Guidebook for Kyōto-shi

Shimpei
Guidebook for Kyōto-shi

Sightseeing

Daitokuji temple (大徳寺) is a very big temple complex. Although there are much fewer tourists, it is worthwhile to visit - believe or not, it is listed as a three star in Michelin guidebook! It is a collection of many sub-temples and usually there are some exhibitions in one of these temples. Juko-in (聚光院), one of the temples, is the family temple of Sen-no-Rikyu (千利休), the founder of tea ceremony. Great place to be relaxed as well. You may enjoy Shojin Ryori as well. There are a nice cafe in front of the temple, which is good for brunch or cafe during the day.
129 locals recommend
Daitoku-ji
53 Murasakino Daitokujichō
129 locals recommend
Daitokuji temple (大徳寺) is a very big temple complex. Although there are much fewer tourists, it is worthwhile to visit - believe or not, it is listed as a three star in Michelin guidebook! It is a collection of many sub-temples and usually there are some exhibitions in one of these temples. Juko-in (聚光院), one of the temples, is the family temple of Sen-no-Rikyu (千利休), the founder of tea ceremony. Great place to be relaxed as well. You may enjoy Shojin Ryori as well. There are a nice cafe in front of the temple, which is good for brunch or cafe during the day.
Needless to say, one of the most popular destinations in Kyoto. The easiest way to visit is to use the free bikes in the house. It would be around a 15 min ride. Alternatively you can take a taxi from the house, using the free and automated taxi call cell phone.
1389 locals recommend
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkakujichō
1389 locals recommend
Needless to say, one of the most popular destinations in Kyoto. The easiest way to visit is to use the free bikes in the house. It would be around a 15 min ride. Alternatively you can take a taxi from the house, using the free and automated taxi call cell phone.
Ryoanji temple (龍安寺) is famous for its rock garden. If from the house, I would visit this temple by bike as the way from around Kinkakuji (金閣寺) through Ryoanji (龍安寺) and Nin-naji (仁和寺)is a great street to walk or bike, called Kinukake-no-michi.
423 locals recommend
Ryōan-ji
Ryōanji Goryōnoshitachō
423 locals recommend
Ryoanji temple (龍安寺) is famous for its rock garden. If from the house, I would visit this temple by bike as the way from around Kinkakuji (金閣寺) through Ryoanji (龍安寺) and Nin-naji (仁和寺)is a great street to walk or bike, called Kinukake-no-michi.
Kamigamo shrine, one of the 17 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, is located just 10 min away from the house by bicycle. The surrounding area is also good for walking, cafe, or lunch.
293 locals recommend
Kamigamo-jinja
Kamigamo Motoyama
293 locals recommend
Kamigamo shrine, one of the 17 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, is located just 10 min away from the house by bicycle. The surrounding area is also good for walking, cafe, or lunch.
Kamishichiken (上七軒) is one of the five red-light districts in Kyoto along with Gion Kobu (祇園甲部), Gion Higashi (祇園東), Ponto-cho(先斗町), Miyagawa-cho (宮川町), and Shimabara (嶋原). Unlike Gion, this place is not found by most tourists so you can enjoy the old Kyoto atmosphere without being interrupted many others. You can enjoy Kaiseki Ryori (懐石料理) and Geisya (芸者) here, just like in Gion. There is my favorite chicken restaurant in the are, which is housed in a traditional machiya wooden house, and the chef's been doing this over 50 years.
37 locals recommend
上七軒
531-4 Akinonochō
37 locals recommend
Kamishichiken (上七軒) is one of the five red-light districts in Kyoto along with Gion Kobu (祇園甲部), Gion Higashi (祇園東), Ponto-cho(先斗町), Miyagawa-cho (宮川町), and Shimabara (嶋原). Unlike Gion, this place is not found by most tourists so you can enjoy the old Kyoto atmosphere without being interrupted many others. You can enjoy Kaiseki Ryori (懐石料理) and Geisya (芸者) here, just like in Gion. There is my favorite chicken restaurant in the are, which is housed in a traditional machiya wooden house, and the chef's been doing this over 50 years.
255 locals recommend
Ninna-ji
Omuroōuchi
255 locals recommend
1521 locals recommend
Kiyomizu-dera
1521 locals recommend
302 locals recommend
Gion station
Gionmachi Kitagawa Higashiyama Ward
302 locals recommend
1725 locals recommend
Nijo Castle
541 Nijōjōchō
1725 locals recommend
1229 locals recommend
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō
1229 locals recommend
493 locals recommend
Kitano-temmangū Shrine
Bakurocho Kamigyo Ward
493 locals recommend
607 locals recommend
Higashiyama Jisho-ji
Ginkakujichō
607 locals recommend
Sakyo Ward Office Health and Welfare Center Kodomo-Hagukumi Room
7-2 Matsugasaki Dōnouechō
38 locals recommend
Chikurin no Sato
5-3 Ryōanji Ikenoshitachō
23 locals recommend
先斗町
137-4 Wakamatsuchō
23 locals recommend
161 locals recommend
Sanzen-in Temple
540 Ōhararaikōinchō
161 locals recommend
58 locals recommend
Kurama-dera
1074 Kuramahonmachi
58 locals recommend
130 locals recommend
Enryakuji
Sakamotohonmachi
130 locals recommend
26 locals recommend
Genko-an Temple
47 Takagamine Kitatakaminechō
26 locals recommend
508 locals recommend
Arashiyama
Sagatenryuji Tateishicho Ukyo Ward
508 locals recommend

