After so many warnings not to visit during this time of year, I’m so glad I ignored them. :) these were taken April 30-May 4th. First time in Japan (now I’m in Tokyo) and I absolutely fell in love with Kyoto!!!
Menbaka is one of the most overrated ramen places we’ve been to in Japan.
The ramen itself was bad. Not “overhyped but decent” bad, genuinely bad:
✔️ broth tasted like salty water with oil floating on top
✔️ noodles were undercooked
✔️ everything was greasy and overfried
✔️ ingredients tasted cheap
✔️ absolutely nowhere near the quality you expect in Kyoto
The only reason people hype this place is the fire gimmick. That’s it. You get a few seconds of flames for Instagram and then sit down to eat ramen that would struggle to survive without the social media bait.
We paid around $340 / £270 for the set menu for 3 people with little sake and water, which honestly felt ridiculous. Luxury pricing for food that tasted low-effort and tourist-focused.
The whole place felt greasy, outdated, loud, and built to cycle tourists through as quickly as possible.
Japan has incredible ramen everywhere. That’s what makes Menbaka laughable. In a country known for attention to detail and food quality, this place felt like pure spectacle covering mediocre food.
Taken between 4:30 and 6:30 am on April 23, 2026. Only saw a few other people the whole way up and down.
Where should i go to buy knives budget 30-40k max per knife
I already went to Miura and bought 2 but they run out of stock with „nice ones „
Any advises where to go ?
I hear a lot of people asking where to do a tea ceremony in Japan.
I did mine in Uji and loved it.
It’s a small town right outside Kyoto, known for matcha. You can visit Byōdō-in, walk around the town, try matcha everything, and eat really well.
If you’re already going to Kyoto, I would definitely add Uji to the itinerary.
My girlfriend and I are heading to Japan this July with a few friends, and I'm planning to propose. Since I've never been to Japan, I'm not sure how realistic it is to find a scenic spot without crowds around.
I'm currently deciding between two locations — the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Maruyama Park. I'm also looking to hire a hidden photographer to capture the moment.
My main questions are:
How crowded do these spots get, even in the early morning?
Is there a third option I should strongly consider?
I'm after somewhere that looks natural, with no buildings in the background.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Hi everyone,
My partner and I will be in Kyoto for three days starting May 23rd. The forecast is looking like a mix of "once-in-a-decade" heat (29°C+) and a 60% chance of rain. I’m a bit anxious about the humidity and looking for some quick advice:
Visiting Kyoto between 15-19 June and taking 2 daytrips(Arashiyama and Nara). Is it worth taking a very touristy tour from apps like klook? I wanna retain the traveller, learning vibe as opposed to a very regimented experience. I have figured out the train route and spots to be covered though. Worried about potential language issues and train hurdles coming in between. Travelling with family including 3 members.
Our check out of Kyoto is at 10AM and our flight home from Narita is 6PM. I'd like to get to Narita about 3PM just to be safe. Is Kyoto to Shinagawa to the Narita Express the best route? I've heard we should avoid Tokyo station if possible on the way back. Also, it looks like the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shinagawa is about 2 hours so I feel like an 11AM train out of Kyoto should work but I'm sure I am not considering something if you all have suggestions. Thanks!
Hello,
Can anyone provide any feedback on the below hotels? Or suggest something else? Looking for a family of 4 (2 adults 2 children 5 & 7 years old). Staying in November and would prefer something with a kitchen so we can have some meals at the hotel. Staying for 7 nights. Would like to keep the cost under $3000 AUD.
Thanks!
* Minn Gion
* Hotel Mondonce Kyoto Gojo
*Hiz Hotel
I’m hoping to get some feedback from folks who have done the hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune in summer, on your experience with mosquitos on the trail.
This hike and the whole area looks so lovely and I would really like to add it to our itinerary, but I have seen some blogs say the mosquitos are pretty bad up there. And I have “skeeter syndrome”, where mosquito bites turn into massive, painful welts.
I’m already planning to pick up insect repellent pretty much the second we arrive in Japan, and I will pack lightweight long pants and long sleeve, but I’d like to get some thoughts on whether the mosquitos are really bad enough that it would warrant a pass on this activity for me. We will be visiting late June/early July. Thanks!
A friend of mine brought me a Katana from Kyoto Japan from Yasuda Senkeido Store. However, he charged me 350 dollars. He said he lost the receipt.
I think it’s a scam because it’s a souvenir, I don’t have any proof. Someone could help me?
Me and my 2 mates are traveling in Kyoto, Arashiyama near the popular bridge. We’re sitting down and some guy comes up to us talking about an offer for free Wagyu burgers in exchange for google reviews. He was a local guy so not a tout or anything but we were still wary of him. Are we being paranoid or is this some kind of scam?
We plan to visit it along with the other areas around like Tenryu-ji, Okochi Sanso and Monkey Park.
I realize that the forrest is packed. So what is the least busy time to walk through the forest between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM?
PS: Anytime before 10:00 AM isn't doable for the family
Hello! I’ll be traveling to Kyoto from May 21–24 and staying in Gion. I expect to arrive around noon on the 21st and currently plan to explore Kyoto on the 21st and 22nd, take a day trip to Osaka on the 23rd, and visit TeamLab Kyoto on the morning of the 24th (then leaving to Tokyo).
I’m totally fine with packed itineraries as long as they’re realistically doable. I’m also not overly focused on checking off only the major tourist attractions. I’d love recommendations for less crowded or more local spots if they’re worth visiting.
I’d also like to experience a tea ceremony and kimono rental/dress-up while I’m there.
Since this is my first trip to Japan, I really want to make the most of my time. I’d appreciate any suggestions for places to visit, hidden gems, or itinerary ideas that fit this schedule.
Also, if anyone happens to be in Kyoto/Osaka around these dates and would like to do some sightseeing together, feel free to DM (strictly sightseeing only).
Hi, guys. Today, I went to Sanzen-in Temple. It was so beautiful, and the fresh green leaves were really soothing to look at.
Hi everyone, I will be visiting Japan from 12-24th June. Visiting Kyoto seems to be a popular recommendation so I'm thinking to stay for a few days (at least). Does anyone have any accommodation recommendations?