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Kyoto

Kyoto (京都) was the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and carries a reputation as its most beautiful city. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto's beautiful side. Most first impressions of the city will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world. Nonetheless, the persistent visitor will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has much more to offer than immediately meets the eye.

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If you've just stepped off the train and the first thing on your mind is a bite to eat, there are several restaurants on the tenth and eleventh floors of the Isetan department store attached to Kyoto station. Most of the offerings are Japanese, including a veritable Ramen village, with a few casual Italian cafes as well. Kyoto is a city with a rich culinary heritage, where you can enjoy many traditional and delicious dishes. Some of the top foods to eat in Kyoto are:

Kaiseki: This is a refined and elegant multicourse meal that showcases the seasonal ingredients and the artistry of the chef. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented, with a balance of flavors, colors, and textures. Kaiseki is often served at ryokans (Japanese inns) or high-end restaurant.
Yudofu: This is a simple but satisfying dish of tofu boiled in a hot pot with kombu (kelp) and served with various sauces and condiments. The tofu is soft and silky, and absorbs the flavors of the broth. Yudofu is a specialty of Kyoto, where the tofu is made with pure water from the mountains.
Soba: These are thin noodles made from buckwheat flour and water, which are served either hot in a soup or cold with a dipping sauce. Soba noodles are popular throughout Japan, but Kyoto is known for its high-quality soba, thanks to the clear water and skilled craftsmen.
Sushi: Kyoto has its own style of sushi, which is different from the typical nigiri or maki sushi. Kyoto-style sushi is often pressed into a rectangular shape and wrapped in kombu, or handwoven into a pouch with various fillings. Some of the most famous types of Kyoto sushi are battera (mackerel sushi), bozushi (sushi rolls), and inarizushi (tofu skin sushi).
Matcha: This is a finely ground green tea powder that is whisked with hot water to make a frothy drink. Matcha is an integral part of the Japanese tea ceremony, which originated in Kyoto. Matcha is also used to flavor many desserts, such as ice cream, cake, and mochi.

These are just some of the many delicious foods you can try in Kyoto.