The table starts at kaiseki.
A short phrase (okoshiyasu) is the door to etiquette.
Food
- kaiseki — kaiseki is a coordinate on the Kyoto table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- yudofu — yudofu is a coordinate on the Kyoto table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- matcha sweets — matcha sweets is a coordinate on the Kyoto table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- obanzai — obanzai is a coordinate on the Kyoto table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- ramen — ramen is a coordinate on the Kyoto table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
Etiquette
- Greeting — okoshiyasu — welcome (Kyoto)
- Sacred sites — Cover shoulders and knees; read no-photo signs before the caption.
- Tipping — Tipping customs differ; read whether service is already on the bill.
- Queues — Skipping a queue is not a time save; it is a scene you cannot unshoot.
Festival notes
- Hanami — Hanami lands in March — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Aoi Matsuri — Aoi Matsuri lands in May — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Gion Matsuri — Gion Matsuri lands in July — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Koyo — Koyo lands in November — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
Phrases
- okoshiyasu — okoshiyasu: welcome (Kyoto). Timing beats accent.
- ryokan — ryokan: inn with kaiseki. Timing beats accent.
- bus 100/101 — bus 100/101: tourist loop. Timing beats accent.
- iccard — iccard: city buses too. Timing beats accent.
Culture is a speed, not a checklist. Slow is more accurate.
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