36 HOURS IN KYOTO, JAPAN｜YOU MUST – VISIT ULTIMATE KYOTO SPOTS IN 2025

36 HOURS IN KYOTO, JAPAN｜YOU MUST – VISIT ULTIMATE KYOTO SPOTS IN 2025

I spent a few days in Kyoto—just walking, eating, pausing, and letting the city guide me. There wasn’t really a plan. I just followed whatever caught my eye. Quiet mornings in hidden cafés, busy markets full of color, and those little moments that make Kyoto feel
like a world of its own. This is how I experienced the city. Let’s start. It’s 7:00 AM and I just got on the shinkansen from Tokyo Station. I woke up at 4:30 this morning—but I’m wide awake now because I’m super excited. I’m heading to Kyoto for the first time in three years. The last time I went was on a family trip, so this time feels totally different—just me, traveling solo. Can’t believe it only takes less than two and a half hours to get there now. Every time, I’m amazed by how fast it is. I’ve been looking forward to this trip for so long. Can’t wait to walk those streets again, grab some good food, and just take my time. Kyoto, here I come. Firstly, I’m really looking forward to come here! This is my first time at Nintendo KYOTO. Nintendo KYOTO is one of only three official
Nintendo stores in Japan. The other two are in Shibuya PARCO and Daimaru Umeda, but this one just opened inside Takashimaya in Kyoto. Before heading inside, I stopped by the giant Super Mario statue at the first-floor entrance of the building. I’d seen it in pictures, but in person, it’s so much bigger—and honestly,
pretty overwhelming! Then I found this awesome underground walkway leading toward the store. The whole 100-meter-long wall between exits 10 and 11 is decorated with Super Mario graphics. On one side, there’s retro pixel-style Mario, and on the other, a more modern illustration. I stepped into the store. That signature Nintendo red color instantly made everything feel exciting and special. The design has retro vibes too, with grid patterns and pixel motifs all around—charming but stylish. there’s a red-tiled path that looks like a runway. I looked up, and even the ceiling is filled with
all kinds of character goods. The store is massive, and each area is themed around different Nintendo games—Super Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, Pikmin, and more. I followed the left side of the wall as I moved forward—it starts with an above-ground level, then goes to underground, underwater, the Bowser fight, and finally, the iconic flagpole. It seriously felt like I was inside the game. Just across the street from Takashimaya—the building where Nintendo KYOTO is—you’ll find a shopping arcade. And right along that street, I came across the Sanrio Gallery Kyoto store. It turns out this is the largest official Sanrio store in all of Kyoto Prefecture, both in terms of floor space and the number of items they carry. The shop is spread across two floors and there’s a lot to see. Unlike the Sanrio stores inside Takashimaya or Daimaru that are more family-focused, this one has a more grown-up vibe. One of the first things that caught my eye was the collection of traditional Japanese-style items. There are bags and accessories with Hello Kitty in classic Japanese patterns, and even collaboration products featuring Nambu ironware, and Kutani-yaki pottery. They also sell souvenirs that are popular with
tourists from China, like nail clippers, coin purses, and small pouches. Of course, all the Sanrio favorites are here—Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, Kuromi—you name it. While walking around Shijo Kawaramachi, I stumbled upon a place called
Gochisou Yaki-Musubi Onimaru. Right outside the shop, there was a colorful lineup of onigiri that instantly caught my eye. I couldn’t help reaching for a few—everything looked so good. They had all the classics like ume and salmon, but also some really unique ones I’d never seen before. There was even a Kyoto-exclusive one with chirimen and yuzu pepper, which sounded amazing. Other flavors like honey bonito plum and tuna mayo also looked super tempting… They also had chewy okowa rice balls and a hearty miso pork soup loaded with ingredients. I picked two: one with chicken tempura and tartar mayo, and another with grilled pork and tamagoyaki. There’s an eat-in space on the second floor, so I headed up to enjoy them there. You can warm your food in the microwave, and the air conditioning was a lifesaver—it was so cool and comfortable. They also offer free self-serve water and tea, which I really appreciated. Outside, the streets were packed with tourists, but the inside of the shop was surprisingly quiet. Honestly, it felt like a hidden gem in the middle of the crowd. If you’re exploring Kyoto and craving some matcha sweets, there’s one place you can’t miss—Ito kyuemon Gion-Shijo. It’s located just a short walk from Yasaka Shrine,
which is famous for hosting the Gion Festival in July. The shrine is also known for blessings like protection from bad luck, good relationships, and even beauty. The café is actually on the second floor of a building—the first floor is a gift shop where you can buy matcha souvenirs. I visited around 2 PM,
