MAIN SHOP IN KYOTO IS DOWN AN ALLEYWAY - PHOTO LINKED: GOOGLE MAPS
BLUE BOTTLE? SERIOUSLY?
I wouldn’t normally emphasize that you visit BLUE BOTTLE but I couldn’t help it. The architecture is stunning with the building’s nod to Japanese culture with a somewhat sleek interior to match the Blue Bottle vibes. Menu has your typical coffee menu, matcha items plus some foods that wouldn’t be available in the States. Now if you’re not an architect buff, I’d say skip it but it was difficult for me to resist its beauty and not visit. If you think this is breathtaking, try visiting the STARBUCKS location in NINENZAKA.
STARBUCKS KYOTO NINENZAKA - PHOTO LINKED: GOOGLE MAPS - PHOTO SOURCE: TRISHA LIM WEBSITE
WAIT…STARBUCKS?
Okay, I mean this STARBUCKS in the NINENZAKA area is stunning. The whole area, exterior and interior is just a mood. This is the only Starbucks in the world that offers tatami seating which means you take off your shoes and sit down. Unfortunately this location and area gets very busy so be warned that weekends will be even more crazy. While you’re here, please be mindful and respectful of neighboring businesses.
KYOZUAN - PHOTOS LINKED: GOOGLE MAPS
HOW DOES THIS ICE CREAM NOT HAVE DAIRY
This shop is right by the entrance to the ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST. I’m sure you’ve seen it on social media where they turn the ice cream upside and it doesn’t fall down. It’s nice to have after wandering through the forest for a few hours especially on a hot day. The nice thing is it’s non dairy and I believe is soy milk based but it’s crazy because the ice cream is super silky, smooth and creamy. I really enjoyed the black sesame flavor and high recommend that! CLICK THE PHOTO above for the LINK to Google Maps.
MAIN SHOP IN KYOTO IS DOWN AN ALLEYWAY - PHOTO LINKED: OFFICIAL WEBSITE
BASIC ROSU SET $8 USD - PHOTO LINKED: GOOGLE MAPS
katsu is the perfect lunch
Not many will agree with me there since some may view it as a “heavy lunch” but I feel it’s not as bad in Japan. Perhaps they’ve mastered the craft of frying the perfect tonkatsu, I’m not really sure but I’ve had it for lunch many times and feel fine, It probably has to do with the walking from station to station. With that in mind, this is when I first found out about KATSUKURA TONKATSU.
There’s actually a few locations across Japan including one in Tokyo! Their tonkatsu is quite tasty, affordable and great overall. It’s certainly not my absolute favorite but they are quite reliable and good to dine at anytime, anywhere. Plus their oil free yuzu drssing for the shredded cabbage is quite nice. Like 99% of meal sets in Japan, it will include rice, shredded cabbage, pickled veggies and miso soup. Some places will offer unlimited rice, shredded cabbage or both! Each meal set depends on the quality of the pork, if you have a mixed set (with seafood), etc. The lowest cost is roughly $8 USD while the highest set is roughly $20 USD.