A city preserved in time.

Kyoto has the feel of a city preserved in time. The historic geisha houses of Gion, the immaculately-kept temples and gardens, the late autumn leaves scattered across the tiny streets of Pontocho and the peaceful surrounding areas of Arashiyama echo an era long ago where life moved more slowly, more deliberately.

Japanese culture is like an enigma – the closer you think you may be to understanding it, the farther from the truth you realize you may be. However, through my visit to Kyoto, it was evident that the Japanese culture’s focus on preserving community is unrivaled. The Japanese people have a sense of community and respect towards themselves, each other and their land like I have never seen before.

The Japanese way treats every act like a work of art – whether through their interactions and mannerisms, architecture & design, preparation of food, tea or even arts & crafts. It was truly inspiring and made me reflect, ‘how can I treat more everyday activities and interactions like works of art? How can I live more gracefully?’

Kyoto is meant to be experienced at a slower pace and the various activities and attractions are quite spread out, so try to allocate at least two full days in the city (preferably three). Read on for my top recommendations to see, stay, eat and explore in the peaceful city of Kyoto.

HOTELS

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Perched on the banks of the Kamo river, the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a peaceful retreat in the ancient city of Kyoto. You won’t find the typical high-rise, concrete hotel structure here - the design has been executed to fit seamlessly with the aesthetic of the city. The hotel is situated within a 10-minute walk from both the bustling streets of Pontocho and Gion, as well as lesser-frequented boutiques and restaurants nearby. Relax at the spa after a day of exploration, or try book a counter spot at Mizuki, which has received a Michelin star for the tempura cuisine.

TO SEE / EAT / DO:

Day 1: If arriving from Tokyo, plan to arrive early-midday to allow yourself time to get to your hotel and settle in to the slower, more meditative feel of Kyoto. Book an afternoon Japanese tea making class at the Ippodo Tea shop, or simply grab a matcha latte and walk around the neighborhood. Relax at the hotel spa before getting ready for the evening, then head out to House of Kinobi - Kyoto’s own craft gin brewery and bar, where you can enjoy unique Japanese cocktails and tasting flights. Then, walk to nearby Pontocho, a narrow alley that comes alive in the evening. Take your pick of restaurants - you can’t go wrong with an izakaya for your first night in Kyoto.

Day 2: Start your day early by taking the train to Arashiyama to walk through the bamboo forest. Explore a bit further and enjoy the serene, historic preserved streets and stop by Tenryu-ji temple and enjoy a wagyu steak lunch at Kijurou. Aim to reach your next stop - Kinkaku-ji temple - for golden hour, where one of the most famous sights of Kyoto is bathed under the light of the sun. Opt for either a casual dinner at Kamehameha Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki (located in Nishiki Market) or a traditional kaiseki - Kyoto’s most renowned form of traditional cuisine - for dinner.

Day 3: After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, head to Nishiki Market, which covers five blocks and features hundreds of shops selling food, gifts and homewares. Snack your way through the market, sampling everything from grilled scallops, matcha mochi, dried fruits and fresh sushi. Continue your walk through the city, passing through Yasaka shrine, one of Kyoto’s most famous Shinto shrines. From there, you can make your way to the historic Gion district, with the hopes of spotting an illusive geisha. For dinner, book a table at Itoh Dining - Nobu’s traditional Japanese steakhouse where you can enjoy Kobe beef and delicious grilled lobster in an intimate setting.

Day 4: Plan to wake up very early and head to Fushimi Inari Taisha for sunrise. You can hike to the top and back (which takes about 2-3 hours), or simply walk through the the initial path before ascending. Head back to your hotel and pack up for your next stop.