Hana Tsukamoto of Maana Homes and POJ Studio tells us where to eat, shop and breathe the best fresh air in and around Kyoto.
HANA TSUKAMOTO IS co-founder of both Maana Homes, which aims to create soulful spaces that introduce travellers to the beauty of machiya, ancient Japanese wooden townhomes, without compromising on modern amenities, and POJ Studio, which spotlights authentic Japanese artisans and helps people learn about their crafts firsthand. She’s immersed herself in the culture of Kyoto and wants to help us do the same—so check out her insider’s guide in this video and the extended details below. You’re going to want to book a flight asap.
General tip
“First of all, I highly recommend coming to Kyoto for more than two days. I think most people come here think two days are enough and then quickly they realise there is so much to see! Ditch Tokyo and indulge in Kyoto—you will fall in love quickly. Avoid going to all the usual spots and just get lost in the city.”
Where to eat in Kyoto
“One piece of advice everyone needs to know is to book early. Kyoto restaurants are tiny and gets booked fast. Don’t wait until you’re here, you’ll be scrolling through your phone for hours!
Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita and Yamamoto Menzo
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Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita. Source: Michelin Guide
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Yamamoto Menzo. Source: Michelin Guide
Two of the best udon restaurants in Kyoto but with different styles. I prefer Okakita for its delicate flavour and softer noodles but both are very good! Have some good tofu and yuba,too.”
Kyoudon Kisoba Okakita: 4 Okazaki Minamigoshocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto; +81 75 771 4831
Yamamoto Menzo: 34 Okazaki Minamigoshocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto; +81 75 744 1876; yamamotomenzou.com
Monk
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Courtesy of Monk (2)
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“I love the simple and seasonal flavours of Imai-san’s cooking. I never get tired of this… it feels so good for your soul!”
47 Jodoji Shimominamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto; +81 75 748 1154; restaurant-monk.com
Yanagi Koji Taka
“This place serves really good yakitori. You can dine without a reservation if you go there early.”
577 Nakanocho, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto; +81 75 708 5791; taka-kyoto-japan.net
Where to shop in Kyoto
“Antique markets are a must. My home and Maana are filled with antiques that I bought from the markets. Kyoto has three main ones held once a month: the Toji Temple Market named Kobo-ichi Market, Tenjin-san Market at Kitano Tenmangu, and Heian Shrine Market.
For anyone who is looking for something special and memorable, I highly recommend our kintsugi workshops at POJ Studio. Not only is it fun but it’s educational, giving you life-long skills that you can learn and take home with you. You will never throw away your chipped or broken tableware after this.
You can also bring your broken items to our shop in Kyoto and repair them here. We can then either ship it repaired for you, or you can finish it yourself at home with our Kintsugi kit. Most of our customers choose to repair them themselves at home. Everything in our shop can also be shipped worldwide so you won’t have to carry them home!”
Where to hike in Kyoto
There are so many trails in Kyoto where you can literally start from the back of some famous temples and get out of another temple. One of my favourites is Mt. Daimonji hike—it’s only an hour walk and you get the best view over Kyoto. If you have more time, you can do the 6-hour hike from Takao to Hozukyo. There, you will go through beautiful mountains, temples, crystal-clear rivers and a waterfall!
Get outside of Kyoto city
Kyoto is much bigger than what people expect. We actually face the ocean! Take a trip to Ine, a seaside town in Kyoto prefecture, for natural beauty and delicious food. You can even stay the night at the historic funaya (boathouses) that have been used by local fishermen for centuries.
I love cycling from Ine to Kyotango… it’s the best way to see everything! This is true for all of Kyoto. Miyama is another beautiful spot—it’s a rural village in the northwest best known for its kayabuki or traditional thatched roof houses.
Learn more about Maana Homes and why you really want to stay in one the next time you’re in Japan, plus how POJ Studio can give you that immersive creative experience we’re all craving on our travels, by reading our interview with Hana Tsukamoto here.
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