Kyoto Like a Local: Shrine Visit, Retro Café & Backstreet Kimono Hunt

Kyoto Like a Local: Shrine Visit, Retro Café & Backstreet Kimono Hunt

Hello and welcome back to my channel. Today we’re spending a slow day in Kyoto. Starting with a quiet morning at Shimogamo Shrine, stumbling into a local festival, finding a hidden cafe in a 90-year-old house, and ending with some kimono treasures down a back street. Let’s dive in. We started our morning at Shimogamo Shrine, one of the oldest and most spiritually meaningful places in Kyoto. As we stepped into Tadasunori, the sacred forest that surrounds the shrine, I felt an immediate shift. The soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet, the filtered sunlight through trees that have stood here for over 600 years. It was as if time itself had slowed down. What I love about Shimogamo is that despite its deep history and spiritual way, it’s still a quiet hidden gem. Unlike the more crowded sites like Kingakuji or Yomiz, this place remains calm and almost untouched. Even many Japanese people haven’t been here. And strangely enough, though I used to live nearby, this was my very first visit. It reminded me that sometimes the most beautiful places are right in front of us. We just need the right moment to truly see them. The shrine sits where the Takano and Kamo rivers meet in a part of the city rich with layers of history. One of the first things that caught my eye was the long straight path stretching from the forest to the main hall. Calm, symmetrical, and quietly powerful. Records say Shimogamo has existed since at least the year 848, but its loots go back even further. It honors the ancestral deities of the Kamo clan, giving it a sacred place not only in Kyoto’s geography, but in its cultural soul. We made our way to the Tisia, the shrine’s water purification area. Before stepping further into secret grounds, it’s tradition to rinse your hands here. But what made this spot truly special wasn’t just the act. It was the presence of unique Iwakura. A boatshaped sacred stone said to be tied to the myth surrounding the enshrined daties. And the ladle used to pour the kinsi or divine water rests in a bucket curved from something remarkable. A 600year-old Zelkova tree once known as a garden of Talasi. There’s a quiet riverance here. Everything from the ancient stone to water vessel feels deeply rooted in the land and its stories. As I take in the peaceful surroundings, I thought it’s the perfect moment to talk a little about Kyoto’s rich history. For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 until the late 1800s. During that time, it became the cultural and spiritual heart of the country. Traditional arts like tea ceremony, flower arrangement, no theater and kimono craftsmanship all flourished here along with countless temples and shrines that still stand today. But when Japan entered the modern era during the major restoration, the capital was moved east to Tokyo, a new symbol for a changing industrializing nation. The name Tokyo literally means eastern capital, marking its position relative to Kyoto. Today, Kyoto is no longer the political center, but it remains deeply important as a guardian of tradition and heritage. However, the city faces new challenges. Over tourism is putting pressure on daily life and the preservation of quite sacred spaces. At the same time, Japan’s aging society and declining population threaten the future of traditional crafts. Fewer young people are taking on these roles and many cultural skills risk being lost. So through my lens, as someone who used to live in the local area and I who is now sharing the beauty of Japanese textiles through upycling vintage kimono, I feel quite honored to guide you through this remarkable city. Walking through Tarasi, which is huge, about three times the size of a baseball stadium. I could hear little streams gently flowing nearby. Every May this forest comes alive with horseback archery after the famous Aawi festival. But today it was peaceful. At the entrance to the shrine grounds, there’s a small but really special subshrine called Aayosha. It’s dedicated to Kamasu noami, the dity of matchmaking and connections. People don’t just come here to pray for love. They also hope for good relationships in work, friendships, health, and family. It’s known as a truly powerful spiritual spot. What really caught my attention was the traditional way of praying here, which is quite unique. First, you get a wooden emma, a little window nearby, by offering a small fee about 500 yen. You write down your wish, then tie on a red and white string. And if you want cover your message with a sticker for privacy. Then women walk around the shrine twice counterclockwise. Men do the same but clockwise. On the third l you stop halfway and hang your emma on the rock. Symbolically sign your hopes to the shrine itself. I also came across a beautiful charm made from jidan fabric called the hime mamori. This protective amoled is especially popular here because one of the shrines main deities is tama yurimeo mikoto a female goddess known for blessings related to beauty and well-being. As a result, Shimogamo Ginger is famous for its charms aimed at women. Prayers for beauty, health, and happiness. [Music] [Applause] I walked over a small arched bridge called Limbashi which crosses the Midarashi River, a shallow stream that gently winds through the grounds of Shimogamo