The Cultural Playlist: Kyoto
Konnichiwa! Welcome to another edition of The Cultural Playlist. Here, we travel somewhere new each week — through music, food, books, films, and one unforgettable travel experience. Whether it’s a place you’ve been or a destination you’d love to visit, we’re happy to bring you your own mini cultural vacation.
Travel to Kyoto, Japan through timeless music, flavors, and traditions
Here’s what to expect:
A destination-inspired music playlist
An authentic (and delicious!) recipe
Books by local authors or stories about the destination
Movies or shows that capture the spirit of the place
One transformative experience to have if you go
Curious how this series started?: Read our first post
Amazon Affiliate: If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Get on the list.
Ahh… a vacation in your inbox. Subscribe to open occasional emails filled with fun & helpful travel content.
Ok, ok. Let’s go to Kyoto!
This week, we’re off to Kyoto, Japan — once the imperial capital and still the heart of traditional Japanese culture. In Kyoto, tea ceremonies are high art, geisha still glide through lantern-lit alleys, and centuries-old shops carry on their meticulous craft.
And yet, you can’t just brand Kyoto as “ancient”; it isn’t stuck in the past. Modern life is woven through the city, from hip coffee shops and sleek art museums to vending machines that dispense everything from hot ramen to handwritten fortunes.
Time your visit right, and Kyoto will put on one of the most breathtaking seasonal displays on earth. Spring erupts in soft pink sakura (cherry blossoms), while autumn drapes the city in fiery reds and golds, making even the most Instagram-averse travelers reach for their cameras.
Many corners of Japan are far less-traveled and well worth exploring, but despite the crowds, Kyoto still feels essential for a first-time trip to a country with so much to offer.
It’s a destination to experience with all five senses. Let’s dive into the sounds, flavors, stories, and unforgettable experiences of this incredible place.
1. Listen to a Japanese music playlist
Kyoto Soundscapes: Ancient Melodies to Modern Beats
From the delicate strum of a koto to the powerful beats of taiko drums, Kyoto is a city rich in traditional sounds. But turn a corner, and you’ll hear upbeat indie pop, J-rock, and lo-fi beats spilling from cafés and record shops.
I created this playlist to capture Kyoto’s charm and energy — from the intensity of Kodo’s drumming to the dreamy vocals of Kyoto-born Ichiko Aoba, and everything in between. Press play to hear the city’s past and present collide through sounds that are tranquil, full of life, and fun.
Have a favorite Japanese track? Leave a comment — we’ll add it to the mix!
What is Kyoto food known for?
We’re glad you asked. Known for its refined, seasonal flavors, Kyoto cuisine (Kyo-ryori) has long been a symbol of Japan's culinary artistry. Rooted in Buddhist temple food (shojin-ryori) and influenced by centuries of imperial history, Kyoto’s cooking focuses on purity, balance, and honoring natural, seasonal ingredients.
And of course, chefs in Kyoto are constantly innovating. Whether you’re a purist or an adventurous eater, Kyoto’s flavors captivate from the first sip of dashi to the last bite of wagashi.
2. How to make Kyoto-style miso soup
Unlike the bolder, heartier versions found elsewhere in Japan, Kyoto-style miso soup is delicate and clean, made with shiro miso (white miso) for a lighter, creamier flavor. The ingredients are simple — tofu, wakame (seaweed), and mitsuba (Japanese parsley) — but when combined, they become something quietly magical.
Here’s a simple recipe to bring a little of Kyoto into your kitchen.
This Japanese miso soup recipe is quintessentially Kyoto — light, refined, and designed to showcase the clean, subtle flavors of the ingredients.
-
4 cups dashi* (Japanese soup stock)
3 tbsp shiro miso (white miso paste)
½ block silken tofu, cut into cubes
1 small bunch mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or green onions, chopped
½ cup wakame (dried seaweed), soaked and drained
-
*To make your own dashi:
Steep a 4-inch piece of kombu in 4 cups of warm water for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the better). Bring the kombu stock to a simmer, then turn off the heat. Remove the kombu, then stir in a generous handful of bonito flakes. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain, and you’ve got fresh, flavorful dashi.Make the Dashi: If you like, make your own (see above). Otherwise, instant dashi works fine.
Dissolve the Miso: Ladle a bit of warm dashi into a small bowl, add the miso, and whisk until smooth.
