A Local’s Gion Kyoto🇯🇵 Authentic Temples & Sweet Escapes | 4K VLOG
Good morning 🌿
We’re Mochi and Mah, a Japanese couple living in Kyoto. Today we’ll wander through Gion like locals—
a little away from the tour-bus crowds. If you know where to slip into, you still find quiet temples, classic sweets,
and Kyoto’s timeless charm. We want you to leave Kyoto loving it—no regrets.
So watch this before you visit Gion. First stop: Kodaiji Temple,
tucked between Gion and Kiyomizu-dera. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife—
a romantic place made to honor their memories. Despite the central location, it stays calm:
bamboo groves and gardens you can truly linger in. At 9 a.m. the air’s cool and the paths are quiet—
honestly the perfect time. The grounds are wide and every turn frames a view.
It’s a joy just to stroll. After the halls, let’s head toward the small bamboo grove
just beyond. There are a few steep steps—
wear comfy shoes. (…carefully climbing…) The tall bamboo keeps the air surprisingly cool. No one came for a while,
so we had this view all to ourselves. Quiet time like this really resets you—
mind and body. Starting to feel hungry,
we’re walking down to Ninenzaka near Kiyomizu-dera. From Kodaiji’s exit you can see Ninenzaka—
a short and easy walk. Kiyomizu’s area is a major spot,
so daytime gets packed. If you can, go earlier.
You really feel the place before the rush. Most shops open around 10 a.m.,
so before then it’s calm and comfortable. After a stroll through Ninenzaka,
we ducked into a café for matcha sweets. There are tons of dessert spots here,
though some lean a bit touristy. Itohkyuemon’s been around for nearly 200 years—
a solid choice in this area. We arrived right at 10 a.m. opening.
It stayed about half empty until 11. Window seats are the prize—
garden views with your sweets. “The parfait is so rich and heavy!” Hard to believe it’s only about ¥1,000—so generous. It came out in under five minutes. I’m not great with bitter flavors,
but the whipped cream and smooth anko make it easy ✨ “Careful—it’s going to fall!” Piled high and overflowing with toppings. “We’ve been eating for five minutes and it’s still huge.” Delicious parfaits, slow pace—
a very happy break 🍵✨ Just a one-minute walk from the café… We spotted “Ochanoko Saisai,” a Kyoto chili and spice shop—
one of my favorites. Shichimi blends, chili oils—
many made with Kyoto ingredients. Their Kyoto chili-oil furikake
is a staple at our table. You can sample most items,
so even first-timers can pick with confidence. “This one never fails.” “This is already our fourth bag.” “We always grab it, don’t we?” You don’t often see this brand outside Kyoto—
authentic Japanese spices make a great souvenir. Eight minutes on foot takes us to a no-additive ohagi shop. Traditional rice sweets with a cute, modern twist. They do classics and seasonal designs. And they’re only about $2 each. Pre-order online and you can get
a beautiful mixed box. I ordered the “Morning Glory”—
look at those tiny leaves! And this is the bright “Yuzu Lemon.” There are just two eat-in seats. But they’re palm-sized,
so you can easily eat them on the go. Inside is plenty of chewy rice. Rice-based sweets might feel unusual,
but in Japan they’re very common. “Itadakimasu.” “So good!” Now the adorable Morning Glory—almost too pretty to eat. “The leaf tastes like matcha.” The purple flower is blueberry 🫐 Lastly, a chocolate shop my husband’s wanted to visit 🍫 Even in busy Gion, turn down a narrow alley
and it’s suddenly quiet and charming—even on a Saturday. At the end is a chocolate boutique
from a beloved Kyoto patisserie. Not just any chocolates—
each one inspired by Kyoto. Locals love it,
and it makes an easy souvenir too. In a chic, Japan-inspired interior,
the chocolates look as good as they taste. Designs change daily,
so each piece becomes a one-day-only memory. This time we picked his favorite bar. The one with the kanji “京” (Kyo, for Kyoto)
uses Kyoto ingredients—very “wa” in flavor. It’s about $6 a bar—pricier for locals,
but worth it. By early afternoon the crowds grew,
so we’re heading home 🌤️ Thanks for watching to the end 🙇✨
A quiet Kyoto, Japan walk from Gion to Kiyomizu-dera — a slow travel vlog with small temples, bamboo forest, traditional sweet shops (wagashi & matcha) ignored by the crowds. 🍵
I share local tips to avoid the crowds and enjoy the calm side streets.
00:53 Kodaiji Temple https://maps.app.goo.gl/mpDfvtsiQZ7fonxs7
03:45 Itohkyuemon https://maps.app.goo.gl/gsAuKH81KBBNhNbHA
05:31 Ochanoko Saisai https://maps.app.goo.gl/sZux9F2EY5tA21Fz5
06:51 Otafuku https://maps.app.goo.gl/wcD7xaXk6gJwF4N4A
08:30 Cacao 365 https://maps.app.goo.gl/HcRToJtUHv6Lcb9i7
On this channel, we’re Mochi 👩🏻 and Mah 🧑🏻 — a Japanese couple living in Kyoto.
Every week, we share hidden gems, cozy cafés, and local life that only Kyoto residents know.
If you’re planning to visit Kyoto, don’t forget to subscribe and join our journey! ✨
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