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Things to do in Kyoto in May 2025 | Arigato Travel
Kyoto is one of the top destinations in Japan for a reason. With its cultural heritage seemingly seeping out in every street corner, from well-preserved buildings to centuries-old traditions, it’s the perfect choice for those who wish to experience old Japan in this modern age. But with over-tourism saturating the serene, traditional scenery with bustling city crowds, timing is just as important as making sure you don’t miss the city’s best spots and events. The cherry blossoms might be past blooming in May, but scattered petals call for sparser crowds – yet still with that pleasant warmth of spring that makes for comfortable travel. Watch as the scenery of iconic pink flowers makes way for some of Kyoto’s biggest events of the year, where religion, sports, and performing arts intertwine into an equally gorgeous weave: Mibu Kyōgen One of Kyoto’s three major nembutsu kyōgen, this event is a silent play performed by masked actors at Mibu-dera Temple. Whilst kyōgen is best known as short, comical skits interspersed between Noh plays, the nembutsu kyōgen were specifically created to help preach Buddhist teachings to the masses. The silent aspect came about when Engaku Shonin, who’d preach to a crowd of hundreds and thousands, came up with the idea so that people wouldn’t have to strain to hear him or the actors. Originating almost 1,000 years ago, the nembutsu kyōgen were collectively designated an important intangible cultural asset in 1976 – the first such designation for Kyoto. Today, the repertoire at Mibu-dera has ballooned to thirty different performances, featuring a mix of Noh plays, Buddhist morality plays, and Japanese folk tales. Keep your ears open for the symphony of bells, drums, and flutes as you feast your eyes on this millennia-old spectacle, which combines pantomime with elaborate stage effects. Date: April 29th - May 5th Time: 1:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. (additionally, there’ll be a special night segment on the last day from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) Location: Mibu-dera Temple, 31 Mibu Naginomiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8821 Website: https://www.mibudera.com/kyogen.html Price: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for high school and middle school students Yabusame Shinji A traditional Shinto ceremony held to pray for the safety of the upcoming Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three biggest festivals, you’ll find that this ritual is a lively spectacle in itself. Held in Shimogamo Shrine, one of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, witness the carefully honed skills of expert archers from the Ogasawara School as they do what they do best – all on horseback! Watch it all up close as archers in samurai attire gallop down the serene Tadasu-no-Mori forest, shooting arrows and sending good luck into the heart of the Aoi Matsuri. Date: May 3rd Time: 1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. Location: Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine), 59 Shimogamo Izumigawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City 606-0807 Website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/en/saiji Price: Free (paid seats are available for 2000 yen) Kamo Kurabeuma Another horseback ritual held ahead of the Aoi Matsuri, this event substitutes archery for the equally thrilling horse racing – complete with traditional costumes and against the backdrop of yet another historic Kyoto shrine. Dating back to 1093, this event sees two teams compete across five rounds, with a default win granted to the Sakata team in honor of their victory in the very first Kurabeuma. It’s also said the harvest that year would be especially bountiful if the Sakata team wins, so you’ll always know who to cheer for – just look for the bright vermilion robes! Arrive early for the various purification rites, invoking a moment of peace and tranquility… before the inevitable boisterousness of howling riders and galloping hooves. Tradition and heart-pumping sports coalesce in this ritual meant to pray for world peace and an abundant harvest. Date: May 5th Time: 1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. (races commence at around 2:00 P.M.) Location: Kamigamo Shrine, 339 Kamigamo-motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto City 603-8047 Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/rituals/kamo-kurabeuma-horse-racing-ritual/ Price: Free Aoi Matsuri One of Kyoto’s three major festivals, it sees a procession of 500 people dressed in traditional court costumes as they pass through some of Kyoto’s historic landmarks. The scope is so big – the parade is said to be one kilometer long from head to tail – that the word “festival” (matsuri) is used to specifically refer to the Aoi Matsuri! As for the “Aoi” portion, this refers to the hollyhock leaves (Aoi) decorating the carts, costumes, shrine buildings, and even the oxen and horses involved in the parade. Originating in the 6th century, when Kyoto was faced with