Top 10 Things to DO in KYOTO Japan | WATCH BEFORE YOU GO

You have to visit this Machiya Starbucks, it's unlike any other! It was legally renovated from a 200-year-old machiya, blending in with the surrounding houses. The menu is like any other Starbucks, so you can get your regular coffee fix. You order downstairs, then pick up your drink in a different room before heading upstairs. The upstairs feels like a real house with separate rooms, each with its own decorations and seating, including tatami mats. It's a unique way to start the morning in Kyoto.

Head to the Matcha House in Sannenzaka (avoiding the main Kawaramachi store for shorter lines) for some lovely matcha delights. The matcha tiramisu is incredibly thick and creamy, almost like a melted marshmallow, with matcha flakes on top and matcha cake underneath. It's a neat combination where matcha replaces the bitterness of coffee. The matcha ice cream parfait is a beauty, packed with red beans, mochi, rice krispies, cake, and green jelly – a full, amazing parfait with a nice crunchy texture from the rice krispies.

You have to check out Wajo Ryomen Sugari for an insanely good ramen fix! It's a bit difficult to locate because its facade has a machiya design and doesn't look like a standard ramen shop. Once inside, you buy a ticket from a machine and then line up. The waiting area is a nice backyard space. The ramen has an insanely good, thick, flavorful soup that's a blend of chicken and fish broth, with negi and cabbage. I added extra beef, which was delicious. The noodles are nice and flat; I chose the regular ramen noodles over yuzu noodles. The separately cooked and marinated negi is delicious by itself. They put so much thought and refinement into this ramen bowl, it's true craftsmanship. They also have tsukemen (dipping style noodles).

Take a break from all the walking at Happy Stand Bar. The cool thing here is that you can draw on the tables! If you visit, put your name next to your drawing and send it to me on Instagram. It's a fun, interactive spot to relax.

If you're overwhelmed choosing a spot in Pontocho, I recommend Pontocho Yasohachi Yakitori. They serve an otoshi (appetizer) with salmon sashimi, sansai, and sato imo. I got my favorites: tsukune (chicken meatball), schooner, and a quail egg wrapped in pork. The tsukune is delicious, moist, and has a charcoal flavor. The mochi bacon and cheese is especially barbecued and puts a smile on my face. Everything we ordered was spot on; you can't go wrong with the menu items here.

After a long day, I suggest experiencing a unique kappo-style dinner. It's a bit more casual than a kaiseki meal, allowing you to talk with the chef while they cook. I requested a private room to film, which is also a good idea if you have young ones. The meals are generally quite light, focusing on the experience and interaction with the chef as they prepare beautifully intricate dishes. We were treated to Kyoto's local fish, hamo (dagger-tooth pike conger), served with shredded egg and sansho (Chinese pepper). Kappo restaurants book up fast, so make reservations.