Entertainment & Activities

Very local and traditional pulic bath near the house. An open air bath tub and different kinds of tubs. You can drink beer and beverage after bathing. Friendly owner. Costs only JPY410.
Murasakino Onsen
16-1 Murasakino Kamimonzenchō
Very local and traditional pulic bath near the house. An open air bath tub and different kinds of tubs. You can drink beer and beverage after bathing. Friendly owner. Costs only JPY410.
Funaoka onsen (船岡温泉), perhaps, is the most famous and historical sento (銭湯) public bath located on Kuramaguchi street (鞍馬口通り), 1.4 km south of the house (10 min by bike). The bath house is designated as Japan's tangible cultural property (登録有形文化財) and was originally built as ryokan (旅館) back in 1923. It was then transformed into a bath house in 1933. While its external appearance remains as ryokan, the gorgeious drawings on the ceilings are worthwhile to see. Types of bathtubs include herb, jet, electric, fall, sauna, and open air (薬草, 電気, 滝, 露天). Adult 430yen, kids 60, baby 150 yen. Opens 3pm - 1am (8am - 1am on Sundays, close on national holidays)
208 locals recommend
Funaoka Onsen
82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokachō
208 locals recommend
Funaoka onsen (船岡温泉), perhaps, is the most famous and historical sento (銭湯) public bath located on Kuramaguchi street (鞍馬口通り), 1.4 km south of the house (10 min by bike). The bath house is designated as Japan's tangible cultural property (登録有形文化財) and was originally built as ryokan (旅館) back in 1923. It was then transformed into a bath house in 1933. While its external appearance remains as ryokan, the gorgeious drawings on the ceilings are worthwhile to see. Types of bathtubs include herb, jet, electric, fall, sauna, and open air (薬草, 電気, 滝, 露天). Adult 430yen, kids 60, baby 150 yen. Opens 3pm - 1am (8am - 1am on Sundays, close on national holidays)
35 locals recommend
Kurama Onsen Onsen Ryokan
520 Kuramahonmachi
35 locals recommend
27 locals recommend
NINJA DOJO and STORE
528 Hakurakutenchō
27 locals recommend
448 locals recommend
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokachō
448 locals recommend
京都市 西院公園
Saiinyasuzukacho Ukyo Ward
Kyoto Municipal Takaragaike Park Ball Field
72-6 Iwakuraminami Ōsagichō