Ginger. It’s said that this area inspired a famous Japanese painting red and white plum blossoms by Oata Coding. A legendary painter from the Edo period and a central figure in the Limpa art school. This national treasure is thought to capture the atmosphere around here. The scene is split into two panels. a red plum tree on the right, a white plum tree on the left, and in between them flows a stylized stream. People have interpreted this work in many ways. Some say the red and white plum trees represent youth and age, or male and female, while the flowing water symbolizes the passage of time or even life itself. These meanings aren’t confirmed, but the painting invites that kind of poetic reflection. And here’s something fascinating. Scientists recently discovered that he applied silver leaf to the screen, masked the flowing patterns, and then let the surrounding silver naturally oxidize into a dark color, creating a beautiful contrast. It’s believed this technique came from Coding’s deep knowledge of textile dying since she was born into a family of Kimono merchants. Standing here near this quite little bridge over the Mitarashit River. It’s amazing to think how a peaceful place like this became the source of such a bold and influential piece of Japanese art. [Applause] Ever since stepping into the shrine, there’s been something I’ve constantly noticed. I’m sure many of you have seen it, too. So many people cleaning. Not just one or two, but quite a few. At shrines in Japan, it’s the priests and shrine maidens who carry out their cleaning. Their daily service begins with sweeping in the morning. It all starts right in front of the main hall. Before they begin, they bow respectively to the shrine, then sweep the grounds with brooms to purify the space. From there, they work their way down the path towards the toi gate. After that, they move on to cleaning inside the main hall and other parts of the shrine. But this isn’t just about keeping the place tidy. It also believed that through cleaning the hearts and minds of the priests and maidens themselves are purified. It’s considered one of the essential roles of those who serve the gods. In Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, there is a belief called the idea that gods exist in all things in nature. Even something like a fallen leaf is seen as part of the divine. That’s why leaves aren’t simply thrown away. They’re carefully dried in the shrine grounds or parking area, then respectively burned as an offering. I grew up in Japan and went through the Japanese school system. From a young age, we had a cleaning rotation every morning. And at lunchtime, the entire school would spend about 30 minutes cleaning every corner from kindergarten all the way through high school, respecting things, and taking care of them. For us Japanese, this is something we learn naturally from childhood. I used to take it for granted, but now I realize just how beautiful this mindset is. No matter where I live, no matter what country I’m in, it’s something I want to always carry with me. In the heart of the shrine, I found people quietly drawing omikuji, the traditional Japanese fortune stapes. If you’re not familiar, omikuji are paper fortunes you can get at many shrines and temples. You pick one randomly. It tells you about your luck in different parts of life like health, love, or work. I drew one myself and my fortune was ki which means good luck. But it’s not the highest blessing. My fortune included a phrase that really stood up. These ethos the famous words of the no actor who said life has an end but mastery in no has no limit. It means you should never stop practicing and improving your craft until the very end of your life. That phrase really stayed with me. It reminded me that even if things are going well, like a kichi fortune suggests, there’s always room to grow. Life is limited, but what we choose to pursue doesn’t have to be. For me, that means continuing to learn how to sew better, how to present and display my work more beautifully and how to tell the story behind each upcycled kimono. Every time I improve, I’m hoping to preserve these incredible fabrics, giving them a second life and sharing something truly unique with others. It’s not about fashion. It’s about respect for craft, sustainability, and beauty. And with technology evolving so quickly, I know I also need to keep updating my skills to keep up. All of this effort, I believe, adds up. Not just to save more textiles, but to inspire people around me and hopefully to help create a more thoughtful, connected world. Oh, she [Music] By the way, after reading your omiki, it’s common to tie it to a nearby tree or a special string rack provided at the shrine. This isn’t just for convenience. It actually has deep meaning. People believe that by tying the paper to the tree, they can share in the treere’s strong life force, helping to seal their wishes so they come true. The act of tying also symbolizes connecting with the gods. It’s like strengthening your bond with the divine to guide you toward a positive path. So when you leave your omikuji hanging there, it’s both a prayer and a hopeful promise. By the way, a quick practical note. There was no toilet paper provided in the restrooms here. If you need it, you have to buy it from a vending machine for 100 yen, which gives you two small rows. That moment, I realized it wasn’t really available. I noticed