right in the middle of café time, so it was quite crowded. Luckily, there was one open seat at the far end, and they guided me there right away. The space was decorated with traditional bamboo shades. It’s pretty spacious and perfect for a relaxing break from the busy streets outside. I ordered their Matcha Daifuku Shaved Ice. It came with fluffy shaved ice topped with a rich matcha syrup, plus a generous drizzle of thick matcha bean paste. Hidden inside was a whole Uji matcha daifuku—it was seriously filling. They also give you a little side of condensed milk so you can adjust the sweetness to your taste. It’s a seasonal item available from early July to around September. Honestly, it was not just beautiful but also super satisfying. Other items on the menu include matcha parfaits,
matcha udon, and even matcha curry. If you’re a fan of Japanese sweets, the matcha ice cream and chewy shiratama dumplings are absolute must-tries. Ito kyuemon has been around since 1832, and this is their first location in Kyoto City
with both a shop and a café. They’ve done a great job balancing tradition with fresh,
modern flavors. If you’re in the area and want a peaceful,
high-quality matcha experience, this place is totally worth a stop. From Gion-Shijo Station, it took me about 15 minutes on foot to reach this hidden gem—HARIO CAFE Kyoto. At first glance, the building didn’t even look like a café. It’s a traditional Kyoto-style house, and once
I stepped inside, I was greeted by a beautiful Japanese garden. Walking through the entrance, the space opened up into a modern, elegant café interior. This café is run by HARIO, the Japanese heat-resistant glassmaker that’s been crafting coffee equipment since 1921. They also have cafés in Roppongi, Nagoya, and Karuizawa—but this Kyoto branch is tucked away in a quiet alley near Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple, right inside the scenic Ishibei-koji area. You can also walk here from Kiyomizu Temple—it’s a great stop along the way. At HARIO CAFE, you can enjoy specialty coffee or tea brewed with their signature gear and even touch and buy the actual brewing tools yourself. Some of them are original HARIO items or café-exclusive designs, which makes them pretty special. They have several menu options, and you can actually customize your drink by choosing the beans and brewing method. I went with their famous siphon coffee this time. It had a silky, gentle texture and a rich, deep flavor that slowly unfolded with each sip. Honestly, it felt like the perfect drink to enjoy while soaking in the calm Kyoto atmosphere. There’s a small number of seats, so despite the café looking spacious from the outside, it probably doesn’t get too crowded—especially since it’s tucked away
in a lesser-known spot. I liked how the space had two totally different vibes depending on which side you sat on. The right-hand side near the register is full of natural light and faces the garden—it’s open and airy. On the left side, it’s more like a traditional kissaten—a cozy, retro-style Japanese café. They don’t have a huge food menu, but there were a few baked goods and sandwiches available. Sipping my coffee while looking out at the garden felt like such a luxurious moment. If you’re a coffee lover like me, this spot is absolutely worth checking out. Just a short walk from HARIO CAFE KYOTO, I stopped by Kennin-ji Temple—the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. Founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, Kennin-ji is the head temple of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Eisai is also known for bringing tea seeds from China and spreading tea culture in Japan, which is why he’s often called the “father of Japanese tea.” The temple gets its name from the era in which it was founded—Kennin 2nd year, in the Kamakura period. It’s one of those places that feels deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture. This time,
I came to see a special exhibition by BUAISOU, a well-known Japanese indigo dyeing brand, held inside Ryosoku-in, which is within the Kennin-ji grounds. The exhibit space was a traditional tatami room facing a lush summer garden filled with hangesho plants. Indigo dyeing, or aizome, is a traditional Japanese technique using natural indigo extracted from plants. Its deep, rich blue color is so iconic it’s even known internationally as “Japan Blue.” The exhibition featured about 15 pieces—hanging scrolls, sliding doors, and noren curtains—all inspired by the motif of “rope.” Some of the works seemed to float in midair, suspended in the room, and when the light hit them just right, you could see through them slightly. That subtle transparency added a beautiful, delicate touch. Right across from the room was a wide-open garden. Everyone was just sitting quietly, taking it all in. The white leaves of the hangesho looked almost like patterns painted on indigo fabric blending perfectly with the exhibition’s theme. The space felt like a dialogue between the artwork and the natural scenery outside. I ended up sitting there, doing nothing, for at least 20 minutes. The stillness, the colors, the atmosphere… it’s something I could never experience in Tokyo. Even if you’re not in Kyoto during the Gion Festival season, there’s a place where you can still experience it all year round—Gion Matsuri Gallery. Located inside the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, this gallery displays floats, traditional costumes, and other materials related to the festival. It’s like stepping into the heart of the celebration, even if it’s the middle of winter. They also have VR experiences