consecutive disasters, an Imperial Envoy was eventually sent to appease the gods of the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. The rituals involved were officially inducted as the Imperial Envoy Festival in 807, during the Heian period, and the Aoi Matsuri has remained unchanged ever since! Don’t miss the Imperial Envoy with his golden sword – or the jockeys from the Kamo Kurabeuma, who’re back again to represent their respective teams. But the highlight of the festival is surely the “Saio,” chosen amongst the unmarried women of Kyoto to wear a 12-layer kimono weighing a total of 30 kilograms! The intricate, elegant costumes will leave you in awe, making you feel as if you've truly gone back to Heian period times. Date: May 15th Time: 10:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Location: From the Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine, and finally Kamigamo Shrine Website: https://kyoto.travel/en/season_festivals/aoi_matsuri.html Price: Free, but paid seating is available at the three venues. Tickets for the Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine can be purchased through the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide website and either cost 3,500 or 5,000 yen. Seating at Kamigamo Shrine costs either 1,000 or 5,000 yen and can only be purchased through the shrine on the day of the festival. Mifune Matsuri Speaking of reviving the Heian-period Imperial Court, the Mifune Matsuri recreates the favorite Heian noble pastime of enjoying the arts whilst drifting on boats along the river. Dressed once more in gorgeous aristocratic costumes, one woman plays the role of Sei Shōnagon, a real-life court lady and author of the classic Heian period work, “The Pillow Book.” The procession crosses the bridge over the scenic Oi River, where various purification rituals are held before the nobles board the elaborately decorated boats. The sight of traditional dance performances and poetry readings over the water is one-of-a-kind, even amongst Kyoto’s rich tapestry of timeless scenery. Date: May 18th Time: 2:00 P.M. - 3:15 P.M. Location: Togetsukyō Bridge, Oi River, 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8384 Website: https://www.kurumazakijinja.or.jp/mifunemathuri2.html Price: Free Tōji Temple Flea Market & Special Spring Opening Held at one of Kyoto’s symbolic landmarks, the flea market at Tōji Temple is also one of Kyoto’s biggest, with anywhere between 800 and 1200 stalls filling up the vast temple grounds! If you’re still looking for a unique souvenir to take home, then why not browse some of the handicrafts on sale – and ponder your choices over a delicious snack or two? With vendors coming from all over Japan, check out the website beforehand to learn of the new products on sale that month. Or, better yet, just get lost in the maze of handmade goods, antique furniture, and nostalgic Japanese street food. Though held on the same day every month, visiting in May means you’ll also get to enter two normally out-of-bounds locations: the temple pagoda and the treasure exhibition hall. Marvel at the intricate Buddhist images contained in Kyoto’s iconic five-storied pagoda alongside a mere fraction of the 50,000 sutras and 20,000 National Treasures held by Tōji Temple in the treasure hall, which is only open to the public twice a year. There’s enough to see here that you’ll end up staying the whole day – and what better way to take a break from your strict sightseeing schedule than in the tranquil embrace of a temple? Date: May 21st (market), April 26th - May 25th (pagoda & treasure hall) Time: 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. (market), 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (treasure hall) Location: Tōji Temple, 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto 601-8473 Website: https://toji.or.jp/en/index.html (temple website homepage), http://www.touji-ennichi.com/index.htm (market website page, Japanese-only) Price: Free (market), 500 yen for adults (treasure hall), 800 yen (general admission, including special public viewing of the inside of the pagoda), 1,300 yen for adults (joint ticket for both treasure hall and general admission) Goryō Matsuri Said to be the longest-running festival in Kyoto, the Goryō Matsuri was first enacted in 863 at a time when consecutive disasters and epidemics ravaged the city. People believed that these misfortunes were brought about by the angry spirits of deceased nobles, known as “goryō,” and sought to appease them with rituals, which continued to be performed to this day. Amongst the many goryō festivals around the country, the ones held at the two Goryō Shrines in Kyoto are historically the oldest. Whilst the festival technically runs from the beginning of May, the highlight is undoubtedly the final day, where three portable mikoshi shrines are paraded through the streets near the Imperial Palace. And how fortunate that this last day is set to coincide with both shrine festivals in 2025! Head first to Shimogoryō Shrine, literally the “lower goryō shrine,” whose procession starts earlier before moving north of the Imperial Palace for