BRUTUS New Perspective Kyoto

People visit Kyoto over and over again. They come to visit shrines and temples, experience the culture and crafts that color daily lives, admire serene gardens, taste seasonal Japanese cuisine and sweet treats, and spend blissful moments savoring sake, coffee, and tea... Japan's ancient capital, with its grid plan and historic charm, has become a dream destination for travelers worldwide. Many people want to visit, but recent reports of overcrowding often make them hesitate. So, where in Kyoto do locals and regulars find their inner calm? We asked shop owners, Kyoto-based creators, food experts, and other locals to share spots where you can unwind, lose track of time, and just be free. Now, this special English edition invites you to explore these unique places to pause in Kyoto.