Kyoto, a quaint and beautiful city rich with culture and tradition, makes a wonderful setting for some of the most memorable moments spent with your loved one . Share the Kyoto experience with that someone special and enjoy the uniqueness of the city and the newness of exploration together. Although there are countless romantic spots in Kyoto, here are a few we recommend to start your trip off with the right mood.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the deity Inari, located in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward. Spend your morning walking together through the beautiful vermilion torii gates and take a leisurely hike up the mountain for a beautiful view of Kyoto spread out beneath you. When you reach the intersection midway up the mountain you will be greeted by comfortable Japanese style cafes that let you sit back, relax and enjoy. A cup of hot tea, sweets, or a local treat will delight your taste buds and let you spend a moment contemplating the scenery.
OPENING HOURS
The shrine is open 24 hours but office hours are from 9 am to 4 pm.
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Fushimi Boat Ride and Sake Brewery
After you spend your magical morning at Fushimi Inari Taisha, explore the backstreets of Kyoto by water with a boat ride through the Fushimi Canal. The traditional homes and shops lining the river make for a charming old-world scene, and the midway point where you’re allowed to get out and explore offers a breathtaking look out over the numerous branches joining together to form the Yodo River that flows out to sea. The boat tour’s boarding dock is also conveniently located near the Gekkeikan Museum, a sake brewery where you can learn about the fascinating history of sake in Kyoto. We know it’s just the afternoon, but you can still enjoy some free sake tasting while you’re there.
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Ishibe Koji walk and dinner by the Kamo river
In the afternoon take a nice stroll through the beautiful traditional Japanese street of Ishibe-kōji. This narrow street is known to be one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric, and is made up of traditional restaurants, shops and ryōkan (Japanese inns). Once you enjoyed your walk through Ishibe-kōji and the surrounding area, enjoy dinner by the Kamogawa river. You will be spoiled with choice, as hundreds of restaurants, bars and cafés line the famous riverside. In summer, some restaurants erect special “yuka”, large wooden platforms that allow you to enjoy your dining experience outside. This style of open-air dining over the cool river is unique to Kyoto and is very popular amongst the locals as well. If you’re visiting Kyoto in other seasons, you can still enjoy a great dining experience from restaurants that offer a great view of the Kamogawa, let alone the potential selection of food that ranges from the most traditional kaiseki ryōri to the finest of Western cuisine.
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