Kamigoryō Shrine’s (“upper goryō shrine”) parade. The ornate details on each mikoshi shrine will captivate you – as will the sheer strength of the bearers carrying these heavy shrines on their shoulders! Another highlight is the kenboko, long spears standing at around 7 meters high and weighing 60kg. If you’ve somehow missed them with your eyes, your ears will definitely catch the bells attached to them, which are rung purposefully with every step in order to appease evil spirits. Date: May 18th (though usually held on the 3rd Sunday of May, there’s a chance it might be held on the 4th Sunday for Shimogoryō Shrine) Time: 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. (Shimogoryō), 12:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. (Kamigoryō) Location: Shimogoryō Shrine & Kamigoryō Shrine Website: https://shimogoryo.main.jp/festivals/ (Shimogoryō Shrine), http://www.kyoto-jinjacho.or.jp/shrine/02/004/ (Kamigoryō Shrine) Price: Free Kamogawa Odori Featuring geisha from Pontochō, one of the five geisha districts in Kyoto, this event is the last of the large-scale spring dance performances held by the districts for the public. This is a rare chance to not only see geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) but to actually see them perform with your very eyes! Boasting 150 years of history, the event was first organized in order to attract tourists after the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Clearly, its charms have withstood the test of time as, even today, people from all over the world clamor for a chance to see one of Pontochō’s 180 performances – the greatest number amongst the geisha districts. Each performance consists of two parts: a lighthearted dance drama and a more formal “pure dance” usually reserved for ceremonies. Expect an air of elegance throughout, whether from the geisha’s gorgeous attire or the subtle yet sophisticated movements of these modern masters of the traditional arts. Date: May 1st - 24th Time: 12:30 P.M., 2:20 P.M., 4:10 P.M. Location: Potonchō Kaburenjō Theater, Nakagyo-ku, Potonchō, Sanjo Sagaru, Kyoto 604-8003 Website: https://en.kamogawa-odori.com Price: 4,000 yen (regular seats), 6,000 yen (special seats), 7,000 yen (with tea ceremony experience included) The month of May is definitely when Kyoto’s status as the historical hub of Japan truly shines. With some of its most iconic festivals gathered within a single month and across many of the city’s oldest sites, you’ll be sure to get a taste of old Japan no matter where and when you decide to go in May 2025. Here, the secrets of Kyoto’s history are unlocked for a limited time, letting you venture into normally hidden corners where geishas, precious sutras, and National Treasures abound. Unchanging rites are infused with the liveliness of Japanese festivals, making for unforgettable performances that’ll be enjoyed for many more years to come. Featured Photo Credit: Mainichi Shimbun Whether you'll be in Kyoto for the festivities or in Japan in general, join one of our Summer Food Tours for an authentic Japan experience!
Kodomo no Hi: The Unique Ways Japan Celebrates Its Children’s Day | Arigato Travel
Out of all the holidays that make up Golden Week, the last holiday of “Kodomo no Hi” or “Children’s Day” might be the most personal and heartwarming. Celebrated annually on May 5th, this holiday wishes for the health and happiness of children as well as expresses gratitude to the mothers who raised them. However, even if you did not know about Kodomo no Hi beforehand, you might’ve noticed the carp-shaped flags hung on balconies throughout Japan around the same time, making for a colorful parade as you walk down the street. These iconic decorations are an essential part of the celebrations and go beyond the sake of memorable aesthetics, much like the dolls displayed on Girl’s Day on March 3rd. That said, did you know Children’s Day was originally a day to celebrate boys? Read on to learn more about the unexpected history that shaped this holiday and its unique celebrations – which you can even join in on! History Kodomo no Hi actually started off as a completely unrelated event for women to rest their bodies and purify the house by thatching the roof with irises, whose fragrance is believed to ward off evil spirits. One of five annual ceremonies at the imperial court, this event, known as “Tango no Sekku,” centers around the Chinese belief that the 5th month of the lunar calendar is an inauspicious month where disasters – from wars to personal misfortunes like catching diseases – are likely to happen. As a result, Heian period (794-1185) nobles would wear irises in their hair and give each other medicine balls with irises wrapped around them. Other customs like eating “chimaki,” a type of sticky rice dumpling, and drinking a brew of dried iris roots can still be observed today. But the current form of Kodomo no Hi largely owes it to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) when the samurai class became the ruling body of Japan. Because the iris, which resembles the blade of a Japanese sword, is the symbol of the samurai, the day is instead changed