Date night in Kyoto [京都市に出かけます]

Guaranteed the most perfect night in Kyoto. 

Before you read on: Although I love researching new places and activities prior to holidays, for this guide I recommend you don’t research too much into it. Sometimes I think a big part of the magic of an experience is having that experience in person for the very first time. Trust that I have done the research for you and keep your childlike awe intact.

As every man and their dog are heading to Japan this year, it is about time I wrote a little ‘where to’ guide on some of my favourite spots in Japan. Having spent a lot of time in Kyoto I have countless recommendations so this is the first of our mini Japan blog series that we will be rolling out over the next few months.

Whether you're treating yourself to a solo date night, want to spoil your partner or a loved one, personally I think this could be the perfect way to spend a night you will cherish forever in what I consider to be one of the most magical places in the world.

Starting off at my absolute favourite Izakaya, Hanbey [Hakuri Tabai Hanbey Shijo Kawaramachi]. This little retro bar which you have to access via a tiny, dingy elevator is located on level 2 of the building. Every time I come here and the elevator doors open out to the bar I feel like I have been catapulted in time into early 20th century Japan. I don't want to give away too much here but think Astroboy and think kitsch floral wall papers. I recommend you go early [around 5pm] for a snack and some nibbles- they have some great Kushi [Skewers] and other good snack dishes that won’t break the bank. The menu is super extensive so definitely try something you wouldn't usually have. They also have an English menu with some pretty bizarre and hysterical translations.

Tip for this restaurant: Ask and see if you can dine in one of the booths in the corridor as you're walking through! This place does get busy and it is likely there will be a wait time if you don't book in advance or go early. I suggest going early as it can be tricky in Japan to book for these kinds of places [for example a lot of places you can only book over the phone].

Next, make your way down the backstreets behind Teramachi Dori and Nishiki Markets, you'll find a bunch of really great mix of designer stores including my favourites: Issey Miyake and Kapital and a bunch of curated vintage stores [I always pop into JAM on Sanjo Street] and plenty little cafes and Izakayas.

Next, head over to ‘Gear’. I literally always recommend this show to anyone that hasn't been to Kyoto before. Again, don't look into it too much. All you need to know is that it is a non verbal theatre performance and you need to get tickets in advance. [Get tickets here]. I have seen this show twice now and I don't know how to begin to explain the experience but I feel like it perfectly encapsulates the rogue and quirky aspects of Japanese culture. Tickets are well worth it and I almost guarantee you have never seen anything quite like this. Thank me later on this one xxx

For dinner, drinks or just a little snack post performance, there are plenty of little restaurants and cafes you can pop into on Teramachi Dori, Shinkyogoku or Kawabata Dori. Personally, I'd just go to a Family Mart and raid the food there. Famichiki [Family Mart deep fried chicken] is a must try but they also have Karaage Chicken, Skewers, Oden, Onigiri the list goes on… plus you can also get any good beer and Chuhai’s [Strongs] there.

Take your haul and walk down to Kamogawa [Kamo River]. This is an absolute must in Kyoto and is such a fun way to just sit and take it all in. I swear Kamogawa is THE hot spot for locals to practice their hobbies without any restrictions. I've watched group salsa classes, solo tuba performances, skating comps, breakdancers and the old man practicing Taichi. I honestly think this is the perfect way to cap off the night but if you're up for something more head back to Kawabata Dori and there are a bunch of dingy bars, Izakaya's, live music spots and of course whilst in Japan, karaoke. 

Try one thing or try it all!!! If you do like any of these recommendations comment below- I'd love to hear back from you! More to come on our little Japan guide series soon xx