Explore the traditional side streets
Kiyomizudera is located in the Higashiyama district, a hilly area known for its temples and traditional atmosphere. Visitors can follow the side roads from Gion’s Yasaka shrine to Kiyomizu-dera and taste the local street food along the way.
Honke Nishio YatsuhashiFor a twist on Kyoto’s most popular souvenir, yatsuhashi, try a taste of the yatsuhashi crepe. Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi has been in business for over 300 years, creating both baked and raw versions of yatsuhashi. Their most modern creation is the yatsuhashi crepe, a French crepe filled with whipped cream, crispy yatsuhashi bits and a flavor of choice. Chocolate banana offers a western fusion, while matcha and red bean is a domestic favorite.View this post on Instagram
The Yatsuhashi crepe is only offered at select locations. The crepe costs 450 yen. The Kiyomizuzaka store is open from 8AM to 5PM.
See Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi's other stores here
RakushoView this post on Instagram
Rakusho is a cozy teahouse perfect for taking a break between temples. Matcha green tea and warabimochi, jelly topped with roasted soybean powder, are the recommended choices. Relax in the tatami room with a warm brew and try some traditional sweets. Be sure to check out the small koi pond and garden before leaving!
Rakusho is open from 10AM to 6PM. Tea sets start from 1080 yen.
Experiment with local spices Ochanokosaisai
View this post on Instagram
Kyoto is well known for the variety of shichimi blends. There are plenty of shops selling their own spices, however Ochanokosaisai one of the most popular. Ochanokosaisai is best known for their shichimi, a seven spice blend, that they claim is the world’s spiciest. The bright red packets of the spices or rice crackers, featuring cartoon girls screaming in kimonos, make for portable souvenirs. Don’t forget to try the shichimi soft serve, a vanilla ice cream cone topped with the signature spice and small rice crackers. The creamy dairy contrasts with the spice, creating a harmonious flavor ideal for a summer day.
Ten gram packets of the spice cost 540 yen. Ice cream costs 250 yen. The store is open from 9AM to 6PM.
Check out Ochanokosaisai's other stores here
Indulge in Kyoto style cuisine for lunch Takinoya
View this post on Instagram
After a long morning of temple viewing, a relaxing lunch is the best way to while away an afternoon. Takinoya is an affordable restaurant located in Kiyomizudera. The restaurant is located at the top of the hill. Diners can choose to sit outside on the tatami mats for a view of the temple. Takinoya serves a Kyoto favorite, thick udon noodles. Their recommended dishs are udon noodles and hot "yudofu" tofu.
View this post on Instagram
For a more luxurious option, try the nearby Nichigetsuan. Nichigetsuan serves traditional kaiseki Kyoto cuisine, featuring the season's best ingredients. There are various sets available, ranging from 3,000 yen to 8,000 yen. The presentation of the food is gorgeous as each meal is served washoku style. The upstairs also has a nice view of the temple and city. The restaurant is very spacious and perfect for larger groups.
Takinoya is open from 9:30AM to 5:30PM and is closed on Thursdays.
Nichigetsuan is open from 10:30AM to 9PM.