Travel stories | Japan 2026
Travel stories | Kyoto, Japan 2026
GOST travel story | Kyoto, Japan 2026
I was quite nervous going to Japan as I struggle with crowds and languages. It seems at odds when I love ceramics and this is the home of generations of families who make it their livelihood. So, I booked in a bespoke tour where I knew the guides had a long association with Japan and a love of ceramics, owing a gallery, writing and much more. I was also lucky my dear friend Kerist came on the trip with me as she had been to Japan three times already. I was in good hands.
My travel tips for an 9 day stay (flights outside of the stay so 11 all up):
Hidden gems | There are so many to mention. I think I would say get out of Kyoto and head for the hills if you can. There are many architectural gems among the green hills. If you can, hire a driver who knows the way so you can sit and relax while photographing or simply admiring the rice paddy fields, the bamboo forests, incredible high rise train track bridges and so much more.
Gardens | Kyoto has a few gardens and while I didn’t see them all, I’m saving them up for the next visit. At the Gion Kagai Art Museum, while the focus is on Geiko and Maiko culture (kimonos, hair, makeup, shoes), there is a lovely garden where you can have a quiet, serene walk. I loved the tall thin irises so unlike Australian ones.
Walking/Transport | I love to walk anywhere. Kyoto is mostly a flat city. You can also catch Ubers, buses and trains quite easily too. Buses - you board through the back door and then pay as you exit the front door. You can pay 1,000 yen (note) for a 280 yen ride (about $2.80 AUD). The change is handy to have next time. There is a coin and note option. Trains will vary in cost pending where you are going. The ticket machines have English translations but make sure you can see a train map with English on it. It helps to work out how much to pay, how many stops etc to travel with ease.
Shopping | oh! my! Kyoto is designed for any budget from affordable to the luxe end. On our last day, I found this design/art neighbourhood which had so many beautiful options. But, I’m so glad with all my purchases from so many different places we went to. There are department stores, undercover style shopping malls (not like ours), bespoke boutique shops and so much more in any of the precincts you visit.
Temples | We didn’t have much time to see every temple. However, I was pleased we went to the following:
Kiyomizu-dera Temple - a walk up a steady hill so have your walking shoes on. There are two roads/paths so try to go up one and down the other to explore all the shops along the way. We came across a doughnut + coffee shop - yum!, a textiles place selling scarves; ceramics by Yuko Hayashi (4th generation Koson Kiln), and houses with different architectural features. The Temple has a beautiful garden to explore too.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine - is one of the most known and popular temples to visit. It was jam packed the day we went. You can only go up one way 2 side by side and be prepared everyone is trying to get that elusive photo. It does turn into a long hike - 2-3hrs. We decided to leave that for another time and enjoy the 10-15 min return walk.
Riverside | You can walk along the Kamogawa River along with bike riders at the bottom or up on the street level. Kerist and I did this walk every day and evening. It’s safe, walkable and a nice way to explore the city on foot. Near our accommodation are the streams that run through at a gentle pace. There were sitting spots to cool your feet and relax.
Where to eat | we ate in many places and managed to find vegetarian & vegan options. It can be hard but persevere and you’ll find them. I recommend for vegans: Mumokuteki Cafe. It also happens to have goods and wears downstairs. Cafe Malda has the best vegetarian curry. We often picked up a carrot juice and pastry at this Boulangerie as the Japanese love baking. If you are crazing comfort food after eating lots of Japanese there is a Dean & DeLuca (an Italian style deli store from New York). I found one in Kyoto and was so happy as I got a spinach quiche with Japanese salad. They have meat dishes too.
Where to stay | Kerist found us accommodation via booking.com and it was fantastic. We had a room each, a washing machine and a lovely outdoor balcony. We had many a breakfast (Fresco and 7-Eleven for basics like fruit, juice, yoghurt, tea). We had 8 nights and then moved in closer to the Kawaramachi Sanjo area and stayed at Hotel Resol for 2 nights.
Standout | going on a small, private creative + cultural tour. Our hosts have been coming to Japan for many years and formed friendships with many fine arts + craft artists as well as those that want you to experience their cooking with fresh produce. Our host’s love + connections was generously shared with Kerist, myself and the guests on this trip. I was all smiles in the ceramics workshop - my happy place!
Travel lighter | I went to Japan with a small ‘Mandarin Duck’ shell hard case carry on luggage. I also packed my husband’s fold up duffle bag. The idea was when I returned home, all the soft things went into the duffle bag which was checked in. All my ceramics, precious new clothes and gifts went into the carry on. I wrapped all my ceramics in bubble and then with clothes for extra protection. In hindsight, next time I’ll take a smaller duffle bag as it draped awkwardly over my luggage when rolling it on the path. Keep it light. When you are up and down on trains/stairwells with no lifts or escalators- trust me - you’ll want it to be no more than 9 kilos.
Enjoy your next trip - wherever it may take you.
Anne xx
Love GOST?
We welcome reviews to help visitors locally, interstate and overseas to visit us as one of many gems in Canberra. Your positive feedback also helps us when we are being assessed for arts and tourism opportunities. You can choose Tripadvisor, Facebook or Google My Business. Tripadvisor review, or Facebook review, or Google My Business review. Thanks!
