo Station, and best paired with a visit to Sanjusangendo Temple up the

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What To Eat In Kyoto

Kyoto is famous for its tofu, its sublime kaiseki cuisine and its Buddhist vegetarian fare. It's also a great place to sample all the main classics of Japanese cuisine. ![Kaiseki, traditional Japanes

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Yagura Southern Higashiyama

For a good bowl of noodles while exploring Gion or before taking in some kabuki at nearby Minamiza, Yagura is the perfect choice. Directly across the street from Kyoto's kabuki theatre, [Minamiza Kab

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Yamamoto Mambo

Beloved by locals, Yamamoto Mambo is a family-run okonomiyaki joint that's a good bet for a hearty meal. Their flavourful, iron-griddled dishes are fantastic washed down with drinks. Who could fail t

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Yoshikawa Tempura Restaurant Kyoto

Yoshikawa Tempura serves Kyoto's best tempura in a beautiful old wooden building built around a sublime Japanese garden. Yoshikawa is our favorite tempura restaurant in Kyoto because it hits all the

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Yoshuji Restaurant Kurama

Yoshuji is the nicest place to eat in Kurama, full stop. You can choose from sets of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine or simpler bowls of noodles. Halfway up the steps on your right just before you enter

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Yudofu Sagano Restaurant Arashiyama

Yodofu Sagano is a great place to try that great Arashiyama Buddhist specialty: yudo (chunks of tofu simmered in broth). Arashiyama was originally a temple district, owing to the existence of Tenryu-

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Zenkashoin

For some wonderful Japanese takes on Western pastries paired with excellent green tea, check out this gallery/café on Muramachi, a short walk northwest of downtown. If you've had your fill of chain c

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Autumn Colors In Kyoto

Japan's cherry blossoms are famous the world over, but the fall foliage in Kyoto is perhaps even more beautiful. Here's our guide on how to see the Autumn Colors in Kyoto at its best. ![Bishamon-do F

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Best Place To See Cherry Blossoms In Kyoto

Here are the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Some of these places might be crowded but it's worth it for amazing cherries at these spots. ![Springtime path through the cherry blossom

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Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms Away From The Crowds

The downside to cherry blossom season are the crowds: all the famous spots are usually packed. Luckily, for those who know where to go, there are lovely views of cherry blossoms available without the

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Best Places Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Hanami Party Kyoto

If you want to enjoy Kyoto's cherry blossoms like the locals do, look for a hanami party (blossom viewing party) for a quintessentially Japanese experience. ![Groups of people sit around tables under

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Cherry Blossoms In Kyoto

One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is "When Is Cherry Blossom Season In Kyoto?" The answer is: from the last week of March through to the middle of April. Organising a trip to see them at th

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Best time to visit Kyoto

What's the best time to go to Kyoto? What are the most interesting seasons? What's the weather like in Kyoto in each month? When are the best festivals in Kyoto? Read on for our comprehensive guide.

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Best Budget Ryokan In Kyoto

There are plenty of great budget ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in Kyoto. Here's a list of the best budget ryokan in Kyoto that I've personally inspected. If you're looking for the best ryokan in

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Best High End Ryokan In Kyoto

These are the best high-end ryokan in Kyoto. For a true luxury ryokan experience you cannot go wrong with any of these. I've personally inspected all the places on this list. ![Ryokan Genhouin](https

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Best Kyoto Ryokan For Couples

Ryokans are naturally romantic -- you relax in a yukata (light robe) and gaze out over a private garden and while eating a fine Japanese meal in the privacy of your room. Here are our favorite romanti

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A Night At Tawaraya Japans Finest Ryokan

Tawaraya is widely considered to be Japan's finest ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). It's also one of Kyoto's most expensive accommodations. We recently spent one glorious night there to try to answe

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Best Kyoto Ryokan For Families

Ryokan are a great choice for families. You can all sleep in the same room and have a truly authentic Japanese experience. Here are our top choices for family ryokan in Kyoto, divided by budget catego

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Best Mid Price Ryokan In Kyoto

Kyoto has several excellent ryokan in the middle price range. These ryokan offer traditional surroundings and excellent service. Some of them also serve Japanese meals. If you're looking for the best

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Best Ryokan Near Kyoto

You don't have to go into the depths of the Japan Alps to find soothing countryside ryokans. In fact, there are several superb ryokan within two or three hours of Kyoto, and some only half an hour awa

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How To Book Tawaraya Ryokan

Tawaraya is Kyoto's best ryokan but it can be difficult to book because they're not on any booking websites and they don't have their own website. Luckily, it's now possible to book via email. Here ar

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Kyoto Ryokan

A night or two in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is an essential Japanese experience and Kyoto is the place to do it. Kyoto has the best selection of ryokan in all price ranges. Here, we explain

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