into a celebration for boys. Many present-day customs are established from this time onwards, for instance, displaying samurai armor, helmets (“kabuto”), and swords in the home to protect boys from evil spirits. Originally, this was because samurai used to take out their equipment from storage in order to ventilate the area before the rainy season, which coincides with the time of Tango no Sekku. By the late Edo Period (1600-1868), the decorations extended to displaying dolls of military commanders, and the custom spread to the common folk who began displaying paper kabuto in their own homes. The carp streamers, or “koinobori,” originated in this period and are derived from the banner flags bearing the crest of samurai families. Taking a bath with irises also became a common feature of the festival from this period onwards. After Japan switched to the Gregorian calendar, the date was moved to May 5th to reflect how it took place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. In 1948, the day was made a national holiday by the Japanese government, which also expanded it to celebrate all children and families as a whole. In reality, though, many families still celebrate Kodomo no Hi as the Boys’ Festival, and most of the withstanding traditions were first established for the sake of the health and success of boys. How to Celebrate Kodomo no Hi Decorations Koinobori: The colorful carp-shaped flags hung outside homes are meant to pray for the strength and success of children. Based on the ancient Chinese legend, where a carp became the only one out of a school of fish to make it up a waterfall and turn into a dragon, it became seen as the symbol of courage, perseverance, and determination. The banner flapping in the wind can be said to resemble a carp swimming against the current to steadfastly reach its goal, much like in the legend. The koinobori are arranged in order of the family hierarchy, with corresponding colors and sizes to go with them. A large, black koinobori on top represents the father, whilst the red one below belongs to the mother. Then, there’ll be one carp for each child in order of decreasing age, with the oldest often being represented by a blue carp. The koinobori are hoisted from as early as after the spring equinox (late March) to as late as June. Gogatsu ningyo: A “doll” made up of miniature replicas of samurai armor, weapons, and kabuto, which are meant to ensure the health and safety of children. During samurai times, it also symbolizes the hope of raising strong and brave boys. Since this full setup can get expensive, at least the kabuto would be displayed by families with boys. Sometimes, children would make kabuto out of origami that they can actually wear. From the Showa period (1926-1989), these miniature armor became more popular than the “samurai dolls,” which are miniature figurines of famous figures from Japanese emperors to folk heroes like Momotaro and Kintaro. Displaying these figures represents a desire for boys to grow up strong, courageous, and successful. Food Below are some of the common foods eaten during Kodomo no Hi, although it might be more common to eat one over another depending on the region. Kashiwa mochi: Sticky rice cakes, or mochi, stuffed with red bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves. As oak trees do not shed their old leaves until the new ones have grown, eating kashiwa mochi symbolizes hope for the continued health and prosperity of the family for generations to come. It’s more common to eat kashiwa mochi rather than chimaki in the Kanto region. Chimaki: Another steamed mochi dish that is wrapped in bamboo leaves instead and is either triangular or stick-like in shape. It originated in China and spread to Japan during the Heian period, where it was believed to ward off evil spirits and prevent disasters. Additionally, bamboo represents strength, prosperity, and resilience in Japan, which definitely coincides with the qualities parents often wish for their children on Kodomo no Hi. In the Kansai region, it’s more common to eat chimaki rather than kashiwa mochi. Shobusake: Where iris leaves or its thinly sliced roots are simply steeped in cold sake. This treat for adults makes use of the irises’ amulet-like effect of warding off evil but also its medicinal properties. Iris roots are used in Chinese medicine and serve a variety of purposes, including treating digestive issues, respiratory diseases, and for detoxification. Activities It’s also an old custom for families to take iris baths, which, again, promotes health and is believed to bestow good fortune. Supermarkets would usually sell packs of iris leaves for this purpose, and some bathhouses might even offer iris baths, or “shobu-yu,” on this day. As Kodomo no Hi falls during Golden Week, families might go on trips or return to their hometowns to celebrate. They might also do family-oriented activities like visiting zoos, amusement parks, and festivals with koinobori displays, like the ones introduced below: 5 Koinobori Festivals to Celebrate May 5th Uzuma no Koinobori (Tochigi) (early March - mid-May): Ride a Japanese gondola boat with more