PiQtour Blog
A comprehensive guide to everything Japan for 2023 and beyond.
Destinations, activities, food, shopping, transportation, itinerary ideas, tips, and more!
Travel Tips
A Complete Guide to Amerikamura: Osaka’s Trendiest District
Nestled in the heart of Osaka, Amerikamura—often called “Amemura” by locals—is a vibrant cultural hub that blends American influences with Japanese creativity. Known as the “Harajuku of the…
Kuromon Market Guide: Best Market in Japan?!
Exploring Kuromon Market: A Foodie’s Guide to Osaka’s Famous Market Looking for a taste of Osaka’s vibrant street food culture? Kuromon Market is a must-visit destination for travelers…
Kyoto Kimono Itinerary: The Perfect 1-Day Date Plan
Planning a romantic day in Kyoto? This Kyoto kimono itinerary combines stunning sights, delicious food, and unforgettable cultural experiences—all while wearing traditional kimono. Whether you’re traveling as a…
Dotonbori Guide: Discovering the Heart of Osaka
Hi everyone, it’s Abby from PiQtour! Welcome to the ultimate Dotonbori guide, where we’ll explore everything from famous landmarks and street food to hidden gems. Dotonbori is a…
Nara Itinerary for the Perfect Day Trip
Exploring Nara is a must for anyone who wants to experience Japan’s ancient history, culture, and yes, friendly bowing deer! Here’s a detailed Nara itinerary for a perfect…
Exploring Shinsekai: A Simple Guide to Osaka’s Retro Neighborhood
Exploring Shinsekai: A Step-by-Step Guide to Osaka’s Retro District Shinsekai, Osaka’s “New World,” is a nostalgic neighborhood filled with vibrant street life, delicious food, and quirky attractions. Follow…
Exploring Uji: Matcha, History, and Literature
Just a short trip from Kyoto, Uji offers a perfect escape with its rich history, literary significance, and world-renowned matcha culture. This guide will take you through everything…
The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto Station: Navigating, Dining, and Travel Tips
Kyoto Station is not just a transportation hub; it’s a gateway to Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and a central point for tourists to explore the city. As one…
Best Secondhand and Vintage Shops in Kyoto
Kyoto has a rich secondhand shopping scene, offering everything from fashion and luxury items to anime and electronics. Below is a guide to the best secondhand and vintage…
Ultimate Gion Guide: Exploring Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District
Welcome to Kyoto’s enchanting Gion district! In this Gion guide, we’ll explore hidden lanes, iconic sites like Yasaka Shrine and the Kamogawa River, and discover Kyoto’s deep-rooted geisha…
Food
Nishiki Market: A Guide to Kyoto’s Kitchen
Nishiki Market is a historic 390-meter-long shopping street in Kyoto, established over 400 years ago. With approximately 130 stores selling fresh fish, local ingredients, snacks, and souvenirs, Nishiki…
Flea Market in Kyoto: Buy Kimonos and Antiques!
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting a famous Kyoto Flea Market with a friend, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. Situated in the heart…
THE Instagram Cloud Dessert in Kyoto
While in Kyoto, don’t miss stopping by Kumonocha, near Kiyomizu Temple. (Perhaps we can even stop there while you’re on one of our Kyoto tours!) The shop is…
10 Chain Restaurants in Japan You Must Try
When spending time in Japan, it can be easy to get carried away and spend too much money on food. But in the quest for good food, don’t…
A Tranquil Coffee at Clamp Coffee Sarasa
If you’re near Nijo Castle in Kyoto and looking for a good coffee or light breakfast, check out Clamp Coffee Sarasa. Next up on my nearly infinite list…
Vegan Restaurants in Kyoto
Kyoto has a growing vegan and vegetarian food scene. The city is already well known for a focus on farm-to-table and organic ingredients, so it’s no wonder that…
Best Lunch Near Kyoto Station
If you’re looking for a good lunch located near Kyoto Station, check out our five tried-and-true recommendations. Whether you have a tour with us, or just want to…
Kyoto Sweets Recommendations
Kyoto has a lot of food–but don’t miss out on trying some of it’s unique sweets! Here’s a list of five of Kyoto’s best places to eat sweets.…
Kyoto Bar Recommendations
Rocking Chair Rocking Chair is a famous bar in Japan that attracts bar lovers from around the world. Its reputation is such that people say, “If a bar…
Kyoto Lunch Recommendations 2023
If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious lunch in Kyoto, you’ve found the right list. Kyoto is host to hundreds (or thousands) of amazing restaurants, including new trendy…
Shopping
Exploring Shinsekai: A Simple Guide to Osaka’s Retro Neighborhood
Exploring Shinsekai: A Step-by-Step Guide to Osaka’s Retro District Shinsekai, Osaka’s “New World,” is a nostalgic neighborhood filled with vibrant street life, delicious food, and quirky attractions. Follow…
Flea Market in Kyoto: Buy Kimonos and Antiques!
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting a famous Kyoto Flea Market with a friend, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. Situated in the heart…
Best Secondhand Stores in Kyoto
If you’re looking for some vintage clothes or secondhand stores in Kyoto, this is the guide for you. I’m a big fan of shopping secondhand, so I’ve been…
Vintage Clothing Store JAM
More on Vintage Clothing Store JAM Website: https://jamtrading.jp/kyoto/ Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Xo4r68Y7R3jUBW77 Hours: 11am-8pm Styles: Street, military, basics Changing rooms: 3
Three Star Kyoto
More on Three Star Kyoto secondhand store Website: http://threestar-kyoto.jp/ Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kLrRhqLSLEqHdL7x8 Hours: 11am-8pm Styles: Vintage, retro, remakes Changing rooms: 2
Kindal Kyoto
More on Kindal Kyoto Website: https://www.kind.co.jp/teramachi/ Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b8x8GFqnwqvMsApX7 Hours: 11am-8pm Styles: Upscale, luxury, street Changing rooms: 3
2nd Street Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Website: https://www.2ndstreet.jp/shop/details?shopsId=30860 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a8dQBFxxtso8h4JfA Hours: 11am-9pm Styles: Trendy, street, American, luxury Changing rooms: 2
6 Souvenirs You Must Get in Kyoto
Nama Yatsuhashi Yatsuhashi, said to be shaped like a bridge or a koto (Japanese harp), are one of Kyoto’s most famous sweets. Today, nama-yatsuhashi, created in the 1960s,…
Kyoto: Where to Go for Anime Lovers!
Kyoto International Manga Museum Anime’s popularity is booming even outside of Japan, but manga hasn’t caught on quite as much. In Japan, there are countless manga that have…