Essentials

Closest large scale supermarket - 5 min walk from the house
Daikokuya Imamiya
10 Shichiku Higashitakanawachō
Closest large scale supermarket - 5 min walk from the house
The closest supermarket, 3 min walk from the house (open 9:30 - 19:30). Newly renovated in 2016.
Kamitomo
8 Shichiku Nishitakanawachō
The closest supermarket, 3 min walk from the house (open 9:30 - 19:30). Newly renovated in 2016.
Closest drug store, 2 min walk from the house. Open 10am-7pm.
7 locals recommend
Cocokara Fine
100 Tachiuri Nakanochō
7 locals recommend
Closest drug store, 2 min walk from the house. Open 10am-7pm.
EDION Shichiku Omiya
4 Shichiku Kurisuchō
エディオン北大路ビブレ店
49-1 Koyamakitakamifusachō
Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Kyoto
590-2 Higashishiokōjichō
323 locals recommend
ねむりの森
91 Shichiku Nishitakanawachō

Food Scene

Konaya Coffee (粉屋珈琲), a machiya wooden house (町家) cafe, is just on the other side of the street from the house, 20 second walk, and would support our breakfast as well as lunch when we stay at home (or when we don't have time to go far). Opens 8am - 6pm, except on Mondays. The lady owner grown up in Osaka speaks good English and have a great sense of humor to talk with the visitors. I love the brunch set with a very large salad bowl. Great place to meet and talk with local people!
粉屋珈琲
48-1 Shichiku Nishitakanawachō
Konaya Coffee (粉屋珈琲), a machiya wooden house (町家) cafe, is just on the other side of the street from the house, 20 second walk, and would support our breakfast as well as lunch when we stay at home (or when we don't have time to go far). Opens 8am - 6pm, except on Mondays. The lady owner grown up in Osaka speaks good English and have a great sense of humor to talk with the visitors. I love the brunch set with a very large salad bowl. Great place to meet and talk with local people!
"03 SlowCafe" is a cafe dining located in the north of Shin-Omiya shopping street (新大宮商店街) and is just a few minute away by walk from the house. I like the relaxing and literally slow atmosphere and the tiny garden at the back of the cafe. Although the food itself is not very Kyoto, they offer great pasta and spaghetti type of food, juicy hamburger, and sweets. Opens 11:30am - 9:30pm (and occasionally close in the mid-afternoon). Could be a good place to stay daytime when it is rainy.
03 slow cafe
33-2 Shichiku Nishimomonomotochō
"03 SlowCafe" is a cafe dining located in the north of Shin-Omiya shopping street (新大宮商店街) and is just a few minute away by walk from the house. I like the relaxing and literally slow atmosphere and the tiny garden at the back of the cafe. Although the food itself is not very Kyoto, they offer great pasta and spaghetti type of food, juicy hamburger, and sweets. Opens 11:30am - 9:30pm (and occasionally close in the mid-afternoon). Could be a good place to stay daytime when it is rainy.
ULCUS is a cafe / dining bar located near the intersection (交差点) of Kitayama street (北山通り) and Sin-Omiya street (新大宮通り) and is 5 min (400m) away from the house. Opens 9am - 11pm and is divided into Morning (9-11), Lunch (11-3pm), Cafe (3-6pm), and Dinner (6-11pm) times. They have morning sets, lunch plates, and dinner sets along with alcohol of many sorts (wine, beer, cocktail, sake, shochu, etc.). Closed on Mondays.
ULUCUS(ウルクス)
31-2 Shichiku Shimomidorichō
ULCUS is a cafe / dining bar located near the intersection (交差点) of Kitayama street (北山通り) and Sin-Omiya street (新大宮通り) and is 5 min (400m) away from the house. Opens 9am - 11pm and is divided into Morning (9-11), Lunch (11-3pm), Cafe (3-6pm), and Dinner (6-11pm) times. They have morning sets, lunch plates, and dinner sets along with alcohol of many sorts (wine, beer, cocktail, sake, shochu, etc.). Closed on Mondays.
Cafe Flat
16 Murasakino Nishigoshodenchō
CAFE DU MON
44 Murasakino Shimomonzenchō
食彩 hajime
63 Murasakino Monzenchō
味工房 うえ川
50 Koyamakamihatsunechō
一寸法師
89 Shichiku Shimomidorichō
Yamaga
