An Afternoon in Kyoto: Stationery, Street Food, and a Dessert to Remember
On our second trip to this part of Kyoto, we came with a short but tempting list of places we couldn’t resist visiting again—and a few new spots we’d been itching to check out. Since our goal was to make it to Otsu with plenty of time left in the day, we didn’t linger too long here. Instead, we focused on savoring a handful of unique experiences. From revisiting old favorites to stumbling upon hidden gems, this visit gave us a fresh look at a place we thought we already knew.
A Stationery Lover’s Dream: Traveler’s Notebook
If the sight of a fresh journal or the feel of a leather cover makes your heart skip a beat, then Traveler’s Notebook is the place for you. Located in a quiet little outdoor shopping area, one of those places you could stroll right past without realizing what’s there.
The shop itself isn’t big, but the moment you step inside, it’s like falling down a stationery rabbit hole. Shelves are stacked with every kind of notebook you can imagine, from pocket-sized travelers to thick journals just begging to be filled. The scent of leather hangs in the air from the smooth covers lined up along the wall, and little trays hold charms, bookmarks, and pens that make you want to start writing immediately. There are also shop exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. In the back corner, a table is set up with multiple stamps (ifykyk) just waiting for you to press them onto your next adventure page.
I told myself I’d only browse, but you can probably guess how that went. A few notebooks later, I left with my bag a little heavier and my heart a lot happier.
First Impressions of Nishiki Market
After stocking up on stationery treasures, we wandered over to Nishiki Market. The walk from Traveler’s Notebook is about 10 minutes. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from Nishiki Market. I pictured tight, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and overpriced snacks. But to my surprise, it wasn’t that busy. We could stroll at our own pace, ducking into stalls and seeing what items we didn’t need.
Seafood takes center stage here, but even if fish isn’t your thing (it’s not mine either), there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds. I wasn’t particularly hungry, so I just treated myself to a strawberry mochi and wow, it was perfectly soft, and the perfect balance of sweet.
You can easily lose track of time browsing the shops and food stalls, but Nishiki Market is also small enough to fit into almost any itinerary.
Some of the tempting bites we spotted along the way:
- Croquettes
- Wagyu beef skewers
- Flat fried chicken
- Tempura
- Oysters
- Octopus on skewers
- Sushi rolls
- Pickled veggies
- Homemade lemonade
- Ice cream
- And, of course, strawberry mochi
As for the non-food shops, I spotted a couple of umbrella stores, a hair stick shop, a kitchenware store, and some beautiful pottery. But honestly, there’s so much packed in here that I’m sure I missed plenty.
RAU A Dessert Lover’s Paradise
The highlight of the day? Without question, RAU. If you love desserts, you need to add this stop to your Kyoto itinerary immediately. You’ll find it on the third floor of a sleek, modern building called Good Nature Station. The first floor feels like a small world of its own, with a grocery store and two inviting restaurants. The second floor, from what I could tell, is dedicated entirely to dining. Though I didn’t pause to explore, because I was on a mission. The real magic waits on the next floor.
The moment we stepped onto the third floor, RAU Patisserie & Chocolate drew us in with its clean, elegant display of confections that looked more like art than food. You can order takeaway or dine in, and we chose the latter, a decision I will never regret. The gentleman who greeted us was warm and friendly, and to our pleasant surprise, spoke some English.
Deb chose the RAU Midori, while I went for the intriguingly named Halle. When our desserts arrived, each was accompanied by a small backstory card that explained its inspiration. I loved that detail, it made the experience feel personal and intentional. Even better, the gentleman who had been helping us had actually written the English versions of those cards himself.
We sat for a moment, just admiring them. The presentation was so flawless we almost didn’t want to break into them… almost. But eventually, I picked up my fork, pierced the delicate surface, and took my first bite. It was perfection, layers of flavor that unfolded slowly and a mix of textures that kept each bite interesting with the sweetness balanced enough to keep you going back for more. It wasn’t just dessert it was an experience.
Even though we only spent a short time in Kyoto that morning, these stops reminded me why this city keeps pulling us back. Whether it’s a tiny notebook shop, a bustling market, or a dessert that feels like art. Sometimes, a few well-chosen experiences are all you need.
