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Walk: Philosopher’s Trail – As far as we’re concerned, a lazy stroll along the Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi in Japanese) is the single best way to spend an hour or two in Kyoto. Named for a Kyoto University professor who took his daily constitutional along this route, the path is aptly named indeed: the ever-changing vistas and the slowly flowing waters of the stream invite deep thoughts or, if you’re in a Zen frame of mind, no thoughts at all.

The Path of Philosophy starts about 100 meters north of Eikan-do Temple and reaches its northern terminus at the base of the approach to Ginkaku-ji temple. There are several cafes en route where you can stop for a cuppa, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for signs pointing off the path (following these will invariably bring you to wonderful little temples and shrines).

Be warned, because the Path of Philosophy is lined with cherry trees, it will be crammed with people during cherry blossom season. The simple solution? Walk the path just after sunset, when the crowds have gone home (the trees are illuminated for several hours after sunset and they’re magical after dark).

(via Inside Kyoto)

Restaurants, cafes, and boutiques can be found along the path, as well as a number of smaller temples and shrines which are a short walk from the canal. The most notable of the temples is Honen-in, with an entrance gate that is quite spectacular especially during the autumn leaf season.

The canal, that the path follows, is part of the Lake Biwa Canal which tunnels 20 kilometers through the mountains to Lake Biwa in nearby Shiga Prefecture. The canal was built during the Meiji Period in order to revitalize the stagnating local economy, and was used to power Japan's first hydroelectric power plant. A beautiful aqueduct, which is part of the canal, can be seen around Nanzenji.

(via Japan Guide)

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Temple: Eikando Zenrinji Temple – Jodo sect Japanese Buddhist temple located just north of the large temple complex of Nanzenj. Eikando is very famous for its autumn colors and the evening illuminations that take place in fall. The temple has a long history, and there are a variety of buildings and a pond garden that visitors can explore.

(via Japan Guide |  Trip Advisor)

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Bar: A-Bar – (Bar-hopping in Kiyamachi-dori Street)  This is a great bar for enjoying a few beers or making new friends, especially on busier nights. The inside looks like a log cabin with long, shared tables so you’ll often get chatting with locals as you sit together while enjoying a few bottles of beer which the staff will open with a quick flick of their chopsticks! (Not as easy as it looks- though they’ll let you have a go!)

(via Japan Info)

(read more about Kiyamachi-dori via Trip Advisor, or see more area bar-hopping tips at City Cost)

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Bar: Cafe la Siesta – (Bar-hopping in Kiyamachi-dori Street) Cafe la Siesta is a bar dedicated to retro video games, with old consoles and handhelds freely available to play and even an arcade cabinet which is free to play on Thursdays. Alongside the games all the usual drinks you’d expect are available as well as a selection of video game themed cocktails and on Friday and Saturday nights there are usually DJs playing.

(via Japan Info)

(read more about Kiyamachi-dori via Trip Advisor, or see more area bar-hopping tips at City Cost)

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Adventure: Hozugawa River Boat Ride – Sit back for gorgeous scenery on this bumpy boat ride through the countryside and a few little rapids.  About 1hr, some boats are covered. Tip: Go in Autumn when the foliage is beautiful. Decided to start my visit to Arashiyama doing this first and was really pleased that I did.

(via Trip Advisor)

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Temple: Kiyomizudera – (清水寺, literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. This Japanese Buddhist temple was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. Tip: For the best photos, go in the morning or at dusk, when the lighting is the most flattering.

(via Japan Guide and Trip Advisor)

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Ryokan: Hoshinoya Kyoto – Arrive by boat to this quiet, romantic Ryokan on the water. 

A good base for exploring Arashiyama bamboo grove and the beautiful but busy west Kyoto temples and gardens. However, less convenient for elsewhere in Kyoto given the need for a water taxi and then taxi / train onwards. Divide your stay in Kyoto across 2 hotels.

Tip:  Make the restaurant reservation when you book your room, and specify which part of the restaurant if you have a preference. See room “Tanigasumi”.

(see: http://hoshinoyakyoto.jp/en/)

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Restaurant: Okariba

Restaurant: Okariba – After walking the Philosopher’s Path or visiting Eikando Zenriji temple, have dinner in this little restaurant with the owner Aoki-san. Order wild boar skewers, Pork BBQ, deep fried baby trout, and smoked deer sashimi. The place feels like a hunter’s cabin and some of the food is equally adventurous– fried caramel grasshoppers, bee larvae, and a glass of sake out of a jar with a tiny snake in it. Entertaining. Come early 6:30pm or earlier to avoid crowds.

(via the restaurant - Picture of Okariba, Kyoto - TripAdvisor)

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Café: Cao Cafe Ishikawa – This modern space was created to celebrate moments connecting with friends over drinks and snacks. Located in a more residential neighborhood, Cao Cafe Ishikawa offers a modern take on Kyoto style, with fewer tourists. (via Cool Hunting)

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Café: % Arabica – Japanese people obsess over coffee as much as they do tea, and % Arabica delivers both through their coffee roasting and preparation—all inside a unique environment. While both Kyoto locations are worth a visit, the Arashima location sits on the Katsura river, offering spectacular mountain views. It’s right next to the must-see Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji gardens and temple. (via Cool Hunting)

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Café: Cafe Kocsi – Cafe Kocsi is one of Chris’s favorite lunch places and we instantly fell in love with its charm. A well-worn, comfortable escape from the hustle of the city and tourists, it’s a perfect spot to recharge, enjoy a snack, lunch or a late-night bite. (via Cool Hunting)

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Café: Cafe Bibliotic Hello! – This lush space features books, a gallery and a bakery in addition to the café. Airy and comfortable with good food, Cafe Bibliotic Hello! is an ideal place to pause between shopping and sightseeing. (via Cool Hunting)

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Café: Ippodo Tea Room and Shop – Tea is core to any visit to Japan, and Kyoto’s Ippodo Tea Room and Shop is among our favorite purveyors. The staff is very friendly and helpful in demystifying the varieties and grades of tea available, and anyone looking to learn more can take one of their tea classes. An adjoining tea room offers samples of the shop's best teas, including sencha, matcha and gyokuro. Tea from Ippodo makes a thoughtful (and lightweight) gift, and they'll wrap any purchase. (via Cool Hunting)

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Café: Sakamaruyama – Discreetly nestled inside Maruyama-koen park, one of the most scenic in Kyoto (especially during cherry blossom season), you’ll find Sakamaruyama, a 12-seat café that calms and nourishes the spirit. Enjoy tea and artisanal Japanese sweets in this picture-perfect garden hideaway. (via Cool Hunting)

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