With a 99.7% decrease in foreign tourism this year due to the COVID19 pandemic*, Kyoto, like much of the world is quiet. While we miss the energy of the crowds and most of all, getting to meet visitors at our shop, the empty streets of Kyoto this year have allowed us to experience our beloved city in a fresh way.
Here are some favorite spots that we’ve discovered recently (rest assured, they practice proper COVID precautions) and that are waiting for you once travel becomes safe again!
(*According to April 2020 data from the Kyoto City Tourism Association)
LORIMER KYOTO
As a Japanese restaurant that originated in Brooklyn, NY, Lorimer Kyoto has a unique personality that is both authentically Japanese, but with creative NY accents. They offer breakfast, and breakfast only, but what a breakfast it is!
They serve a traditional ichijuu-sansai style meal (rice, soup with three side dishes) that is a delight to the senses with a seasonal fish and local Kyoto ingredients playing the starring role. Totally worth waking up early for (but in case you oversleep, don’t worry, they are open until 2:30pm!)
SAGATOFU MORIKA
Morika is one of Kyoto’s most beloved tofu shops, and even makes appearances in several Japanese novels! Based in Arashiyama which is known for its excellent tofu restaurants, Morika has a history of over 150 years.
In particular we recommend the abura-age (fried tofu) that you can watch getting freshly fried on the spot. Best enjoyed with a little drizzle of soy sauce. Uh-may-zing.
