Why Kyoto?
Kyoto the city of the Geisha
When you visit Kyoto, you're signing up for a unique experience, one that's a tad bit different from what other travelers often chase. Imagine this: One day, you're walking in a quiet neighborhood, enveloped in the scent of cherry blossoms, and the next, you're joining locals in a lively festival dance. Kyoto is the heart of Japan’s geisha world. In Kyoto, however, fully-fledged geisha are properly called geiko (pronounced “gay-ko”). Young ladies, usually between the ages of 15 and 20, train for five years to become a geiko. During this period, they are known as maiko (pronounced “my-ko”). Knowledgeable insiders estimate that there are about 100 geiko and 100 maiko in Kyoto. Other cities, like Tokyo, have some version of geisha, but they don’t usually undergo the strict training that defines Kyoto’s maiko and geiko. Geisha are highly skilled entertainers who appear at high-end dinners, private parties and special events to add a special touch to the proceedings. They are NOT prostitutes, despite various silly rumors and portrayals in certain books and movies. Rather, they are ladies who have trained for years in the traditional Japanese arts to become the perfect entertainers. Also kyoto is famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.
Cafés
My favorite cafés in Kyoto
Cafe Vermillion
It's all about Coffee, Culture & Communication Bilingual English and Japanese espresso bar and cafe located in Fushimi Inari, right next to the world-renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. Named after the vivid, iconic color of the famous torii gates seen around Kyoto and Japan — Vermillion.
Address
5-31 Fukakusa Kaidoguchicho
What I like about it
Great tasting coffee and barista made. Snacks were light and just perfect. Nice but small seating area and warm cosy atmosphere.
Cafe Kurasu
The origin of the name Kurasu is derived from the Japanese word for "living." We started as a small online homeware shop in 2013, and now operate a physical store and an online shop, delivering high-quality specialty coffee and tea roasted at our Nishijin roastery, as well as Japanese coffee equipment all over the world.
Address
552 Higashiaburanokojicho
What I like about it
Such a beautiful coffee shop with phenomenal staff and warm welcome. I had to order a second round because the first was that amazing. Loved every sip.
Inoda coffee
Inoda Coffee's main store has a townhouse-style exterior that blends in with the city. Once you step inside the store, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. One of the features is that you can enjoy creating a space with particular attention to detail. Relax to your heart's content in the spacious space surrounded by the aroma of coffe.
Address
140 Dosukecho
What I like about it
Lovely coffee shop with great different flavour. I've tried 2 different kind of coffees and loved it. Also they have a charming space to seat an relax.