Kyoto citizens are known to be a little snooty IRL, even among the Japanese—and for good reason. I mean, have you been there? Immaculately preserved architecturally, culturally, and just generally, Kyoto locals have curated some of the best moments of my most recent trip. Here are some of my favorites:
Le Labo Café
One of the only places I waited in line for. I used to frequent the Le Labo café in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, so this spot had sentimental value. I was curious how the brand would translate in such a quintessentially Japanese setting. They did a beautiful job preserving the building, showcasing products without being loud, and enjoying an Americano in their traditional garden area was a moment to remember. The store also holds exclusive in-store events upstairs, so keep your eye out on the store's calendar.
Koisus Curry
I fell for virtually no social media traps this trip, except for this one—and I was pleasantly surprised. Not traditional at all in presentation or flavor, this curry/tempura spot is chic, fun, and VERY English-speaker friendly. Not that your girl needed that. But when I went, there were people visiting from Australia, India—it felt very international.
My favorite thing here? Their selection of salts in three flavors: plum, matcha, and wasabi. I found myself generously pouring the wasabi one all over my tempura. The presentation is great, too. They bring out the curry with a wooden lid and ask you to take it off in a very voila! unveiling moment, adding entertainment value while they give a little speech about the ingredients and what goes into making the dish so special. Perfect example of Japanese culture modernized to delight international attention spans and taste buds.
BAL
There are a ton of department stores in Japanese cities. Like, a LOT. But BAL is special. It’s reminiscent of Barneys or Saks when they were thriving in NYC. Filled with trendy luxury brands balanced with Japanese brands and interesting pop-ups, I loved exploring all 8 floors. If you make it here:
Kotoshina – It's actually a skincare brand, too. Proving brands with their hands in multi-sensory pursuits is the way to a consumer's heart in a multitude of ways, not just one. It's small, chic, feels exclusive in a slightly hidden alcove. Very IYKYK.
MUJI café – very healthy lunch.
And as a former New Yorker, I can’t pass up a pilgrimage to Ralph’s Coffee. Grab the cheesecake and thank me later. Why don’t they offer that in NYC. Ralph?!
Kamo River
Walk down it slowly during golden hour, watch the sunset and glimmers of light dance on the water. Breathe. Take in the scenery. Wandering around and enjoy the architecture and plants. I am now obsessed with Camelia flowers or as they call it in Japan, Tsubaki 椿 - it symbolically represents refined, timeless beauty.
Flea Market in Okazaki Park
Antiques, handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and the best sweet potato I’ve ever had in my life are all available once a month at this flea market right next to the iconic Heian Shrine.
P.S. I recently saw social posts of Bonberi Mart in the West Village offering hot Japanese sweet potatoes to the NYC health obsessed. I know where the inspiration came from! Glad to see it as a snack gaining traction stateside, I mean it's so healthy, though I will say nothing beats getting to choose your own from a pile the farmer grew directly from him. Just saying. ;)