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Kyoto Travel

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Katsura Imperial Villa Guide: How to Book Tickets & Visit

Tucked away in a quiet residential district southwest of central Kyoto, Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyū, 桂離宮) is widely celebrated as one of Japan’s ultimate masterpieces of traditional landscape gardening and architecture. The strolling garden, comprising over half of the 69,000-square-meter-wide villa, is amazingly designed with various traditional-style garden features. Furthermore, Katsura Imperial Villa has […]

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Plum Blossoms and Fallen Camelias at Jonangu Shrine Kyoto Japan

Jōnangū: The Best Shrine in Kyoto to Adore the Plum Blossoms

Experience the timeless elegance of the Heian period at Jōnangū Shrine (城南宮), a serene sanctuary in southern Kyoto that remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Known as the “Garden of Flowers” from The Tale of Genji, Jōnangū is world-renowned for its breathtaking weeping plum blossoms (shidare-ume) and vibrant camellias that transform the grounds into

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Dining at Tosuiro: Kyoto’s Famous Riverside Tofu Restaurant

Experience the pinnacle of Kyoto’s culinary tradition at Tōsuirō (豆水楼), a premier tofu specialty restaurant renowned for its authentic Kyo-ryori (Kyoto-style cuisine) and Kyo-Tofu. Nestled in the historic districts of Kiyamachi and Gion, Tosuiro is celebrated for its signature Oboro-tofu, served in traditional cypress wood tubs. Set within beautifully restored Taisho-era townhouses, the restaurant offers

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Kifune Shrine: The Scenic Shrine and the Origin of the Ema Plaque

Besides the Kurama-dera Temple, Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) is another must-visit spot in the Kurama and Kibune area. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the shrine is extra stunning with the foliage’s vivid colors. During this part of the year, nighttime illumination creates a mysterious atmosphere. In winter, the shrine gives a different impression when covered

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Vegan-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants in Kawaramachi, Kyoto

Nestled in the bustling heart of Kyoto’s downtown, Kawaramachi has evolved into a premier destination for plant-based travelers seeking more than just simple salads. From the legendary “Heavenly Pancakes” at Ain Soph Journey to the artfully presented gozen sets at Mumokuteki Café, the district offers a sophisticated blend of traditional Japanese flavors and modern vegan innovation. Whether you

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Where to Find the Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Around Gion

The charming, historic streets of Gion, Kyoto are famous for geisha and traditional architecture, but they also host an unexpectedly rich culinary scene for plant-based eaters. Whether you are a devoted vegan traveler or a curious vegetarian looking to experience authentic Japanese flavours without meat, this guide unveils the best Kyoto vegetarian restaurants offering delicious,

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Gen: One of the Spots in Kyoto to Get a Vegan Bento Box

Although the chances of finding a vegetarian or vegan bento box in Japan’s train stations are close to zero, there are a few places that offer vegan bento boxes in big cities like Kyoto. Gen (玄 gen) is one of them. It also has gluten-free bento boxes! While Gen isn’t particularly close to Kyoto Station,

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The Best Guide to Kurama Temple Hidden in Mt Kurama

Kurama Temple (鞍馬寺), also known as Kurama-dera in Japanese, is the representative temple on Mt. Kurama in Kyoto established in 770. The temple is well-known among the Japanese because the famous military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経) was trained there during his youth. In addition, it is likely the only temple in Japan (or

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Where to Find Vegan and Vegetarian Food Near Kyoto Station

While Kyoto is famous for tofu and Kyōyasai (Kyoto’s heirloom fruit and vegetables), the dashi stock used to cook the tofu and vegetables usually contains bonito extracts. Thus, you can’t just enter a restaurant and order the first tofu or vegetable dish you see on the menu if you are strict with your vegetarian/vegan diet. But don’t worry.

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The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Kyoto is most famous for its temples and shrines. But nowadays, due to over-tourism, you can hardly enjoy the traditional township in the city center fully. Fortunately, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (京都御苑), which is a few stations away from Kyoto Station, isn’t flooded with tourists. The vast park that houses Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto

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