Combine & Heat: Stir the miso mixture back into the pot with the rest of the dashi. Keep the heat low — you never want to boil miso, or it’ll lose its delicate flavor.
Add the Good Stuff: Gently drop in the tofu and wakame. Let everything warm through.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with mitsuba or green onions and sip like you’re in a Kyoto ryokan overlooking a zen garden.
3. Read the best books about Japan
Books have this way of taking us places — through flavors, emotions, and all the little cultural details that most guidebooks overlook. The one below taught me so much about Japan. Even though the author isn’t Japanese, his writing is full of curiosity and reverence.
If, like me, you believe that the best way to understand a place is through its food, this book gives you a real taste of Japan’s incredible culinary world. Looking for something by a Japanese author? I’ve shared several more books below!
Rice Noodle Fish by Matt Goulding
Rice, Noodle, Fish transports you to Japan’s street food stalls, sushi counters, and hidden local gems, and describes the artistry behind every delicious bite. A friend of the late/great Anthony Bourdain, Matt Goulding blends food journalism with immersive travel storytelling, making this book just as satisfying as a bowl of ramen after a long day of exploring.
Why it’s great:
A deep dive into Japan’s regional food culture — including Kyoto
Perfect if you’re planning a trip to Japan or if you just want to learn more about Japanese culture and food
You’ll probably end up booking a flight (or at least a sushi reservation) after reading
More Must-Read Books About Japan
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata: a darkly funny take on conformity and individuality
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi: a touch of magical realism and emotional storytelling
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura: a poetic meditation on Japanese aesthetics, Zen, and the philosophy of tea
A Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements: a fascinating rundown of Japan’s past
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami: a beautifully melancholic experience
Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri: a modern, poetic look at Japan’s hidden struggles
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa: a cat’s perspective on a road trip through Japan — if I were less food motivated, this might’ve taken the top spot :)
4. Watch the best movies set in Japan
Japan’s cinematic legacy is as rich and layered as its culture. These films capture its spirit, from ancient folklore to neon-lit cityscapes. My top pick (best enjoyed with a bowl of shoyu buttered popcorn) is Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece: Spirited Away.
This beloved Ghibli film draws on Japanese folklore and the traditions of the spirit world. Its mystical bathhouse, eerie shrines, and enchanted forests echo traditional Japan — the kind Kyoto is famous for. If you’re into whimsical animation, Japanese mythology, or just want to experience something new, this one’s for you.
More Must-Watch Movies About Japan
Tampopo (1985): A ramen Western (yes, really) that blends comedy and food obsession. Will leave you craving a glorious bowl of tonkotsu.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005): Set in Kyoto, this dramatic film offers a cinematic glimpse into the mysterious, ritual-rich world of the geisha.
Ponyo (2008): A goldfish-girl, a stormy sea, and one dreamy, surreal adventure. Studio Ghibli at its most playful.
Lost in Translation (2003): Set in the neon glow of Tokyo, this moody, jet-lagged wander through the capital is equal parts funny and quietly profound.
Seven Samurai (1956): Akira Kurosawa’s legendary samurai epic that inspired everything from Star Wars to The Magnificent Seven. Epic, gritty, and still cool.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011): An obsessive, artistic documentary about one man’s quest for perfect sushi. May spark cravings and existential reflection.
5. Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan
What is a ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami floors, futon bedding, and a serene atmosphere that’s as zen as it gets. I highly recommend treating yourself to a two-night stay — it’s the perfect pause in what’s probably a busy itinerary. It’s also one of the most immersive ways to connect with Japanese culture while giving yourself time to truly unwind.
Ryokans range from simple, traditional spaces to high-end luxury, but no matter the pricing tier, each stay is a chance to experience Japanese hospitality in a really special way.
Look for one that serves kaiseki — a seasonal, multi-course dinner that showcases local ingredients — and, if possible, try to find one with onsen baths or a traditional tea ceremony. These are all unforgettable parts of the ryokan experience and well worth seeking out.
Kyoto is a city that feels both timeless and alive — where every temple, street, and snack stand tells a really good story.
Planning a trip to Kyoto — or know someone who is?
Save and share this guide! And feel free to leave a comment to say hi. If there’s a destination you’d like to see featured, we’d love to hear what’s inspiring you.
