Kyoto, Japan: A Quiet and Beautiful Destination for Tea Lovers, Foodies and Adventurers on Foot

Get lost in the outdoor, covered markets. You've likely already heard about Nishiki Market, but there are lots of streets that you can walk around and get lost in while eating and shopping. Definitely make a stop at Nishiki Market for delicious yakitori, dumplings, crab legs and sweet treats. You'll also want to cross over and check out Sanjo-Dori Street, Gokomachi- Dori Street and Tominikji-Dori Street, all which intersect the market. You'll love getting lost and filling your belly.

Don't miss out on all of the shrines. You can't go to Kyoto without saying you visited a Shinto or Buddhist shrine, they're nearly in every neighborhood! Of course, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the more popular ones, known for thousand Torii gates but I especially enjoy Uji Shrine and Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, which is known for its stone sculptures.

The bamboo forest is definitely worth a visit. Arashiyama is the most popular one, so make sure to visit in the early morning or around sunset time. If you walk a bit more down the road, you'll find Sagano Bamboo Grove, which is a bit less crowded.

Go shopping! Kyoto (and Tokyo in general) is known for its amazing vintage stores. You'll be amazed at all of the collections (and go to Big Time Kyoto, my personal fave). The main shopping area starts near the Gion Shijo station and covers Shijo-Kawaramachi street. There's lots of mainstreet shops mixed in with small, independent shops selling lots of souvenirs, beauty products, Pokemon and Sanrio gifts and so much more.

Take a day trip! Uji is where matcha tea is grown and made, and Nara is where you can get up close and personal with lots of deer. They're both off the train line and easy for a quick day trip. I just went to both during my last trip, and they both have places have a great meal, walk around and pick up some darling gifts.

Eat until your heart's content. You already know the food in Japan is unreal. You'll find great food everywhere you turn. Seafood is especially fresh and delicious. Find a revolving sushi restaurant, or treat yourself to Tonkatsu for deep-fried goodness. You'll find lots of noodle and rice dishes too so come hungry.

Into anime, cartoons, Pokemon or Sanrio? You'll find specialty shops that sell just these items in lots of areas. Whether you're walking around Arashiyama or Kyoto Station, you'll see lots of shops specializing in cartoon characters. My personal faves are the Snoppy Chocolate Shop, Kiddie Land for a three-story toy shop and Pokemon Center.

Indulge in a nice ryokan or hotel. There's a lot of natural beauty to be seen in Kyoto and most of the hotels and accommodations offered will bring a bit of nature in. Look for a hotel or boarding that offers an onsen, or public bath area, so you can soak your feet after walking around all day. Or even better, stay at a nice hotel that incorporates Japanese culture into its offerings.

Don't miss out on Gion. This area is densely packed and you'll find everything from shrines, tea houses, people dressed in traditional outfits, amazing cocktail lounges and fun restaurants. Do a bit of research and decide if you want to walk around for shopping, temple visits or nightlife. This tiny area has it all.

Seafood stalls within Nishiki Market: You'll find lots of crab legs, meat on a stick and grilled shrimp skewers all throughout the area. There's also lots of revolving sushi and omakase spots, so take a walk and find something delish.

Hikiniku to Come: This place was one of my favorite discoveries during my last trip. You're served three delicious beef patties, along with sides and flavor mixes to customize to your taste. The staff will tell you how best to enjoy these fresh, juicy, savory patties. It's so good.

Nakamura Tokichi Honten is famous for its matcha. They have two shops: one that serves up desserts, and another that sells its tea near its matcha-themed restaurant. Tea lovers will LOVE this place.

Japanese sweets are amazing and everywhere you look. From sugary cookies that are shaped like Kawaii characters, to fruit-filled mochis and chocolatey treats, your sweet tooth will be so happy. There are too many options to list, so follow your nose.

Ramen in Kyoto is nearly everywhere you look. There are so many different types and you'll want it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's hard to just recommend one place, so get some recommendations from your hotel for the local faves.

Chao Chao - Sanjo Kiyamachi: I stumbled on this gyoza shop by pure accident and I was so happy I did. This place specializes in one type of crispy gyoza, but also has a list of 10 other types with a variety of fillings. Make sure to order an Asahi to get the full experience.

(THISIS)SHIZEN: This place has gone viral for its crafty, floral-inspired desserts and ice cream. The setting looks like you're in a forest and you can order an ice cream cone that looks like a bouquet of flowers. You have to see it to believe it.

Katsukura Tonkatsu: If you're looking to treat yourself, you'll have the best deep-fried meal here. From pork cutlets to salmon, shrimp and chicken, these guys really know how to cook. Most sets come with rice, miso soup and some greens. You'll be in heaven.