Kyoto, Japan | Food Trip at Teramachi Shopping Street
kingtolentino.com is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission with no extra cost to you. This will help me run my website and channel to provide more content to everyone.
After our Nijo Castle tour, we returned to Teramachi Shopping Street to explore more of the food scene in downtown Kyoto. Teramachi means 'Temple Town' as this area once had numerous temples. Now, it has been converted into a covered shopping arcade.
We walked around Teramachi Shopping Street and the nearby areas with the aim of sampling more food.
The first restaurant we tried was just along the main road. We noticed Gourmet Yakimusubi Onimaru has a queue and mostly locals. Taking it as a good sign, we decided to try several onigiri as a light snack.
After our quick onigiri experience. We walked a little bit and saw a Koé Donuts Kyoto. It has a modern and minimalist setting. The ambiance was really inviting and since we are craving for something sweet, we went and gave it a try.
It was already late, and we hadn't eaten dinner yet. While strolling around Teramachi Street, we saw Hao Chinese Tavern in a back alley. Most restaurants were already closing, but Hao Chinese Tavern was still packed with locals.
To end our DIY tour of Kyoto, we stopped by at Don Quijote and bought pasalubong.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KYOTO, JAPAN
The best time to visit Japan is March to May during spring. Do note that cherry blossom season is also a peak season in Japan.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO KYOTO, JAPAN - WINTER EDITION
Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler
HOW TO GET TO TERAMACHI SHOPPING STREET FROM NIJO CASTLE
To get to Teramachi Shopping Street from Nijo Castle, the cheapest way is to walk a few blocks east. Estimated time is around 30 minutes. The most convenient way is to ride city bus 15 in Horikawa Oike bus stop and alight at Kyoto Shiyakusho Mae stop. Travel time is around 12 minutes and costs 230 Yen.
KYOTO, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY
Based on this itinerary, which includes all the activities and restaurants covered in the blog, the budget for our third day in Kyoto, Japan for two person is around 28,000.00 Yen or around Php10,600.00. See detailed budget and itinerary below:
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING TERAMACHI SHOPPING STREET
No Tipping.
Be on time.
Cash is king.
Avoid speaking loudly in public areas, particularly in enclosed spaces such as buses, trains, elevators, and similar environments.
While exploring Japan, consistently stay on the left side, whether it's on escalators, sidewalks, or streets.
People from Japan, form queues in bus lines, restaurants and elevators.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Finding trash cans or sorting bins can be challenging when exploring Japan destinations. Usually, it is placed near vending machine, train stations and convenience stores.
Table napkin in most restaurants and coffee shops in Japan is waxed. I think it is not effective in wiping grease and oil.
When using public toilets in Japan, used toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Toilet paper in Japan easily dissolves in water unlike in other countries. NOTE: Only toilet paper. Properly dispose wet wipes, napkins and other similar items.
JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try a luggage delivery service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
This is a DIY travel guide to Shinsekai.