how much more carefully we traded it. It made me think not just about the shrine’s quite approach to conservation, but also about human nature. How we tend to value things more when they’re not taken for granted. A small detail, but a meaningful one. After soaking in the energy of nature and the secret calm of the shrine that morning, my next stop was a nearby local park where I met up with one of my closest friends from high school. Our plan was simple. Let the kids play while we caught up on the bench. But of course, life had a surprise in store. It turned out that a monthly children’s event was happening in the park that day. Just like the local fair we stumbled upon the day before in Osaka. Good luck seems to be following us around lately. This event though small and cheerful like a funfair was unique. Kids could earn play money by doing little jobs then use it to buy treats or join activities. Learning through fun how to work, earn and spend. One corner of the park was run by a real local film production group asking kids to design posters to promote their community. My daughter, who loves drawing, immediately jumped in. My son, on the other hand, was completely absorbed in the radio control car he got the day before, racing it through the gravel with pure joy. [Music] Later, my daughter proudly spent the money she’d earned on some snacks and towards the back of the park was a soft play area. That’s 500 yen for an hour. Such a fair price, we decided to tap up their fans and let them play freely while we finally got to talk. We weren’t even that hungry, but the smell from a little curry v one was too good to pass up and it didn’t disappoint. We also tried cookies and deserts all homemade by locals using local ingredients. It brought back memories from my first year running my business when I used to go to weekends markets nearly every week. I could really relate to the silent struggles and quite determination behind each stall. That’s why I feel compelled to support them. Not just out of empathy, but because I truly believe these people are the ones keeping the spirit of the community alive. After making sure the kids were thoroughly tired out from all the play, our next stop was a cafe. I had been eyeing for a while. The cafe was about a 10-minute walk away, packed inside a beautifully preserved machia, a traditional Kyoto townhouse that’s over 90 years old. Inside, antique furniture filled the space. A towering bookshelf stretched up to the ceiling. Absolutely stunning. On the ground floor, there was a small zaka shop sold vintage and handmade items. Each one unique and full of charm. The section of the cafe we were seated on the first floor in was decorated with a bit of a rock and roll flare complete with a British flag on the wall. Somehow I felt like quait, a curious little connection that made me smile. We ordered strawberry puffets for kids while the adults went with an iced latte and a slice of moist carrot cake. There was a pure happiness. I met my friend when we were just 15. And now we’re both turning 35. We only spent 3 years together in high school here in Kai before I moved to Tokyo and eventually to the UK. But those years were everything. We were in the same class, the same track team, always together after school. And now we only see each other once a year, maybe once every two years. But every time we meet, it’s like no time has passed at all. Do you have someone like that in your life? Someone who, no matter how long it’s been, you pick up right where you left off. Our daughters are now the same age and get along so well, too. Such a blessing. Spending time with her always fills me with this warm energy. After spending some energizing time with friends and recharging my batteries, I’ve been given a little pocket of time to myself. So, I’ve decided to wander through one of Kyoto’s local shopping arcades. And if you’ve been following this channel for a while, you probably already know what I’m here for. This shopping street sits right in the heart of Kyoto. It’s about a 15inut drive from the cafe I was at earlier or around 30 minutes if you take the train. The arcade stretches between Shijou Dhi and Karasuma Dhi which easy access by subway or bus. It’s lined with a wonderful variety of shops. Everything from traditional Japanese goods and souvenirs to clothing, cafes and restaurants. Especially popular are the matcha and wagashi Japanese sweets shops where you can enjoy local kyoto flavors. The area itself has been a lively commercial district since the ado period and walking through it you can really feel the atmosphere of old. Seasonal festivals and events are held throughout the year, offering plenty of chances to experience local culture. As I continued walking, I came across a mother house shop. I’ve seen a documentary about the founder before a Japanese woman whose mission was to create a globally recognized brand based in developing countries. The brand started over a decade ago and now works with six production countries and three sales regions. Their concept is beautiful to highlight the materials, skills and potential of people in countries often labeled as developing. For example, they source jude and leather from Bangladesh and fine Kashmir and silk from Nepal. blending regional strengths with craftsmanship to produce truly unique bags and scarves. They believe that in order to create good products, they must first create good working environments. So they offer fair salaries, skill-based promotions, proper pensions and health care, even community picnics. 