Kyoto
京都
YOUR CITY GUIDE -
November 14 - 21, 2026
Prepared for
Sarah & James
Ceramics & craft
Food & markets
Contemporary art
Y
Yuki Takanaka
Ceramicist - Higashiyama - Kyoto resident since 2009
Tramica
PRIVATE GUIDE
From Yuki · November 2026
The Kyoto I actually live in
This guide covers seven days. The ceramics world is the thread that runs through it — but I have drawn on colleagues in food and contemporary art to make sure the full range of your interests is addressed. The urgent strip at the top has three things to do before you leave home. Everything else unfolds day by day. I hope you find the real Kyoto. It is worth looking for.
Ceramics & craft
Food & markets
Contemporary art
7 NIGHTS . NOV 14-21
DAY 1
Monday - November 14
Morning · Nishiki Market before 7am. The market opens at six. The first hour is wholesale — fishmongers, tofu makers, the people who actually cook in this city. By nine it is tourists. You want the first hour. No booking needed. Walk the full length east to west and back — it takes about twenty minutes each way.
Afternoon · Asahi Gallery in Gion. Hana Asahi has been showing serious contemporary craft since 1998 and her taste is impeccable. Currently showing raku ware — closes November 20th so go today or tomorrow. Open 10am–6pm, closed Tuesdays. Ask about the Tanaka Shozo bowls near the back.
Evening · Walk Philosopher's Path as the light drops. North from Nanzenji to Ginkakuji takes about forty minutes at a gentle pace. The canal is at its best in late afternoon. No plan needed — just walk.
2
DAY 2
Tuesday - November 15
Evening · Kyoto Ceramics Collective monthly gathering. Fifteen of Kyoto's working ceramicists meet at a studio in Nishiki. It is not a public event — I have invited you as my guests. Bring something to drink and no expectations. Conversations start at 7pm and usually end at midnight. This is where you will understand what is actually happening in Kyoto's ceramics world right now.
3
DAY 3
Wednesday - November 16
Morning · Mori Ceramic Studio, 8am sharp. Kenji Mori was my teacher for three years when I arrived in Kyoto. He does not take visitors. I asked as a personal favour — he will show you what he is actually working on, not a tourist demonstration. His studio is not on any map. The address will come from him directly after you confirm by email. Do not be late.
Afternoon · MA Gallery, Kawaramachi, 2pm. Kaito Yamashita is expecting you for a private view of the Sozō exhibition — five artists responding to Kyoto's craft heritage through entirely contemporary practice. Two of them work specifically with ceramics. Seeing their work after your morning with Mori-san will create a productive collision. Ask for Kaito when you arrive.
4
DAY 4
Thursday - November 17
Evening · Kichisen, Kamigamo. Dinner at 6pm. Three Michelin stars. This is not an everyday restaurant — it is a once-in-a-decade experience. The kaiseki here is the most considered food I have eaten anywhere in the world. Ask for the seasonal omakase and let the kitchen decide. Ask about the ceramics when dishes arrive — many pieces are commissioned from local makers including some of my colleagues. Do not look at your phone during dinner. Reservation is confirmed — mention my name when you arrive.
5
DAY 5
Friday - November 18
Morning · Shin-Shin ramen, Fuyacho. This is where I go when I need to remember why I moved here. Twelve-seat counter. The broth takes three days. The noodles are made in the back every morning. One style, done perfectly. Arrive at 11am sharp — the queue at lunch is forty-five minutes. Cash only. Order an extra portion of charshu.
Afternoon · Free. The Okazaki canal streets east of Heian Shrine reward slow walking. Three ceramic studios within 400 metres, all open without appointment on Fridays. Skip the shrine — you will have seen enough temples by now. The studios are what matter.
6
DAY 6
Saturday - November 19
Morning · Free. Saturday morning in Higashiyama is the best version of Kyoto's tourist layer — still beautiful, not yet overwhelming. Walk from Kiyomizudera north through the stone-paved lanes to Yasaka Shrine. The craft shops along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are genuinely good — not everything is tourist-grade. If something in a window stops you, go in.
7
DAY 7
Sunday - November 20
Morning · Free. Your last morning. Nishiki Market again if you want it — you will see it differently than the first time. Or sit somewhere quiet with coffee and the guide and mark the things you want to come back for. There will be things you want to come back for.
A note from me: I hope the week gave you what you were looking for — and some things you weren't expecting. That is always the best version of a trip to Kyoto. Safe travels home.
YOUR GUIDE
All Places
I am available throughout your trip — for questions, for real-time recommendations, and for anything the guide did not anticipate. If something changes, if somewhere disappoints, if you stumble on something and want to know what it is — send me a message. I will respond within a few hours.
YOUR EXPERT
Y
Yuki Takanaka
Ceramicist - Higashiyama - Kyoto resident since 2009
Tramica expert since 2026
Message Yuki on WhatsApp
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Email for longer questions
Yuki will send a personal note on December 5th — two weeks after your return — to hear how the trip went. Her feedback loop is genuine, not automated.
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This guide is private to Sarah & James Morrison
Prepared November 2026 · Guide version 1.0
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