7-3 Shimogamo Nishimotochō
Utakata
53 Shichiku Nishimomonomotochō
14 locals recommend
鶏料理 なが田
726-22 Shinseichō
14 locals recommend
38 locals recommend
KYOTO GOGYO 五行 Ramen
452 Jūmonjichō
38 locals recommend
7 locals recommend
IN THE GREEN
Shimogamo Hangichō Sakyo Ward
7 locals recommend
56 locals recommend
Masutani
Kitashirakawa Kubotacho-26 Sakyo Ward
56 locals recommend
26 locals recommend
Moritaya Kiyamachi
Kiyachō Nakagyo Ward
26 locals recommend
Kyoto Yakiniku (BBQ) HIRO Kiyamachi
527 Kamiōsakachō
57 locals recommend
14 locals recommend
Aje Matsubara Honten
西 Shimogyo Ward
14 locals recommend
25 locals recommend
Taiho
149 Nishinokyō Hoshigaikechō
25 locals recommend
Nhà Việt Nam Kyōto
Higashishiokōjichō Shimogyo Ward
Hokuto Sukiyaki
Doi Shibazuke Honpo
41 Yasehanajirichō
市場小路 北大路ビブレ店
49-1 Koyamakamifusachō
The history of Shinsen-en (神泉苑) traces back to 794, when this garden was built leveraging a natural pond. After the capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto in the year, the garden was used for various events by emperors and monks. Shinsen-en Heihachi (神泉苑平八) is famous for its thickest udon noodle in their hot pot. The restaurant also offers kaiseki and beef dishes such as sukiyaki and shabushabu. You can enjoy the meals, watching the beautiful garden. I don't know why but there are not so many tourists here.
17 locals recommend
Kyoto Shinsenen Heihachi
Monzenchō Nakagyo Ward
17 locals recommend
The history of Shinsen-en (神泉苑) traces back to 794, when this garden was built leveraging a natural pond. After the capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto in the year, the garden was used for various events by emperors and monks. Shinsen-en Heihachi (神泉苑平八) is famous for its thickest udon noodle in their hot pot. The restaurant also offers kaiseki and beef dishes such as sukiyaki and shabushabu. You can enjoy the meals, watching the beautiful garden. I don't know why but there are not so many tourists here.
If you are a fun of tofu, this place is one of the places you can visit. The shop is located near Kitano Tenmangu shrine (北野天満宮). I personally love the tofu pudding here that we can even buy Nishiki street (錦通り) in downtown.
8 locals recommend
京とうふ藤野本店/ TOFU CAFE FUJINO
843-7 Kamiyagawachō
8 locals recommend
If you are a fun of tofu, this place is one of the places you can visit. The shop is located near Kitano Tenmangu shrine (北野天満宮). I personally love the tofu pudding here that we can even buy Nishiki street (錦通り) in downtown.
This is the headquarter of Shinpuku Saikan (新福菜館) ramen chain. The soup is very black and some may think it is closer to udon soup but the ramen expresses very well the ramen soup of early times with simple taste. The ramen shop has always 5-10 people lined up outside and the inside is very busy and small so it is really a place to focus on the taste of ramen. This taste may not meet expectation or people who only know pork based sticky soup but is one of my favorites along with Toyama Black (富山ブラック) and Kyoto Gogyo (京都五行). The shop is located 10 min walk to the east from Kyoto station.
29 locals recommend
Shinpuku
569 Higashishiokōji Mukaihatachō
29 locals recommend
This is the headquarter of Shinpuku Saikan (新福菜館) ramen chain. The soup is very black and some may think it is closer to udon soup but the ramen expresses very well the ramen soup of early times with simple taste. The ramen shop has always 5-10 people lined up outside and the inside is very busy and small so it is really a place to focus on the taste of ramen. This taste may not meet expectation or people who only know pork based sticky soup but is one of my favorites along with Toyama Black (富山ブラック) and Kyoto Gogyo (京都五行). The shop is located 10 min walk to the east from Kyoto station.