10 years ago, that was a bold move, especially in a world still very much driven by profit first. Further along, I spotted a bamboo shop. Bamboo is a classical ingredient in Kyoto cuisine, often seen in spring dishes. It’s considered a delicate, which explains why it can be quite expensive. The harvesting is done by hand and it’s highly seasonal. Next up, a lovely stationary shop. So many charming items. Letter paper, calligraphy brushes, and an impressive variety of koshing. Those red temple stamps collected at shrines and temples across Japan. You might have seen them in my Yanakahuji video in or when I visited Shimoam Shrine earlier. They’re not just religious keepers. There are beautiful way to mark your journey through Japan. And actually, many train stations offer commemorative stamps too, often featuring local flowers or historical sites. So, if you’re traveling around Japan, it might be worth having one to collect them. Then, I stumbled upon a shop that at first looked like an antique dealer, but it turned out to be a Yugata and accessory shop. Yugata are light summer robes, typically made from cotton or polyester, and much easier to wear and care for than full kimono. Interestingly, I noticed a lot of pieces designed for children and babies. In Japan, it’s still common to dress newborns in these wrap style clothes rather than pullover t-shirts, especially for the first 6 months or so. I can imagine many travelers buying these as gifts for grandchildren or loved ones. Oh, suddenly Risa spotted something. a stunning pale blue yugata with pink and red palies. It looked beautiful, but after yesterday’s kimono in Osaka, I had to resist the temptation. Walking the main street was fun, but as someone who loves hidden gems, I felt drawn to a side alley. Instantly, the crowds vanished. There’s always something mysterious about quite back streets like secrets waiting to be discovered. I soon came across a charming antique shop. These places can feel intimidating to enter actually, but something about this one pulled me in. Inside there were small plates, home wares, and even items from the late Edo to early Taiishaw period. Some unpriced items were only 100 yen. The staff were warm and welcoming. It felt like stepping into someone’s home. A bit further on, I found a sake workshop. According to their website, you can create your own custom blend of sake there in a private setting limited to just four people. You taste four varieties, learn the history and cultural background, and craft your own unique sake experience. Sounds like something I’ll definitely try next time. Maybe with my best friend once our kids are old enough to join in. Then a familiar site, a kimono upycling shop. I was genuinely moved. Even though we may do similar things using old kimono to create new designs, each creator chooses different pieces, patterns, and ways to express them. That’s the beauty of upycling kimono. Every creation is completely unique. Sadly, I wasn’t allowed to film inside the shop, but just knowing it’s here was a joyful discovery. [Music] [Music] As I kept walking, I found yet another hidden treasure. A vintage kimono shop run by a grandmother and her daughter. They sell old fabric scraps and beautiful patchwork items made using sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching method. In the back, I spotted a lovely handmade howi, a short kimono jacket. And yes, the shopping mode was officially switched on. I’d held it together all day. Truly, I did my best. But right at the very end, it hit me. The self-control gone. Resistance useless. Even after yesterday’s spurge in Osaga, what can I say? It was like some hidden inner switch flipped. And I thought, well, I’ve come this far. Might as well make it count. These hidden spots are just too magical to resist. I’m already dreaming about what I’ll make with it, but you have to wait for a future video to see That wraps up today’s adventure. Oh, and after all the walking, we were exhausted. We grabbed takeaway from Kyozano Ojo, a casual Chinese style restaurant beloved by locals. Next, we’ll be heading back to Oko before a few detours into Kyoto’s countryside and maybe even Nara. See you in the next video.

Visit the historic Shimogamo Shrine, enjoy a surprise local festival with Kyoto-style curry and sweets, relax in a 90-year-old traditional house café, and discover kimono shops in a quiet backstreet. A must-watch for anyone planning a unique Kyoto itinerary!

📍 Itinerary Highlights:
00:00 – 📍 Intro & Kyoto Travel Itinerary Overview
00:24 – ⛩️ Morning at Shimogamo Shrine | Kyoto History & Traditional Art
16:32 – 🎉 Local Festival Surprise | 🍛 Kyoto-Style Curry & 🍡 Handmade Sweets
18:45 – ☕ Hidden Kyoto Café in a 🏯 90-Year-Old Traditional House
21:10 – 🛍️ Backstreet Shopping in Kyoto | 🎁 Local Souvenirs 👘& Kimono Finds

🌸 Whether you’re planning a Kyoto itinerary, love Japanese culture, or just want to relax and travel from home — this vlog is for you.

Who am I? I am Risa, just an enthusiastic vintage upcycle sewist who is concerning that 500 tons of kimono are discarded every year. Let’s give these beautiful fabrics a second life while preserving the rich historic culture and doing something good for the environment! Love you all!!

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