Kyoto
“I’ve never been to a place where I’ve felt such serenity, calm, peace, and beauty.”
“The moment I arrived here it felt dream-like. It felt like I was floating down the street. It’s just that stunning.”
PHIL'S Kyoto LOCATIONS
Samurai Joe
Samurai Joe is very knowledgeable of all things samurai, and he is also the oldest licensed tour guide in Japan! He shows Phil how to cut fruit like a samurai.
Nishiki Market
Food-tour guide Yuma Wada takes Phil to his favorite first stop in Kyoto: Nishiki Market. Phil calls it one of the great markets of the world, and it’s clear to see why. They start with Sabazushi, marinated mackerel sushi. Afterward they try some fried fish, kyoto-style dashimaki egg omelet, and a pickle plate with sake. This is a perfect place to try a little bit of everything!
Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
Wife & Husband
Phil meets up with samurai Joe at Wife & Husband. Owned and operated by (husband) Kyoichi Yoshida and (wife) Ikumi Yoshida, this is one of the best coffee shops in Kyoto. Joe shares some tips for a long and happy life over some honey toast and coffee.
Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan
Philosopher’s Walk
Phil takes a stroll down Philosopher’s Walk to take in the cherry blossoms. This gorgeous canal adjacent path is especially beautiful in early spring, because it’s sakura (cherry blossom) season. If you’re in Kyoto, but especially if you happen to be there during this time, make sure to take this walk!
Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8445, Japan
Kichi Kichi Omurice
Actress and television host Shizuka Anderson takes Phil to the famous Kichi Kichi Omurice, to taste chef Motokichi Yukimura’s viral (and delicious) omurice. Beautifully soft eggs billow gently over fried rice, and are then topped with a demi-glace beef sauce. You will probably never have an omelet served with this much enthusiasm!
Address: 185-4 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8017, Japan
Gion
Pastry Chef Reiko Yokota takes Phil and his wife Monica to Gion, the geisha district of Kyoto. They enjoy a beautiful performance and tea ritual by a geisha and a maiko (a geisha in training). Phil and Monica learn how to drink tea respectfully and elegantly!
Noma Kyoto
Phil is lucky enough to be in town during the final days of Noma’s popup in Kyoto. He is joined by his friend Julia Huang, and they enjoy a beautiful Kyoto-inspired tasting menu by René Redzepi. They dine on shabu shabu, shrimp topped with ants, cuttlefish, and bamboo shoots, all prepared in the spectacularly innovative ways that make Noma so special. Unfortunately, the Kyoto popup has closed, but you can still go to Noma in Copenhagen!
Jugo
René Redzepi and his wife Nadine take Phil and Monica to one of their favorite restaurants in the world, Jugo. Specializing in soba noodles, chef Akiya Ishibashi farms his own buckwheat specifically for his restaurant, creating a soba experience unparalleled in quality and flavor.
Address: 671, Jodoji Kamiminamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8405, Japan
Kozmoz New York Coffee
Barry Wyatt created Kozmoz New York Coffee to serve American favorite’s like burgers and tacos, but that’s far from all this place does. Above the restaurant they teach English classes, and proceeds from the classes and the food sales go to local charitable programs. They also deliver food regularly to local food banks. Check out their website to get involved!
Address: Japan, 〒612-8057 Kyoto, Fushimi Ward, Hiranocho, 59-2 コズモズインターナショナルビル 1階
Kazariya
Phil meets up with chef Jacob Kear outside of the beautiful Imamiya Shrine at Kazariya, a sweet shop specializing in aburi-mochi (mochi coated in a toasted soybean powder). The delicious mochi at this shop has been prepared the same way for 1,000 years!
Address: 96 Murasakino Imamiyacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8243, Japan
LURRAº
Phil goes to dinner with all of his Kyoto friends at Jacob Kear’s fine dining restaurant LURRAº. They enjoy oysters, trout, eggplant galette, all prepared and served in tantalizing fashion. This Michelin star restaurant is a must try in Kyoto.
Address: 396 Sekisenincho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0021, Japan