than 1,000 koinobori swimming overhead. Take in the cityscape of Edo period warehouses on either side of the Uzuma River, and slip further back in time with the boatman’s singing and their stories about Tochigi City and the Uzuma River in between. Afterward, explore the stylish cafes scattered along the nostalgic streets or experience feeding the actual carp living in this historic river. Google Maps: 2-6 Yamatocho, Tochigi, 328-0037 Website: http://www.k-yuransen.com/# Tokyo Tower 333 Koinobori (Tokyo) (late March - early May): This iconic landmark becomes even more picture-perfect with the 333 koinobori, which represents the actual height of the tower in meters surrounding its main entrance. Try and see if you can spot the impostor amongst the carp: a giant Pacific saury, which symbolizes the connection between the tower and the town of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture. This special saury streamer is a show of support for the town’s reconstruction efforts after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and has been part of the decorations ever since. Google Maps: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011 Tatebayashi Koinobori no Sato Festival (Gunma) (late March - mid-May): Because the koinobori is on display here for a relatively long period, it gives you the chance to appreciate Tatebayashi’s beautiful seasonal flowers at the same time – depending on when you choose to go. Walk under the cherry blossom trees lining the Tsuruuda River, where rows and rows of colorful carp banners have been hung just over the water. With 5,000 carp streamers spread over 5 locations in the city – certified as the world record for most koinobori in 2005 – why not hit up all the spots and Tsutsujigaoka Park while you’re at it? There, 10,000 azalea seedlings are in full bloom from early April to early May every year, the sight of which is sure to brightly color your memories for years to come. Google Maps: Shiromachi, Tatebayashi, Gunma 374-0016 Website: https://www.visit-gunma.jp/en/spots/tatebayashi-koinobori-carp-streamer-village-festival/ Tsuetate Onsen Koinobori Festival (Kumamoto) (early April - early May): In this tiny hot spring town hidden in the mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, 3,500 carp streamers from all parts of Kyushu gather above the town’s central river. Claiming to be the birthplace of the koinobori festival in Japan, go back in time by wandering through the unchanged heart of the town. Watch the carp billow in the occasional steam from the hot springs and heal your inner child in this town, still very much embraced by history and nature. Walk far enough downstream, and you just might spot Momiji Bridge, where many carp-shaped ema, or wooden plaques for writing down wishes, have been hung from the roofs – and feel free to hang one yourself for some luck in love. Google Maps: 3415 Shimojo, Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2503 Website: https://tsuetate-onsen.com/tsuetate_spot Koinobori Festa 1000 (Osaka) (late April - early May): For a true Japanese matsuri vibe, combined with some good old family fun, don’t miss out on this koinobori festival if you’re in the Kyoto or Osaka area. As its name suggests, watch 1000 koinobori swimming across the Akuta River as you peruse the food stalls set up along its riverbanks. Lay down a picnic mat and enjoy your chimaki, shaved ice, or okonomiyaki before your kids – or yourself – inevitably drag you to one of the game stalls. If it’s not from all the jumping at the bouncy house, then the drum and dance performances will definitely get your heart pumping. Enjoy splashing up and down the riverbank with your family or friends for a reminder of simpler, carefree days. Google Maps: 12 Seifukujicho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1132 Website: https://koinoborifesta1000.jimdofree.com/ Whether you have kids or not, Kodomo no Hi is a celebration that can be enjoyed by everyone. All the festivities, with their colorful decorations and unique food offerings, are sure to make your Japan trip that much more vibrant and memorable. And the number of festivals happening nationwide might just make you want to go on a road trip to hit up all the spots, inviting you to hidden gems of towns you’d otherwise overlook. So, if you’re in Japan during the lead-up to Kodomo no Hi, why not sample a chimaki or kashiwa mochi (perhaps with a bottle of shobusake to down the sweetness) and impart some good wishes to the families around you? Let the children grow strong, healthy, and happy. The world becomes a better place when children are able to embrace their unique personalities and reach their dreams, after all. Our mascot UmaChan wants to make as many friends as possible all over the world, so why not download the OFFICIAL Umachan Coloring Book for Kodomo no Hi?? Your kids will love it, and it would be something perfect for them to do on your flight to come see us in Japan. Featured Photo Credit: Visit Gunma official website Regardless of where you go to celebrate Kodomo no Hi, be sure to check out some of our food tours to get a truly local experience in Japan!