Tenka Ippin (天下一品) literally means "peerless" in the world and the headquarter of this ramen chain restaurant was founded in 1946, as a tiny ramen stand (屋台) on the street. Kimura-san, the founder, sold only 11 on the first day, which is only 10% of what a regular office worker earned at the time, with a regular shoyu-based soup. He then start thinking about what is the ultimate soup for which people bother to come to the shop. After four years of trials and errors, he finally devised chicken-based gloppy soup whose flavor doesn't last too long. I personally am not a big fan of this soup but I have to admit the soup in this HQ is marvelous.
42 locals recommend
Tenkaippin Sohon-ten
42 locals recommend
Tenka Ippin (天下一品) literally means "peerless" in the world and the headquarter of this ramen chain restaurant was founded in 1946, as a tiny ramen stand (屋台) on the street. Kimura-san, the founder, sold only 11 on the first day, which is only 10% of what a regular office worker earned at the time, with a regular shoyu-based soup. He then start thinking about what is the ultimate soup for which people bother to come to the shop. After four years of trials and errors, he finally devised chicken-based gloppy soup whose flavor doesn't last too long. I personally am not a big fan of this soup but I have to admit the soup in this HQ is marvelous.
Nikunabe Chiba
187 Zaimokuchō
Located in one of my favorite red light districts of the six (六花街) in Kyoto, Gohan-ya Shinkiro (ごはんや蜃気楼), offers a series of Japanese foods that contains many ingredients from Kyoto. The interior just matches with the Gion like atmosphere of the district and the chef and staff are friendly. I always see some tourist from outside so it won't be difficult without Japanese language. I sometimes use here when I have friends from Tokyo. Opens 11:30am - 3pm and 5:30-24pm. Closed on Thursday. 280 meter from Kiyomizugojo (清水五条) station of Keihan train (京阪電車) but it would be fun to walk from Gion to the south for about 5-10 min.
13 locals recommend
Gohanya shinkiro
6-chōme-361 Miyagawasuji
13 locals recommend
Located in one of my favorite red light districts of the six (六花街) in Kyoto, Gohan-ya Shinkiro (ごはんや蜃気楼), offers a series of Japanese foods that contains many ingredients from Kyoto. The interior just matches with the Gion like atmosphere of the district and the chef and staff are friendly. I always see some tourist from outside so it won't be difficult without Japanese language. I sometimes use here when I have friends from Tokyo. Opens 11:30am - 3pm and 5:30-24pm. Closed on Thursday. 280 meter from Kiyomizugojo (清水五条) station of Keihan train (京阪電車) but it would be fun to walk from Gion to the south for about 5-10 min.
Mondo Muyo Inaseya (問答無用いなせや) is conveniently located at Yanagino banba street (柳馬場通り) near Takoyakushi street (蛸薬師通り). Inaseya is a Japanese style izakaya but the chef specializes sushi that goes well with sake. I found this place back in 2013 when the restaurant started without many customers but it gets more difficult to get in without reservation. They offer lunch as well but I recommend to visit as dinner to enjoy more variety of food. Recommended to ladies as well. Opens 11:30-2pm and 5pm-2am. Closed on Sundays.
問答無用いなせや
421 Izutsuyachō
Mondo Muyo Inaseya (問答無用いなせや) is conveniently located at Yanagino banba street (柳馬場通り) near Takoyakushi street (蛸薬師通り). Inaseya is a Japanese style izakaya but the chef specializes sushi that goes well with sake. I found this place back in 2013 when the restaurant started without many customers but it gets more difficult to get in without reservation. They offer lunch as well but I recommend to visit as dinner to enjoy more variety of food. Recommended to ladies as well. Opens 11:30-2pm and 5pm-2am. Closed on Sundays.
Nihonshu Syokudo Shizuku (日本酒食堂しずく) is located in downtown near the corner of Nijo street (二条通り) and Takakura street (高倉通り) and is 7-9 min walk from either Karasuma Oike (烏丸御池) or Marutamachi (丸太町) subway station. Boasting its wide variety of Japanese sake, they offer western and Japanese western foods in addition to pure Japanese. I like the counter at the end and their good choice of foliage plan. Opens 4pm - 1am.
