Amorielli
The Stay Magazine Vol. 1 · No. 04 · April 2025Vol 1 · 04
There is no harder booking in travel than Kyoto during the cherry blossom, and April is when the whole world tries at once. This issue is about staying well in a city that is, briefly, completely full — which neighbourhood buys you calm, and how far ahead you truly need to commit.
It is also about the ryokan: the traditional inn, with its tatami floors and its particular rules, which is either the best night of the trip or a puzzle you didn't sign up for. We lay out which is which.
— The Editors, Amorielli
The contents
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On the cover
Where to Stay in Kyoto: Neighborhoods, Ryokan, and When to Go
How to choose where to base yourself in Kyoto, pick between a ryokan, machiya, or hotel, time the cherry blossoms and fall color, and see the temples well.
Read the guide →
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The Room
Ryokan or hotel
A ryokan is an experience, not just a bed — dinner, bath and breakfast are part of the deal. If that sounds like a lot, a good hotel in the right district may serve you better.
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The Table
The kaiseki counter
Kyoto's seasonal tasting menus are worth building a day around, but the best small counters book out weeks ahead. Decide early or aim for lunch.
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The Detour
North to Ohara
When the famous temples are shoulder to shoulder, the moss gardens and hillsides of Ohara, north of the city, give the day back its quiet.
Never miss an issue.
One considered letter when a new issue lands — a new destination, where to base, and when to go.