48 Hours in Kyoto: Snow, Temples, and Unforgettable Flavors
#favouriteitinerary #travelanywhere Kyoto, nestled perfectly between other cities, was the ideal stop for a quick yet immersive 2D1N getaway.
Day 1:
Afternoon: Our journey began at Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s bustling culinary heart. The narrow, vibrant alleys were lined with tantalizing street food stalls, offering everything from skewered delights to decadent matcha treats. Every bite was a taste of Kyoto’s rich gastronomic heritage, a sensory immersion into the city’s food culture.
Evening: As the day turned to night, we made our way to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its striking vermilion torii gates. The gates, bathed in soft light, created an almost otherworldly ambiance, with scarcely anyone around. We hiked to the summit in under two hours, savoring the quiet beauty of the sacred path.
To cap off the evening, we dined at Kinchan, a cozy Chinese-Japanese fusion restaurant near Inari Station. The hearty sake ramen and refreshing matcha beer offered the perfect comfort after a day of exploration, and with its late hours, Kinchan was a delightful find to unwind.
Day 2:
Morning: The day began at French Cafe Chasen, near Kodaiji Temple, where a matcha dessert box awaited us, filled with a mesmerizing assortment of matcha delicacies that opened with a puff of dry ice smoke. It was a magical experience that perfectly captured the essence of Kyoto’s matcha artistry.
We then meandered through Ninnenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Matsubara Street, charming lanes brimming with traditional shops and street food vendors. Each step through these historical streets felt like stepping back in time, with a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern-day craftsmanship.
Afternoon: At Kiyomizudera Temple, we witnessed a moment of serenity: the first snow of the season lightly dusting the grounds, still framed by autumn’s lingering red leaves. The scene was pure magic, and a rainbow appeared just after a light drizzle, adding a touch of wonder to the already breathtaking view.
For dinner, we visited Tendon Restaurant Loosen Up!, where we were treated to a visually stunning and flavorful 15-color tendon. It was a unique culinary experience that captured the inventive spirit of Kyoto’s modern dining scene.
Evening: Our Kyoto adventure concluded with yakitori at Torikizoku, near Kyoto Station. The warm, lively atmosphere of the restaurant was the perfect ending to our whirlwind 2-day escape, leaving us with unforgettable memories of the city.
In just 2 days, Kyoto captivated us with its seamless blend of history, nature, and culinary innovation. A brief yet unforgettable journey through one of Japan’s most enchanting cities.
#couplestrip #japan #myitinerary #travel