にほん酒食堂 しずく
540 Kawarachō
Nihonshu Syokudo Shizuku (日本酒食堂しずく) is located in downtown near the corner of Nijo street (二条通り) and Takakura street (高倉通り) and is 7-9 min walk from either Karasuma Oike (烏丸御池) or Marutamachi (丸太町) subway station. Boasting its wide variety of Japanese sake, they offer western and Japanese western foods in addition to pure Japanese. I like the counter at the end and their good choice of foliage plan. Opens 4pm - 1am.
Anri is a spaghetti or pasta restaurant in the middle of Shin-Omiya dori street (新大宮通り), 700 meters or 8 min walk from the house. I tried a lunch the other day and found the food is good if you miss something western. The interior is well decorated and is a fusion of Japanese wooden architecture (like my house) and furniture and western dishes. Opens 11am-3pm and 6-10pm. Closes on Mondays.
Anri di Spaghetti
Anri is a spaghetti or pasta restaurant in the middle of Shin-Omiya dori street (新大宮通り), 700 meters or 8 min walk from the house. I tried a lunch the other day and found the food is good if you miss something western. The interior is well decorated and is a fusion of Japanese wooden architecture (like my house) and furniture and western dishes. Opens 11am-3pm and 6-10pm. Closes on Mondays.
This is an okonomiyaki restaurant in a residential area, 6 min walk from the house toward the opposite way from the subway station. I recently found this place but never tried and look forward to one of my guests try. Perhaps useful place when we want to eat something reasonable quickly near the house.
千呂里
121-1 Murasakino Uenochō
This is an okonomiyaki restaurant in a residential area, 6 min walk from the house toward the opposite way from the subway station. I recently found this place but never tried and look forward to one of my guests try. Perhaps useful place when we want to eat something reasonable quickly near the house.
Sarasa Nishijin (さらさ西陣) is my favorite cafe & restaurant, or "sento cafe" (銭湯喫茶店" at Kuramaguchi street (鞍馬口通り) near the famous Funaoka Onsen bathhouse (船岡温泉). The building was originally used as a bathhouse but was transformed into a cafe. The interior is almost the same as the one for a bathhouse - you'll see blue tiles on the walls and even some remaining of plumbing. You can enjoy the sense of openness with its high ceilings. Music events are occasionally held as sound resonates so well with the structure and interior materials. There are many comics (manga books) for customers as well. Great destination to spend half a day or so if raining...
68 locals recommend
Sarasa Nishijin
11-1 Murasakino Higashifujinomorichō
68 locals recommend
Sarasa Nishijin (さらさ西陣) is my favorite cafe & restaurant, or "sento cafe" (銭湯喫茶店" at Kuramaguchi street (鞍馬口通り) near the famous Funaoka Onsen bathhouse (船岡温泉). The building was originally used as a bathhouse but was transformed into a cafe. The interior is almost the same as the one for a bathhouse - you'll see blue tiles on the walls and even some remaining of plumbing. You can enjoy the sense of openness with its high ceilings. Music events are occasionally held as sound resonates so well with the structure and interior materials. There are many comics (manga books) for customers as well. Great destination to spend half a day or so if raining...
The closest bakery from the house. 3 min walk. Opens 7am - 7pm.
幸せの100円パン職人 紫竹店
The closest bakery from the house. 3 min walk. Opens 7am - 7pm.
Second closest bakery from the house. 6 min walk from the house.
グランディール 堀川店
23-2 Shichiku Higashitakanawachō
Second closest bakery from the house. 6 min walk from the house.
7 locals recommend
Salut-ya
14 Tanaka Shimoyanagichō
7 locals recommend
13 locals recommend
Yakumo syokudō
73-18 Murasakino Minamifunaokachō
13 locals recommend
Nanzan
Shimogamo Kitanonokamichō-31 Sakyo Ward
Kyoto Kairikiya
Shichiku Shimoshibamotochō Kita Ward

