The best places to eat, drink, and stay in Kyoto

Seasoned food and travel writer—and self‑confessed Japanophile—Jane Lawson curates immersive travel experiences and customised itineraries through Zenbu Tours. Here, she shares some of her favourite places to eat, drink and stay at in Kyoto, Japan

A trip to Japan isn’t complete without a visit to Kyoto, the nation’s ancient capital, which continues to captivate travellers with its timeless charm and rich cultural heritage. This is exactly what happened to Australian ex-chef Jane Lawson when she first visited the Land of the Rising Sun over four decades ago, and she has been returning ever since to explore its ancient architecture, cultural landmarks and thriving food scene. In 2013, she founded Zenbu Travels where she curates tailored food and travel experiences to the different places in Japan—including the popular favourite, Kyoto. She clues us in on some of her favourite places to eat, drink and stay at when she’s in the city. 

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I fell in love with Kyoto because…
every time I arrive there, I feel a blanket of calm wrap around me in welcome. The city’s grounding energy, peace, beauty and intrigue inspire me on many levels, and it’s where I’m at my most creative.

I don’t feel like I’ve landed in Kyoto until…
I’ve stood on one of the bridges that lace up Kamogawa (Kamo River), taken a few deep breaths and gazed towards Kitayama—the northern mountains.

My go‑to places for souvenir and food shopping…
include Nishiki Market, which you must visit for its range of local foodstuffs such as Kyoto‑style tsukemono (pickles), freshly roasted houjicha, kyo‑yasai (local vegetables), wagashi (traditional tea sweets), miso and sake. If I’m shopping for fresh food for meals, I’ll usually go to a depachika (a food hall on the basement level of a department store) or Kyoto Yaoichi Honkan, a fantastic grocery store where you can buy fresh ingredients. The bakery within is excellent and there’s even a little farm on the roof with a coffee kiosk.