Kyoto’s Finest Wagyu: 4 Different Restaurants to Experience Japan’s Most Luxurious Beef | Arigato Travel
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, is well-known for its temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and the historical heritage that draws visitors from around the world. But what some may not realize is that Kyoto is also a hidden gem for food lovers, particularly those seeking to experience the melt-in-your-mouth luxury of Wagyu beef! Wagyu, also known as Japanese Beef, is often famed for its intense marbling texture, the luxurious distribution between fat and meat, and rich flavor. It comes from specially bred Japanese cattle and is celebrated as one of the finest meats in the world. Here are four restaurants in Kyoto where you can indulge in four different styles of Wagyu. Best Wagyu Yakiniku (Grilled Meat): Wagyuyakiniku Toku If you’re craving the smoky and savory flavors of Wagyu grilled to perfection over charcoal, look no further than Wagyuyakiniku Toku. This yakiniku restaurant is a local favorite for its high-quality cuts and their use of the best A4 and A5-ranked Japanese black cattle from all over the country. It includes Shinshu premium cattle, which are famous for the oleic acid present in their beef, which enhances the flavor and melt-in-the-mouth quality of the fat. From classic ribs, to rare innard parts, you can grill your own Wagyu, giving you full control over how you like your meat cooked. If you are feeling lost and don’t know which parts to order, they even have set menus creating the best assorted Wagyu grilled meat combination for you. Enjoy Kyoto’s finest Wagyu with the best view of the Kamo river, you will not regret it! Official Website Address: 26 Benzaitencho Higashiyama-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 605-0086 Specialty: Premium Wagyu Yakiniku Average price: ¥6,000–¥10,000 per person Reserve Online Best Wagyu Sukiyaki: Iroha Kitaten For those who prefer a more traditional Japanese dining experience, Iroha Kitaten is the place to savor Wagyu Sukiyaki! It is a delicious hotpot dish where slices of Wagyu are cooked in a shallow iron pan with the iconic sweet and savory Sukiyaki sauce. For Iroha, they use their own Warishita soy sauce and Goan crystal sugar. You dip the beef in raw egg before eating, giving it another layer of aroma. Established in 1911, Iroha is renowned for its elegant “Kyoto setting” and carefully sourced, top-grade locally raised Kyoto Beef. This particular type of beef is known as one of the top Wagyu brands and famous for its well marbled, inimitable texture, and spectacular taste. Official Website Address: Nabeyacho, Pontocho-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan Specialty: Wagyu Sukiyaki Average price: ¥10,000 per person Reserve Online Best Wagyu Kaiseki: Inayoshi Restaurant For a true Kyoto-style dining experience, nothing compares to Inayoshi Restaurant's Wagyu Kaiseki. Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality, artistry, and balance. Kaiseki traces back all the way back to how tea ceremonies are back in historic Japan, which makes Kyoto the perfect place to try Kaiseki course meals. Inayoshi elevates this experience with beautifully presented Wagyu courses that highlight the delicate flavors and textures of the meat, paired with seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation. Their Wagyu Kaiseki starts with visually appealing and seasonally picked appetizers, and you will be immediately surprised by their Kyoto Beef Katsu Sandwich afterwards. You can choose from the Ume, Pine, and Bamboo course depending what level of meat you want and they will prepare the meat to your taste. Finish the meal with traditional Japanese dessert and tea and you will be filled with nothing but satisfaction. Official Website Address: 150 Umenokicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8012 Specialty: Wagyu Kaiseki Average price: ¥10,000–¥17,000 per person Reserve Online Best Wagyu Steak: Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion If you’re in the mood for a perfectly seared, thick-cut Wagyu steak, Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion is where you’ll find one of the best. With over 140 years of experience in serving Wagyu, this restaurant provides two selections of meat: Tajima beef and Kobe beef. Kobe beef is well known for its exquisite quality, but it can be pricey at times. Mouriya takes pride in its carefully sourced Tajima beef, which carries the similar aroma and fat content as Kobe beef, but with a more affordable price. Located in the picturesque Gion district, this steakhouse combines high-quality beef with a luxurious, refined dining experience. Whether you choose Tajima Beef or Kobe beef, each bite of steak is rich, buttery, and full of flavor, making it a must-try for steak enthusiasts visiting Kyoto. Official Website Address: 〒605-0802 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatocho, 7−1 祇園モーリヤビル Specialty: Wagyu Steak (Tajima Beef/Kobe Beef) Average price: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per person Reserve Online Kyoto may be famous for its temples and tradition, but the Wagyu dining scene is just as memorable. Although tasting Wagyu might be a bit of a splurge, visiting a great restaurant will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip. Whether you’re craving the sizzle of yakiniku, the comforting flavors of sukiyaki, or indulging in the elegance of kaiseki, Kyoto offers the perfect setting to experience Japan’s most luxurious beef! Featured Photo Credit: Mouriya.co.jp On a trip to Kyoto? Come join one of our Kyoto Food Tours for a truly authentic Japanese experience!