that let you ride on the floats virtually. One section showcases the history of the Gion Festival, which dates back over 1,000 years. It originally began as a religious ceremony to pray for protection from plagues. Over time, it evolved into one of the most famous festivals in Japan. The highlight is the Yamaboko Junko—grand processions of massive floats. Some are so tall they have to be assembled without nails, using only ropes and wooden joints. They’re pulled by teams of men and accompanied by traditional music. Standing next to one in the gallery really gives you a sense of just how huge they are. The detailing is incredible—intricate carvings, woven fabrics, and decorative metalwork. It’s easy to see why they’re considered moving works of art. I visited L’ESCAMOTEUR BAR, a spot run by a former magician that’s been trending on TikTok! The moment I stepped through the door, I had to do
a double take. It’s a bar that makes you feel like you’ve been transported overseas! The French owner, Christophe, a former magician, designed the interior to resemble a 20th-century apothecary. The space is filled with all kinds of tricks and surprises, so be sure to take a closer look when you visit. The bar features an 8-seat counter, standing room, and even a swing by the window. Just a heads-up: if you’re not great with alcohol, it’s probably best to skip the swing it might speed up the buzz!
The cocktails here are like magic potions, full of punch and creativity, priced between ¥1,200 and ¥1,500 with no cover charge. Christophe says the bar’s concept revolves around four elements: “magic,” “mixing,” “medicine,” and “alcohol.” The goal is to make guests feel energized and happy by the time they leave. I tried the FUDO MYO-O, a cocktail with a fiery performance! Watching it being prepared with flames was so exciting. It had a refreshing mix of grapefruit juice, lemon, and simple syrup—easy to drink and super tasty. Next, I ordered the Strawberry Ichie, which came with an explosive surprise! This sweet cocktail was made with strawberry liqueur, homemade wasabi syrup, citrus vodka, lime, and lemon. It’s definitely on the sweeter side but packed with flavor. L’ESCAMOTEUR isn’t just a magic bar—it’s full of playful surprises, charming staff, and a whimsical atmosphere that makes it unforgettable. If you’re in Kyoto, this is one bar you don’t want to miss! On the second morning, I decided to leave the bustling
city center of Kyoto and head to Arashiyama for a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. I usually stick to hopping between restaurants and cafés, but this time I wanted to do something
more active and immerse myself in nature. I bought tickets for a horse-drawn carriage ride, something I’d never tried before. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, taking you through the heart of Arashiyama and offering breathtaking views of the Hozu River. It was a healing experience, surrounded by nature and the soothing sound of the rushing water. Passing through tunnels, the classic sound of the old
train echoed loudly adding to the charm of the journey. Nature isn’t something you always come across unless you seek it out, and this train ride allowed me to fully reconnect with the great outdoors. After riding the Sagano Scenic Railway, I took a short walk and stopped by Ueshima Coffee Kyoto Saga-Arashiyama. It’s located just a few steps from Togetsukyo Bridge, in the heart of Arashiyama, and the building itself blends in beautifully with the traditional Kyoto streetscape. The architecture and materials were carefully selected to match the surrounding area, giving it that refined,
understated Kyoto vibe. As I walked in, I immediately noticed the wooden latticework near the counter and a selection of beautifully curated items for sale—like Kyoto-inspired coffee goods and souvenirs that would make great gifts. The second floor looked a bit quieter, so I headed upstairs to relax. There, the atmosphere felt warm and calming, with a mix of traditional and modern touches like large wooden tables, soft cushions, and even ceiling decorations inspired by origami. which added a subtle elegance to the space. One of the best spots was definitely the terrace seating. With its open-air feel, you can sip your coffee while watching people stroll by. The café is located along the street that leads from Togetsukyo Bridge to the Bamboo Grove Path, so there’s always a flow of tourists passing through. But once you’re inside, it’s surprisingly peaceful—such a nice contrast to the
busy streets outside. The area is surrounded by popular spots like
Tenryu-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the street itself is lined with food stalls and souvenir shops. It’s always bustling, especially on weekends, so finding a relaxing café like this is such a treat. After walking around all day, this was the perfect place to unwind with a good cup of coffee! I’m here at Nishiki Market, right in the heart of
Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward. This place is often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, and it’s been around for over 400 years. The market stretches about 390 meters along Nishikikoji Street, from Teramachi to Takakura, and it’s packed with over 130 shops. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood and Kyoto vegetables to pickles, dried goods, traditional side dishes called obanzai, and even sweets. Back in the late 1500s, during the Tensho era,
