Kyoto with Laila Gohar
Point of View: The City of Ten Thousand Shrines
New York–based artist and designer Laila Gohar is an aesthetic magpie, braiding far-flung influences into her food installations for fashion houses and creative studios. Egypt, her birthplace, is a frequent source of inspiration. Japan is another, as much for the quiet pageantry folded into everyday entertaining as for the humble ingredients treated with exacting care. In Gohar’s imagination, butter for the table might arrive shaped like a koi fish; pillowy mochi is decorated with a rosy dot, as if winking at the female form. In 2022, she and her sister, Nadia, launched Gohar World, a whimsical home-goods line that enlists artisanal makers. The sake cups that Gohar created with The Luxury Collection share that spirit, showcasing the porcelain craftsmanship of a local Kyoto atelier.
Nishiki Market
609 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo
Nicknamed “Kyoto’s pantry,” Nishiki is easily the best traditional food market in the city. I tried all sorts of tempura, as well as a fish-cake soup called oden. In Japanese etiquette, it’s rude to eat and walk—one of my favorite things to do. I have to behave.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi
Famous for its torii gates in bright vermillion, this is the most important of the Kyoto shrines dedicated to the Shinto god, Inari. The trail leads through a picturesque forest to the top of Mount Inari, where fox statues stand watch.
Kameya Yoshinaga
17-19 Kashiwayacho Shijodori Aburanokoji Nishiiri, Shimogyo-Ku
“This sweets shop is so amazing. They’ve been making mochi in the same way forever. You can book a class to learn some of the traditional techniques—everything is so tiny and beautiful.”
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Culinary
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Kameya Yoshinaga
17-19 Kashiwayacho Shijodori Aburanokoji Nishiiri, Shimogyo-Ku
“This sweets shop is so amazing. They’ve been making mochi in the same way forever. You can book a class to learn some of the traditional techniques—everything is so tiny and beautiful.”
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Nishiki Market
609 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo
“Known to locals as “Kyoto’s pantry”, Nishiki Market is easily the best traditional food market in the city.”
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Saga tofu Morika
42 Sagashakadofujinokicho, Ukyo
This unassuming shop, established more than 150 years ago, offers a whole range of tofu preparations, from hot pot to pudding. It’s where many local restaurants and businesses source their tofu as well.
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Restaurants
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Salon de thé François
84, Sendo-cho, Shijo-kudaru, Nishikiyamachi-dori, Shimogyo
One of the city’s registered historic properties, this café has an old world feel, with dark wood columns and stained glass. It’s a good spot for an afternoon coffee.
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Izuu
367 Kiyomotochō, Higashiyama
Named after the original founder, this Kyoto-style sushi destination dates back to 1781. The house specialty is saba sugata: whole-mackerel sushi made with salted, vinegary fish, now in the hands of the eighth-generation owner-chef.
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Exploring
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Sagano Scenic Railway
For an immersive dose of the landscape, take a 25-minute train from Torokko Saga Station to
Kameoka along the Hozugawa River. Depending on the season, you might glimpse spring cherry blossoms or Japanese maple in autumn.
External link opens in new windowhttps://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama
This Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 780, it takes its name (Pure Water Temple) from the area’s Otowa Waterfall—sips of which visitors can take to welcome in longevity, success, or love.
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Toraya Karyo Ichijyo
400 Ichijo-dori Karasuma Nishi-iru Hirohashidono cho 400, Kamigyo
Located not far from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this Japanese confectioner has been in operation since the 17th century, supplying sweets to the court. You can dine outside and then stroll through the beautiful garden.
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Set along the peaceful Hozu River in the scenic Arashiyama Hills, we welcome you to enjoy an authentic Japanese-style experience. A harmonious blend of a relaxing haven and the modern conveniences of a vibrant city, our luxury hotel is perfectly poised to offer access to some of Japan’s most important national treasures.
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Located in the heart of Kyoto, the property is adjacent to the legendary Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guest rooms are a reimagination of the traditional Japanese tearoom, while the Thermal Spring SPA offers a natural onsen pool and private onsens with hot spring water drawn from an on-site source.
Laila’s Barware Line
Discover a globally inspired barware collection created exclusively for The Luxury Collection by our new Global Explorer, Laila Gohar.