Western Japan’s Akiba: Den Den Town | Arigato Travel
The Beginning of Den Den Town If you’re familiar with Tokyo’s Akihabara, Osaka has a very similar location. Starting from 1792 and 1872, Osaka’s government used to refer to this town as Nagamachi but changed it to Nipponbashi. However, after World War II, the area became filled with electronics, and appliances, giving it the name Den Den Town which many since then have been calling this small part of Osaka. Den Den Town, coming from the town name Denki no Machi (electric town), truly lives up to its vibrant reputation. During the Meiji period this shopping street was mostly known for second-hand bookstores, Den Den Town quickly took over the electronic consumer shop scene with affordable products. Full of pop culture and many things to entertain oneself with, this city is popular with younger generations, retro electronic enthusiasts, frequent karaoke goers, plastic model collectors, and so many others. For Osaka travelers who find Tokyo’s Akihabara a bit too far to visit, Den Den Town is smaller and less crowded. This town has almost if not everything Tokyo’s electric town has to offer! Vintage/Second-Hand Item Shops If arcades come later on your bucket list, Den Den Town is full of shops for purchasing cheap older electronics, CDs, records, and retro games. From second-hand flat-screen televisions to retro Nintendo games, this town has it all for a sweet deal. Second-Hand Electronics For cheaper electronics, many stores sell discounted second-hand phones, computers, televisions. Something unique to Osaka’s electric town is that you can try your luck at negotiating, but you may not need to as the products here try to remain fairly affordable from the start. Music Do you have a music player? Den Den Town has a store for that. With selections lined along the walls and crowding the floor, record shops that also sell CDs and DVDs are scattered all across the area. From jazz, hip-hop, rock, and pop music, there are plenty of selections of music that contain a certain nostalgia that cannot be found by using digital music streaming today. So, bust out those dusty record players, or CD/DVD players, and give them some new media. If singing is more your style, some stores sell home karaoke machines for you to enjoy belting out all your favorite songs solo or with your friends and family. Cameras Just like Akihabara, Den Den Town has stores for photographers who want a more vintage/retro look to their work. With quality lenses and bodies from well-known brands like Nikon and Canon, or various retro film cameras still in excellent condition, the camera stores in the area have a little something for everybody. Nintendo Games Nintendo is still without question alive and well, but tourists should make a trip to one of Den Den town’s retro Nintendo game stores. Even if just browsing, it’s still bound to make a memorable and fun experience as you get to see, touch, and even try playing games from a beloved company cherished by fans for years. Additionally, even if one doesn’t have that much experience playing older Nintendo consoles, many stores still sell them in the area, giving many a chance to connect or reconnect to one of the first created Nintendo consoles. A popular store that meets these criteria is Den Den Town’s “Super Potato Retro Kan”, a store stocked full of rare consoles and games to bring back that old nostalgia. Super Potato Retro Kan Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SnW81EwaNoAGMxPi9 Entertainment Want to spend your day in Den Den Town playing some games or purchasing some figures? If you stay on a road called Otaku Road, or Ota Road for short, many stores full of entertainment opportunities await! Game Centers There’s no question that many visitors are eager to see Japan’s electric towns for their bright and colorful game centers. Whether it’s to try their luck at bringing home a huge plush toy of a popular Pokemon or a figure from their favorite anime, game centers are worth visiting! At Den Den Town, entire buildings of arcades exist for people to browse and get rid of their accumulating yen coins. From Taiko no Tatsujin games to classic UFO crane games, areas like Taito Station have everything an arcade enjoyer could want. However, if modern games are not your interest, certain areas within Den Den Town let you play retro video games. Just by stepping in, the popular Zarigani Arcade Center immediately looks like one time traveled back to the 80s. With colorful lighting, this game center has retro gaming machines lined up along the walls with low, small bench seating - giving it that extra touch. No matter how modern or retro a game center one is looking for, Den Den Town does an excellent job at combining both into the area, giving multiple generations something to do on their trip. Zarigani Arcade Center Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zAu59JGCuVH8UAba7 Plastic Model Stores If collecting figures is more up your alley, make sure to make some room in your suitcase for the trip back! At a store called Jungle in Den Den Town, there are categories upon categories of figure types. Whether you prefer the technical building process of a Gundam, a simple 2-3 piece character figure from your favorite anime, or vintage figurines, Jungle has it all! The best thing about this store is while you may need to make some room to bring back your purchases, you won’t have to worry about emptying your wallet. With regular figures from prices around 1000 yen (unlike most plastic model stores), Jungle provides affordable opportunities to bring home your favorite character. The store is constantly getting new products - including plastic models from you favorite trending anime. With multiple figures from hit animes such as One Piece or Spy x Family, there’s something for everyone. On the other hand, if you’re a retro anime fan, they even have figures for Astro Boy. Jungle Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnYnpZrKWpD8td5S6 Gacha Stores Like most places in Japan, gachapon machines are practically at every corner. That especially applies to places such as Osaka’s Electric Town. Whether you go along storefronts of game/hobby stores, there are typically rows of machines lined up, containing tiny figures, replicas of ordinary daily objects, or interactive toys. At stores like Yellow Submarine, a hub for hobby-based products and goods, figures, and of course gacha, you can get your fix. At Yellow Submarine, in particular, you can directly purchase the gacha you want rather than trying your odds in a machine. This lets you play without the risk of getting repeated or simply a character or item you didn’t want. Yes, this beats the whole point of a system. However, this idea attracts many shoppers to try their luck at finding a rare gacha they’ve been wanting. Yellow Submarine Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hMXQm3CCAGMiFNa87 Food Hungry after some second-hand shopping or picking up a new figure project? If you look between all of the flashy game centers and stores, Den Den Town holds quite a few unique places to either give you a quick snack, try some authentic Japanese sake, or visit a market. Pudding Within the multiple bright lights and shopping opportunities within Den Den Town, this quaint little pudding store may be easy to miss. If you do happen to fit it into your plans or simply come across it, the soft, and not too overly sweet pudding would be a shame to not buy and taste some. Mattari-Purin has flavors of custard, milk, and caramel to enjoy that mattari (rich) flavor. While small, this pudding store has gained some popularity, appearing in newspapers, TV shows, and so forth. It goes without saying that the proof quite literally lies in the pudding, being so critically appreciated by those living in Osaka, and of course by travelers! Mattari-Purin Dotombori Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yLT3aEuCSQ3aEVkH6 Ramen Need something more filling? Take a break at Ramen Kazuya and enjoy some hot noodles and broth after your shopping spree. Find popular and familiar flavors at Kazuya, with plentiful toppings of pork and egg. If you need a little something extra, you can order sides of gyoza and fried chicken to top off your meal. Additionally, Ramen Kazuya allows you to order extra toppings of pork for as cheap as 200 yen for 3 pieces, along with seasoned egg, nori, and bamboo shoots. Ramen Kazuya Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVSZ9QtJ6rrjZq8F8 Kuromon Market Not in the mood to sit down and eat somewhere just yet? If the shopping urge still hasn't left you from Den Den Town’s many stores and arcades, you can visit a market full of seafood, meat, and fresh produce to purchase at your leisure. If you are hungry though, many booths at this market can cook and serve the seafood you choose so that you can enjoy something to eat while browsing. However, due to the number of stalls in this market, it is advised you take a good stroll around first before deciding on one stall’s food, as a lot of the same products have varying prices. Kuromon Market Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kkeABDoaKcr41iFR7 Cosplay Event Looking for activities to do in Den Den Town? Due to its size, there is only one well-known festival that occurs in this district, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t popular. Every March, a huge cosplay festival occurs in the streets of Denki no Machi, the event being called “Nipponbashi Street Festa”. Whether you like to cosplay, or just want to walk around the festival, anyone can participate. Other events also happen alongside the cosplay festival, so there is always an activity. However, with how seriously dedicated the cosplay community is in this section of Osaka, even just passing through the event will be an experience, as you may get to see amazing cosplays from your favorite series in real life. At the end of the event, hundreds of cosplayers gather to participate in the final cosplay parade, which goes down Sakaisuji Street, making it an amazing sight to see so many cosplayers together crowding the streets- or to be a part of that crowd if you wish to participate! Will You Make the Trip? In this article, I introduced several opportunities within Den Den Town that cater to those who love retro games, music, and cameras. These spots provide a look into Japan’s 70s-80s retro gaming scene! If you prefer game centers, anime, plastic models, stores with multiple floors of figurines, crane games, and gachapon let you take an hour or so to walk through each floor or browse each machine and play a few games. For cosplay enjoyers, Den Den Town holds an annual cosplay festival where you can join the huge Osaka cosplay community in this crowded street parade. Even if neither of those interests you, Osaka’s own Akihabara-like area has fun opportunities for when you get hungry, such as a visit to an old pudding shop, a delicious ramen restaurant, or a wide seafood market to take a stroll while you eat. No matter what interests you, just walking around and experiencing this tucked-away part of Osaka’s culture can be a fun experience. Featured Photo Credit: matcha.jp Want to have more fun on your trip to Osaka? Let our expert travel specialists plan your trip, perfectly tailored for you and your needs!