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Kyoto

Kyotos Best Sentos Japanese Public Baths

After a long day of temple hopping, there is no better way to relax than soaking in a good sento (Japanese public bath). Here, we introduce the best sentos in Kyoto and give some tips on how to enjoy

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Onsen Sento Ofuro Daiyokujo And Super Sento Whats The Difference

There are lots of ways to get into hot water in Japan: onsen, sento, ofuro, daiyokujo and super sentos. A lot of foreigners call any large bathtub in Japan an onsen, but that's not correct. Let's see

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Sauna No Umeyu Sento

Sauna no Umeyu is one of the most approachable sentos (public baths) in Kyoto. It's crowded, friendly and fun and it's right in the middle of one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Kyoto. If yo

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Tenzan No Yu Onsen Kyoto

Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is a huge bath and spa complex on the west side of Kyoto. It's one of the few onsen in Kyoto and it's well worth the trek across town to relax here. Located in western Kyoto, a sho

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Best Places To Propose In Kyoto

If you're ready to pop the question, Kyoto is a great place to do it. Kyoto is an incredibly romantic city and it's filled with beautiful, quiet spots. Here is our guide to the best places to propose

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Honeymoon In Kyoto

Kyoto is an incredibly romantic city. With intimate restaurants, atmospheric lanes, superb accommodations and a thousand quiet gardens and temples, it's the perfect place to spend time with someone yo

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Kyoto Romantic Cherry Blossom Itinerary

Kyoto's cherry blossoms are naturally romantic. But crowds are not. Here's a great way to enjoy the best of Kyoto's cherry blossoms while avoiding the worst of the crowds. ![Couple walk in the park w

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Kyotos Most Romantic Walks

Kyoto has some of the most picturesque lanes and streets in all of Asia. The best way to enjoy them with someone special is to follow these three walking routes. ![Gion Shirakawa in the evening. Edit

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Most Romantic Hotels And Ryokan In Kyoto

If you're in search of a romantic hideaway for your Kyoto stay, you've got plenty of great choices. You can choose from intimate ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), sublime hotels, and superbly restor

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Arashiyama Monkey Park

If you want to check out Japan's famous monkeys, we strongly recommend this great little monkey park in Arashiyama. It's a short walk from central Arashiyama and it's great for the kids. ![Arashiyama

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Kameyama Koen Park

Escape the crowds and (if you're lucky) mingle with the monkeys at Arashiyama's lovely hilltop park, Kameyama-koen Park. ![Japanese macaque in Arashiyama](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RpgH4Fn/

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Kamo Gawa Riverside

Kyoto has a river running through it: It's called the Kamo-gawa and it's really just one long park which Kyotoites use for relaxation, exercise and contemplation. Like the [Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

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Kyoto City Zoo Northern Higashiyama

The Kyoto City Zoo is a surprisingly good little zoo conveniently located in the Northern Higashiyama sightseeing district. It's the perfect way to give the kids a break from temples and shrines. Reo

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Kyoto Gyoen Kyoto Imperial Palace Park Central Kyoto

A green sanctuary in the middle of the drab plain of Kyoto, the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park) is Kyoto's Central Park. ![Kyoto Imperial Palace Park. Editorial credit: DutchMen / Shuttersto

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Maruyama Koen Park

An oasis of green amid the Southern Higashiyama Sightseeing District, Maruyama-koen Park is the perfect spot for a rest or picnic while exploring the area. ![Maruyama park](https://photos.smugmug.com

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The Path Of Philosophy Northern Higashiyama

The Path of Philosophy is easily one of the most attractive sights in Kyoto -- a streamside path lined with blossoming trees and shrubs of every description. ![Philosopher's Path. Editorial credit:

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Aburaya Shokudo Restaurant Kurama

Simple, hearty fare for pilgrims to Kurama-dera Mountain Temple, Aburaya Shokudo is an old-school eatery. No pretensions: just filling rice and noodle dishes. We never grow tired of places like Abura

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Ain Soph Journey Kyoto

A vegan meal in downtown Kyoto has never been easier to find. Just head to Ain Soph Journey right off Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade. The food is decent, but their desserts are even better -- we recommen

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Ajiro Honten

Whether you're vegan or not, gourmands should head to Ajiro Honten near Myoshin-ji Temple to enjoy gorgeously cooked, multi-course Buddhist temple vegan meals. One of their claims to fame: they're the

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Akagakiya

If you're into non-touristy dining, you're in luck. Ultra-local Akagakiya near Sanjo serves up a slice of old-school Kyoto atmosphere along with its tasty izakaya classics. ![The entrance ot Akagakiy

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Anzukko

Anzukko, a gyoza bar located down a small alley near Sanjo Station, merits multiple visits. We love this pocket-sized slip of a restaurant for their excellent, inventive gyoza. Downtown Kyoto has no

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Arabica Arashiyama

If you need a pick-me-up while exploring Arashiyama, head to this stylish and airy coffee shop on the banks of the Hozu-gawa River. ![店員](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JrgRzvH/0/781bf1b8/L/i-Jr

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Arabica Fujii Daimaru

For a quick cup of excellent coffee downtown, head to this ultra-stylish coffee shop on the ground floor of Fujii Daimaru department store. If you find yourself in need of coffee when shopping on Shi

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Arabica Higashiyama

This super-stylish coffee shop serves some of the best coffee in Kyoto and occupies a prime position on a lovely lane leading up to Yasaka-no-To Pagoda. ![Arabica Higashiyama](https://photos.smugmug.

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Azuma Sushi

Eating sushi at a local neighbourhood joint doesn't get better than this. For unpretentious, delicious sushi that won't break the bank, head over to Azuma Sushi in Higashiyama. ![A moderately lean cu

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Bajitofu

You won't have to wander far out of downtown Kyoto to find great yakitori. Bajitofu is a centrally-located izakaya serving some of the best in town. Reservations recommended. Wander around the side s

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Beniya Restaurant Kibune

Beniya is one of the more elegant riverside restaurants in the quaint riverside town of Kibune. If you'd like to splash out a little while in Kibune, Beniya is the place. You can dine on rivertop pla

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Best Affordable Sushi In Kyoto

Kyoto might not be the first city that comes to mind for sushi. But that doesn't mean you can't get decent sushi here! ![Nigiri sushi in Kyoto. Editorial credit: makesushi1 / Shutterstock.com](https:

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Best Cafes In Kyoto

With dozens of fantastic cafes across the city, Kyoto's cafe culture is well worth exploring. Here is a short list of our favorites, all personally tasted and enjoyed! Kyoto might be well known for t

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Best Child Friendly Restaurants In Kyoto

Food tends to be the biggest issue for families traveling to Japan. Sure, the food and drinks are hygienic and safe, but you'll probably find that children are "challenged" by some of the unfamiliar i

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Best Coffee In Kyoto

Looking for a great cup of coffee in Kyoto? Need a break from the international coffee chains? Here is a list of the best independent coffee shops in Kyoto. ![Animal en el café](https://photos.smugmu

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Best Gyoza In Kyoto

Every culture has its own version of the dumpling. In Japan, this is the gyoza or pot sticker. While gyoza originated from China -- where it's known as 'jiaozi' -- they've become a popular and ubiquit

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