Kyoto, Shortlisted

Hi all,

I hope you’re having a beautiful October so far. This month, we’re heading to Kyoto, a city I have long dreamed of visiting — so much so that I started compiling recommendations long before I had the chance to go myself. When I finally got to Kyoto earlier this spring* it, indeed, exceeded all my (very high) expectations. Since our trip was on the shorter side, my partner Laila and I hyper-focused on very good food punctuated by stops for coffee, tea, shopping (including the boutique where these pants—aka the best pants I currently own—are from), and a few select temple visits. I’m including all the top places we fell in love with here plus a few on my personal list for next time…which can’t come soon enough. (Speaking of, please don’t hesitate to add any of your favorites in the comments!)

As always, thank you for being here, have a beautiful rest of your month, and see you in November.

xR

*after a trip to Seoul—find that shortlist here

[food + drink]

Juugo | phenomenal soba right along the philosopher’s path. Chef Ishibashi-san grows his own buckwheat, makes his own flour, and then makes the noodles for you to order — you can watch him do so from your seat at the counter through the window to the small back room. It’s lunch only (last res is at 4p) and it’s pure magic. Cash only / make a reservation (when you make the reservation you have the option to add beer or sake, we did one of each and it was the ideal pairing especially with the toasted buckwheat snack you start with)

Gion Rohan | Hands down one of my favorite meals of our entire Japan trip. We managed to squeeze in without a reservation though I wouldn’t recommend, we got very very lucky. Make one in advance, sit at the long, narrow bar, choose which sake cup you would like to drink from for the night, and be sure to order the mackerel sando and the unagi and any grilled vegetables. (FYI the menu is fully in Japanese but they’re very helpful if you don’t speak the language)