Three Days in Kyoto
A vlog with lots of caffeine.
Gen x Taste is a lifestyle blog and newsletter for those who still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up (even if they’re over the age of 40).
I’m taking a break from social media for the next month or two, and have already archived many of my old posts/videos and deactivated some accounts. Instead, I will focus my attention here, where things feel a lot more manageable.
When I restarted blogging, I had no idea that videos were going to be such a huge part of my posts. But I really enjoy making them — as they combine two of my passions: filmmaking and sharing my life with you! I especially love documenting our travels, because they’re like little home videos.
THE DETAILS
Ricky the Famous Japanese Dog
After checking out of the Kimpton Shinjuku, Abe had the good fortune of meeting Ricky. I was in the taxi, waiting and surprised that the entire ride consisted of his gushing about this famous dog. But now that I see Ricky, I understand why.
Tokyo Station
Like everything else in Japan, I was so impressed with the Shinkansen (bullet train). There were many food options (including full-on sit-down restaurants) and signs were very clear, despite everything being in Japanese. Also, I’m happy to report the bathroom on board was pristine! I hope you’re taking notes, Amtrak.
We did buy our tickets the day before, online (through the help of our hotel concierge) which was a little bit confusing — but basically, since we were traveling with all of our luggage, we made sure to book our seats to accommodate them near the back. I think we probably would’ve been fine placing them overhead but it didn’t cost anything extra, and it was nice to have that peace of mind.
Marufukuro Hotel
I already blogged about this stay (hosted), but this vlog goes deeper into the hotel/room tour and all the special gluten-free and vegetarian meals they prepared for us at their restaurant, carta.
Kawama Cafe
A very cute little cafe. By the large open window, people were sketching and drawing.
Good Nature Station
I was surprised by this place, which I thought was just a fancy health food store. But imagine if Whole Foods also had an entire hotel and department store! I tried on this ANDIZUMO nail polish that said it would wash off with hot water. I was shocked when it did and immediately looked to see if they sell it in the States. (They don’t.)
Suba Kyoto
We walked by this small soba shop one night and were intrigued by all the diners standing and slurping. Perfect for us, because I can’t eat anything there and it made it not weird to just film Abe from afar — he ordered and finished his dinner in less than 20 minutes.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Even early in the morning, this famous temple was filled with tourists. By the time we left, there were field trips galore and I needed to get out of there!
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
I know, this is extremely basic of me. But it was the prettiest Starbucks I’ve ever been to, and definitely the best coffee with oat milk I had on the entire trip.
Kawa Cafe
A cute spot to have a drink and admire the river. Only one guy was working and it was a little slow, but we weren’t in a rush. Cash only.
Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple
If you love Tanuki Mario as much as we do, you might be surprised to learn he’s based on an actual animal — the Tanuki (Japanese Raccoon Dog). Abe went here alone by bike1, and said the place was totally empty but magical. Just watch out for bears 🐻.
Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba)
We didn’t get to explore while the shops were open/bustling but that’s okay. As evidenced by the temple excursion, I don’t do well in crowds and I probably couldn’t have eaten anything there anyway.
Weekenders Coffee
You know how there are places you see all over social media and then you show up and are like, Really? That’s it? This is that place. But also, I know zero about coffee so maybe the very watery tasting cup I drank is what “real” coffee drinkers love?
Murmur Coffee
Right by our hotel was this very sweet cafe. The people who worked there were so sweet too!
Jam Thrift Shop
After our trip to Chicago Harujuku, I was surprised that this thrift store wasn’t equally affordable. The selection was pretty good but a lot more expensive — I’d say it was on par with many secondhand stores in Los Angeles or NYC.
Gion Soy Milk Ramen
This tiny 100% vegan and gluten-free restaurant can be hard to miss because it’s in front of a laundromat. I was so grateful to eat ramen and dumplings again! Uno Yokiko is known as the world’s first “Soy milk Patissiere” and the broth in this ramen was perfection.
NOT IN THE VIDEO
Abe went off and explored Sanzen-In Temple while I worked/rested during the second day in Kyoto.
And the morning of our flight back, he woke up early and visited Fushimi Inari Taisha to see the Torii gates and the Sagano Bamboo Forest. This was on my Kyoto list too, but I just couldn’t rally that early before two airplane rides!
Part 1 of our Japan Trip: Tokyo
My aim is to keep these posts sponsor-free, so if you’d like to support me directly with a paid subscription, that would be very helpful. Please note: I do use affiliate links and may earn a commission when you purchase something.
He said biking in Kyoto is a dream!