From historic villas to ceramic shops, here’s how every art and design lover should make the most of 48 hours in Kyoto.
The first time I ever sat on a flight heard ‘we’ve begun our descent’, Kyoto had been where I wanted to go. Decades later, at the end of this August, I finally made it—just in time for Typhoon Shanshan. Only 48 hours to spare and a looming city-wide shutdown didn’t exactly scream ‘perfect getaway.’ Yet, that’s Kyoto for you—even in the least ideal circumstances, it still sweeps you off your feet.
You don’t have to look hard to find beautiful design in Japan’s former capital. It’s all around: in the bold typography that lines the sidewalks, the small linen curtains that mark a restaurant’s entrance, the origami lanterns that dangle along the riverside, and the tidy nature of the streets. They make everything look in vogue, even the saloon-style Lawson Station (a convenience store chain) logo, which, if found in Texas, would look like a parody of itself. Every detail, from the dainty flower arrangements in shop windows to the symmetry of sake bottles on bar counters, feels effortless and intentional all at once.
It’s easy to fall in love with the place. It’s like a summer romance you just can’t shake, one you know will still occupy your thoughts years later. With a crush like Kyoto, it’s easy to get lost and let your mind wander. But don’t get too swept away—stay present because every detail counts. Here’s how an art and design lover can make the most of 48 hours with their new muse, Kyoto.
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Friday
3 p.m. | Check into Ace Hotel Kyoto
I arrive at Ace Hotel Kyoto, designed by legendary architect Kengo Kuma in the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office. There are couples in monochrome linen overalls and canvas totes saying things like ‘Sleeping in Seattle.’ The receptionist who checks me in wears a black hat that reads ‘FBI Warning’, and by day, the long wooden table in the lobby is packed with people working on their laptops—an ideal setting for a Kyoto meet-cute. My room has nuanced touches like a vinyl player with niche records by artists like Chief Ebenezer Obey. On the second floor, the PIOPIKO taco bar was abuzz when I stopped by for an afternoon aperitif. And just outside, the streets are lined with ceramics and vintage shops, right in the heart of it all.
4 p.m. | Local Design Shops
Kyoto is the kind of place you could roam around endlessly. The streets are compact, and it feels like you could spread your arms and reach from one side to the other. I wander around and stumble upon Osugi Shoten, a small antique ceramic store. The shopkeeper enthusiastically takes me through the different periods of Japanese pottery. When I finally chose a cup, he noticed a tiny scratch I hadn’t seen and knocked 9,600 yen off the price without me asking—only in Japan.
