Fushimi Inari Shrine MAP
Praying to the Rice god ‘Inari’ that i won’t get a heart attack while walking through 1000 Torii gates (Senbon Torri) include stairs and incline. Dress to hike and go early to avoid bus loads of tourist, about 7:30am to start.
On the way from Arashiyama Station there will be a lot of snack and souvenir stores along the way, leave it till the end so you don’t have to carry it around with you.
One cafe you may come across that is a MUST visit is the ‘Arashiyama Rilakkuma Cafe’ with toy plush, food and other gifts available. TRIP ADVISER
Heaps of vendors along the way so don’t eat too much, another item that you must eat are ‘Taiyaki’ which is a fish shape waffle usually stuffed with mochi or red beans with soft serve.
After hiking 1/3 of the way i realised that i don’t need to kill myself so i opted out and went back down for some food …… END of ARASHIYAMA
Over 400 years old recipe by Honke Owariya, Soba noodles was made by Zen priest in temples back then in the 1600’s, Soba is said to be good for you and is a healthier option. Due to high demands and the temples can not keep up most restaurants decided to make them. Thus how Honke Owariya was born.
Signature dish: Soba Noodles – Buckwheat noodles
Instagram: Honke Owariya
Location: 604-0841 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward MAP
Taste notes: Chewy texture with next to no flavour, served with a variety toppings depending on your choice. Can be served cold or hot, ask for an english menu as it comes with photos so you can choose.
Get the ‘Hayashi Soba’ it comes in a tower of 4 filled with soba, broth and a variety of sides includes tempura shrimp, nori, shredded egg, pickled mushroom, grated daikon, scallions, toasted sesame and wasabi.
A hidden gem for those who wants A5 wagyu beef without damaging their wallets, Japanese & Korean BBQ style and serving up premium wagyu beef in the area of GION.
Signature dish: A5 Wagyu Beef – BBQ Style
Location: 604-8015 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nabeyacho, 211-2 MAP
Taste notes: I regret i didnt order the whole menu, A5 wagyu grade at an affordable price. BBQ style so you can cook how you like it, can get busy so make sure you come early or go on week days to avoid lines.
A hidden gem serving their famous NEGHI aka Green Leek with their set meal dishes. Instagram worthy Tendon will set you back 2000 Yen, which is a Tempura bowl with rice. Lines starts at 10:30-11:00 but the restaurant opens at 11:30, make sure you get in early!
Signature dish: Kyoto Neghi (Green leek) – Tempura Bowl (TENDON)
Location: 260-4 Ichinocho Shimogyo-ku Kyoto 600-8018, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
Taste notes: Tendon aka Tempura Rice bowl with a variety of fresh produce in Kyoto either fish, squid, prawns, eggplant, Japanese peppers, potato and egg. Served with white or brown rice and tempura sauce.
Signature dish: Gyukatsu (Beef Cutlet)
Location: Kyoto Ekimae Nishiki Market
Taste notes: A must eat in Kyoto is a Gyukatsu which is a beef cutlet but KYOTO STYLE (KYOTO BEEF) Crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside. Served with side of cabbage, rice, variety of sauces and onsen egg.
Another Tourist destination is the famous Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) with temples, small food markets, tea house for tea ceremony for 500 Yen and Markets selling lucky charms and small goods. If you are lucky you will get to see a kitsune (Fox) i was lucky to see one running across from me.
Access: From Kyoto Station catch Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 to Kinkaku-ji stop. (About 40 min ride)
The two biggest Ramen chain you need to try in Kyoto are Ippudo Ramen and Ichiran Ramen which are both conveniently located near the Nishiki Market.
Both Ramen has their own style and flair, Ichiran operates 24hrs a day so you can always grab a bowl at anytime, diners enjoy the individual both for privacy and also doesnt make you feel awkward if you are going alone.
Ichiran allows you to pick you broth’s strength, noodle firmness, richness of the broth, toppings and spice level. In other words its custom made by you.
While Ippudo allows you to choose your noodle style but the broth are all different. If you visit ippudo make sure you get their gyoza, they are small but they are so good and addictive!
End of Kyoto …. until Next time … Keep eating!!!!
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