this area began as a marketplace. It really flourished during the Edo period as a wholesale fish district known as “Nishiki no Mise.” Many of the shops here are still family-run businesses and long-standing specialty stores you can feel the history in every step. Many shops offer small, easy-to-eat items made just for walking around, which makes it impossible not to snack as you go. One moment I’m eyeing grilled fish skewers, the next I’m tempted by matcha sweets, Kyoto pickles in bite-size portions,
fluffy tamagoyaki, or handmade croquettes. It’s super fun to just explore and taste a little of everything. And since it’s all covered by an arcade roof,
it’s a great spot rain or shine. If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is also a great place to find unique Kyoto ingredients or beautifully packaged local products. No wonder it’s so popular with both locals and tourists. Walking through Nishiki Market is like taking a stroll through 400 years of Kyoto’s food culture. It’s vibrant, delicious, and such a memorable experience. While walking through Nishiki Market, I spotted this place—THE CITY BAKERY Kyoto Nishikikoji. It’s a New York-born bakery that now has locations across Japan, but this one is unique to Kyoto. The bakery was founded by Maury Rubin, who actually started out as a TV producer before switching careers. He’s the creative mind behind their famous pretzel croissant and rich hot chocolate— both of which have become signature items. Here at the Kyoto Nishikikoji store, they offer daily selections of 50 to 60 kinds of bread, pastries, and cakes, including some that are exclusive to Kyoto. Everything is beautifully arranged at the front, and I honestly had a hard time choosing. The interior has a calm, refined atmosphere— with old wooden beams and ceilings preserved from the original structure. As I walked toward the back, I found a lovely terrace with the gentle sound of water, and beyond that, a renovated traditional kura space with a modern twist. It felt more like a small gallery than a bakery. They also serve pizzas and sandwiches made with Kyoto-style side dishes, which you can only get at this location. It’s a great mix of local flavor and City Bakery style. Since I hadn’t had breakfast yet and it was already close to 11, I ordered a sesame salt bagel and an iced coffee. Perfect combo to recharge and take a little break from all the walking. What surprised me the most was how many foreign visitors were here. Almost every customer around me was from overseas, each picking out their favorite bread. It really felt like a place loved by both locals and travelers alike. Compared to the lively energy of Nishiki Market, this café offered a calm, stylish spot to relax and enjoy something freshly baked. Definitely worth a stop if you’re exploring the area. Before catching my shinkansen from Kyoto Station, I had a little time to spare,
so I stopped by Pokémon Center Kyoto, located on the second floor of SUINA Muromachi,
part of the Kyoto Economic Center. This store actually used to be inside Takashimaya but has now moved to this new location. Right at the entrance, I was welcomed by a Pikachu dressed in a traditional Kyoto-style outfit—it was adorable! Inside, it was super crowded. And since this location has Kyoto-exclusive items, it’s a hit with tourists too. One of the main highlights is the kimono-wearing Pikachu plushies— they even come in male and female versions. There were also traditional Japanese accessories made with Nishijin-ori, and even a Kyoto-style Poké Ball lantern, combining traditional crafts with Pokémon flair. It’s such a fun fusion of Kyoto and Pokémon culture. At the entrance, there’s a dramatic display of Ho-Oh and Lugia, which really sets the tone as you walk in. And before taking the shinkansen, I’m heading to Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower! Before hopping on the shinkansen, I took a quick walk around Kyoto Station at night. The way the station is lit up—it really gives you that end-of-the-journey feeling. It’s hard to believe how fast time flew by. This trip is finally coming to a close. I’ll be taking the shinkansen back to Tokyo Station, but honestly, I’m not quite ready to leave. Kyoto always leaves you wanting more. Right across from the station is the beautifully lit-up Kyoto Tower. It’s the tallest structure in the city at 131 meters, and although it looks like a giant candle, it was actually designed to represent a lighthouse, meant to shine over a city without a sea. Unlike Tokyo Skytree, Kyoto Tower has a soft, nostalgic charm— especially when viewed from below at night. It’s the perfect final image to take with me as I say goodbye to Kyoto. The trip might be ending, but the memories will stay with me for a long time. From delicious food and unique shops to quiet escapes hidden in the heart of the city, Kyoto never fails to surprise. It’s a city that blends tradition and modernity so beautifully. Every visit feels different, and every moment feels special. As the shinkansen pulls away, I take one last look out the window. The city lights fade into the distance. And with that, my Kyoto journey comes to an end. But every ending is just the start of another adventure. See you in the next one. Thank you for joining me. Safe travels, wherever you’re headed.