Parks & Nature

Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園), the first public botanical garden in Japan founded in 1924, is located just next to the subway Kitayama station (北山駅). Although, it may not be very special as Kyoto, it is recommended to visit for tourists staying long in the city. I especially like the autumn season there as there are so many trees with colored leaves (紅葉), yet there are very few visitors compared with all those temples packed with tourists. The garden has a light up event during the Christmas season. You can dedicate a whole day to visit this garden, the river, and Kitayama shopping/restaurant/cafe area.
253 locals recommend
Kyoto Botanical Garden
Shimogamo Hangichō Sakyo Ward
253 locals recommend
Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園), the first public botanical garden in Japan founded in 1924, is located just next to the subway Kitayama station (北山駅). Although, it may not be very special as Kyoto, it is recommended to visit for tourists staying long in the city. I especially like the autumn season there as there are so many trees with colored leaves (紅葉), yet there are very few visitors compared with all those temples packed with tourists. The garden has a light up event during the Christmas season. You can dedicate a whole day to visit this garden, the river, and Kitayama shopping/restaurant/cafe area.

Shopping

Very old shopping street with 68 small mom-and-pops shops and restaurants. Maintains a serene good atmosphere of old Kyoto. Sushi, Jaapnese beef, bars and cafes.
新大宮商店街振興組合
81-3 Shichiku Nishitakanawachō
Very old shopping street with 68 small mom-and-pops shops and restaurants. Maintains a serene good atmosphere of old Kyoto. Sushi, Jaapnese beef, bars and cafes.
24 locals recommend
Kitaooji Vivre
49-1 Koyamakitakamifusachō
24 locals recommend
Teramachi street shopping district
Higashidaimonjicho Nakagyo Ward
72 locals recommend
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street Union
507 Higashigawachō
41 locals recommend
81 locals recommend
Sanjo Board mall
Hashinishichō Nakagyo Ward
81 locals recommend

Bars near the house

Introducing bars close from the house. Obviously there are not many given the house is not in downtown but you will not regret to visit any of these.
11 min walk (900 m) from the house. Nice atmosphere and probably one of the best in Kita-ward. The friendly Japanese owner speaks English and used to lived and learned cooking in Italy so foods are great. Open 19:00 - 25:00 except on Thursdays.
13 locals recommend
Mayday coffee&bar
13 locals recommend
11 min walk (900 m) from the house. Nice atmosphere and probably one of the best in Kita-ward. The friendly Japanese owner speaks English and used to lived and learned cooking in Italy so foods are great. Open 19:00 - 25:00 except on Thursdays.
Cafe Bar Gimmick: Open 18:00 - 24:00 except on Tuesdays Closest bar from the house (4min walk). Convenient also for simple/quick dinner with mostly western dishes such as pasta but you can choose some Japanese flavor/ingredient on these. Nice and friendly bartender. Not crowded most of the time.
カフェバーギミック
Cafe Bar Gimmick: Open 18:00 - 24:00 except on Tuesdays Closest bar from the house (4min walk). Convenient also for simple/quick dinner with mostly western dishes such as pasta but you can choose some Japanese flavor/ingredient on these. Nice and friendly bartender. Not crowded most of the time.
VERY UNIQUE cafe & bar which uses wagashi, Japanese cake, as finger food of sake. There is only a small counter for probably up to ten and there are only two seats. Fun to talk with the friendly owner/bartender. Open 15:00 - 21:00 execpt on Mondays/Tuesdays.
狐菴 kissaCo
66 Murasakino Kamimonzenchō
VERY UNIQUE cafe & bar which uses wagashi, Japanese cake, as finger food of sake. There is only a small counter for probably up to ten and there are only two seats. Fun to talk with the friendly owner/bartender. Open 15:00 - 21:00 execpt on Mondays/Tuesdays.