Kyoto has innumerable souvenirs to choose from. Yet, one souvenir continues to outrank the rest. Yatsuhashi is one of the most popular souvenirs from Kyoto. Some studies have shown that over 40% of the tourists visiting Kyoto, Japanese or otherwise, take yatsuhashi back with them as a souvenir for their loved ones.
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Kaiseki ryouri evolved throughout the ages. From simple meals served at a tea ceremony to fancy Heian imperial court cuisine with influence from the Buddhist boom during the Kamakura period, to the emphasis upon balance from the Muromachi age of Samurais, modern Kaiseki cuisine has been shaped by many aspects of Japanese culture and history – and now you can taste these dishes too.
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For foodies interested in exploring various aspects of Kyoto cuisine, I would recommend our Nishiki Market tour. This tour takes place in “Kyoto’s kitchen,” Nishiki market in the heart of Kyoto city. We sample local foods during the first hours of the tour, then sit down and enjoy a kaiseki (traditional Kyoto-style meal) course prepared by the chef using ingredients from the Nishiki market. Definitely a must-do for any foodie out there!
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Being vegan/vegetarian while traveling in Japan can be quite hard, especially when it comes to eating out. Most of modern Japanese cuisine consists of more meat and animal products as most veggies are imported and therefore a bit expensive. But fear not – here are some of the best places to eat with affordable AND delicious vegan cuisine in Kyoto.
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Until the18th century, plant-based agriculture was preferred to livestock rearing. This combined with the influence of Buddhism and Shintoism meant that most of the country harboured a vegetarian friendly diet. Emperors regularly issued meat bans and for a while, plant-based diets thrived. A version of this historic cuisine is still available today…
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At Arigato Japan we believe FOOD is the best gateway to culture, customs and history and this is true even more in the ancient city of Kyoto. From tea houses more than 300 years old to restaurants that have been serving food for half a millennium, Kyoto has a rich food history that is still relevant today.
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I have been working with Arigato Japan since May 2019. Sharing Japanese food and culture with people from all over the world has been the most rewarding experience.
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Japan is famous for weird and wacky restaurant themes, but this one is sure to carry weight. Macho Cafes or Macho Bars have recently become popular amongst locals and foreigners alike. Although it is quite pricey, you can experience Magic Mike-esque evening with muscley eye-candy.
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Practicing the tea ceremony gave me the opportunity not only to deepen my understanding of the ritual, but simultaneously to expand my knowledge into other areas of Japanese culture because of its relation to the practice. In essence, I have come to feel that the tea ceremony is a microcosm of Japanese culture as a whole.
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Kyoto is a city that is famous for its rich and historic culture. But the beauty of culture is that it is never fixed. Innovation and exploration, defining qualities of Kyoto Brewing Company, are at the center of a cultural revolution maintaining Kyoto’s relevance in our modern world.
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