Located inside the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, a well-known hub of traditional Japanese culture, the Forever Museum of Contemporary Art, Gion-Kyoto (FMOCA) is a place that moves all your senses. Walking barefoot on tatami (smelling really good) you are in the middle of a world where time both stops and rushes into the future. Old Japanese theatre (with the beautiful stage) and modern art - isn't it a dreamy combination? I was lucky enough to see Yayoi Kusama's amazing exhibition there that lasts till the end of February 2019 (be quick!). What is more, the museum has a lovely garden that you can contemplate either from the inside or from the outside, with a red umbrella. Ah, what a place!

If you have that famous I-see-faces-everywhere thing, look twice. The Face House really exists in Kyoto, created by Kazumasa Yamashita in 1973-1974. Don't miss it - it's something really faceinating!

Kyoto's summers are famously hot, but if you take the Eizan Railway and get off at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, you'll find a spot along the Takano river where you can cool off, enjoy a barbecue, or relax by the water with a drink and read. This spot is particularly recommended for those staying in Kyoto long-term rather than for short-term tourists.

This is a local liquor store that has been here since before I was born, offering not only alcohol but also rice, tobacco, and other daily necessities. The owner, who is always there in the mornings and afternoons, is a very friendly and wonderful person. You can buy and drink inside the store, and smoking is allowed as well. I often see people gathering to enjoy a drink, smoke, and have casual conversations with the owner. This kind of super-local, cozy atmosphere is one of my favorite things about the place.

The Murin-an Garden is a Japanese garden designed by Jihei Ogawa VII, one of the most renowned garden designers of the Meiji era. Established in 1894, it is a relatively modern garden by Kyoto standards, yet its beauty makes it well worth a visit. The garden employs the technique of "borrowed scenery," seamlessly incorporating the surrounding natural landscapes and the flow of water, showcasing Jihei Ogawa's innovative approach as a pioneer of "naturalistic gardens." While Zen gardens are particularly famous in Kyoto, comparing them with Murin-an allows visitors to appreciate the distinctive features of each. This comparison enriches the experience of explorin Japanese gardens. Admission Fee: General admission ¥500 (please check the official website for details). Opening Hours: Usually 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to change depending on the season or events).