I spent a few days in Kyoto with no set plans—just walking, eating, and discovering hidden gems.
From matcha cafés to Nintendo Kyoto and quiet Zen temples, this is how I experienced the city.
Join me on this slow, personal journey through Kyoto.

♢Please turn on subtitle captioning (CC) in the Video Settings tab.

If you like this video, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE IT to help me make more videos like this. Thank you so much! 🌿

♢Video Timeline Links♢

From Tokyo Station to Kyoto

ー Nintendo KYOTO
ー Sanrio Gallery
ー Gochisou Yaki Musubi Onimaru Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
ー Ito Kyuemon Gion Shijo Ten
ー HARIO CAFE KYOTO
ー Kennin-ji Temple
ー KYOTO GION MATSURI FESTIVAL GALLERY
ー L’ESCAMOTEUR BAR
ー Arashiyama Torokko Train Ride
ー Ueshima Coffee Kyoto Saga Arashiyama
ー Nishiki Market
ー THE CITY BAKERY Kyoto Nishiki St.
ー Pokémon Center Kyoto
ー Kyoto Station
ー Kyoto Tower

==========================================
Links mentioned in this video:
==========================================

◼︎Nintendo KYOTO
Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. T8 7F, 35 Otabi-cho 2-chome, Higashi-iru Teramachi, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://www.nintendo.com/jp/officialstore/index.html

◼︎Sanrio Gallery
28 Otabi-cho, Higashi-iru Teramachi, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://stores.sanrio.co.jp/7014100

◼︎Gochisou Yaki Musubi Onimaru Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
7 Otabi Miyamoto-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26039353/

◼︎Ito Kyuemon Gion Shijo Ten
586 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26032723/

◼︎HARIO CAFE KYOTO
138-9 Saitocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://g.co/kgs/cS9gMKy

◼︎Kennin-ji Temple
584 Komatsu-cho, Sagaru Shijo, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
[https://www.kenninji.jp](https://www.kenninji.jp/)

◼︎KYOTO GION MATSURI FESTIVAL GALLERY
551 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://gionmatsuri-g.com

◼︎L’ESCAMOTEUR BAR
463-17 Shimogawara-cho, Sagaru Yasaka Torii-mae, Shimogawara-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26041611/

◼︎Ueshima Coffee Kyoto Saga Arashiyama
48-3 Kitazouro-cho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260403/26035587/

◼︎Nishiki Market
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3931.html

◼︎THE CITY BAKERY Kyoto Nishiki St.
502 Nakauo-cho, Higashi-iru Takakura, Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26037887/

◼︎Pokémon Center Kyoto
SUINA Muromachi 2F, 78 Kankoboko-cho, Higashi-iru Muromachi, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/en/pokecen/kyoto/

==========================================

🎥BEST 30 MUST-BUY JAPANESE ULTIMATE SOUVENIRS IN SHIBUYA MEGA DonQuijote

🎥BEST 23 Michelin Guide Tokyo Restaurants 2025

♢SNS And Contacts♢
Follow me on social media🧡
■TikTok
www.tiktok.com/@fuji_japan_travel
■Business
fujijapantravel.official@gmail.com

♢Camera♢
■ DJI osmo pocket 2
https://amzn.to/3zzo8nR
■ DJI osmo pocket 3
https://amzn.to/3BBmjHO
■ SONY VLOGCAM ZV-1
https://amzn.to/47ydmuI

♢Music♢
https://artlist.io/

FUJI JAPAN TRAVEL earns income from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.