Kyoto
Good inspiration for textiles, graphic, packaging, fragrance, print, tabletop, interior, beauty, hospitality and food.
Kyoto is the a little city full of special experiences. It still has a lot of buildings from 1800’s in an amazing condition. Some streets just feels like you’ve stepped onto a film set and time travelled back. It’s a truly magical place to show the old Japan.
Stay at Granbell Kyoto
Don’t let the exterior fool you. It’s a new build hotel with a lovely references of traditntal Japanese architecture. It’s. perfect mix of traditional Japanese decor with modern twist to it. The rooms have tatami floor but also have very comfortable bed so you don’t have to sleep on the floor.
It’s a hotel version of Ryokan which works really well. They have public bath so you are able to experience the Onsen experience without going to a Ryokan. It’s located in the old town area just across from the main high street. The location is absolutely perfect.
Also, even you are a fan of the breakfast buffet. It’s the best!
Buy ceramic, glass, stationery, socks, incense, textiles, food and beauty products.
Packaging design in Japan is a delight. There are so many beautiful and innovative way to presenting the product. Everything is delicate and small. You can tell everything has been really through through. You must visit SouSou for socks, Muji for the Japanese lifestyle and Nishiki market for food and other household goods.
Eat Tonkatsu, Mochi, Matcha, sushi, Donburi and all the snack.
It’s pretty impossible to have bad food experience in Kyoto. Everything we ate was absolutely superb. The list just shows key food dishes I enjoyed. There are a lot of good restaurants in and near Nishiki market.
See Kiyomizu-dera, Gion area and all the temples.
Kyoto is known for the bamboo forrest but within the walking distance from the hotel. These places are the most easy to get to and can be done in a day. I don’t like to plan my trip in detail as I love stumbling into places I didn’t expect and explore the area. There are a lot temples in Kyoto so you will always find a new gem around the corner which are not stated in the travel guide.