Enjoy the Nagaokakyo streets to Komyoji Temple that only the locals know

Right out of the west gate at JR Nagaokakyo Station, you’ll find yourself in front of the Japanese confectionary shop, Yawami. It would probably help to note that Japanese confectionary is known as wagashi, and a word that will pop up again here later. Yawami specializes in warabimochi, a soft gelatin-like sweet similar to the Japanese mochi (pounded rice cakes), but less gummy. They’re served covered in a sweet soybean powder called kinako. Our recommendation is the Yawamo drink, which has chunks of the warabimochi inside it. They come in three flavors: black tea, kokuto (black sugar that has a treacle flavor), and hojicha (roasted green tea). If you grab one as a companion to take with you, please note that bins are not common in Japan, so we advise you bring a small plastic bag to keep your trash and dispose of it later.

Sushi-ichi’s charm lies in its regularity. It’s not a chain store; just a little place that has been running for over 20 years with delicious looking lunches. Part the noren curtains at the entrance and you’re somewhere no other tourists are. On the menu are a tempura and shrimp cream croquette sets, but being a sushi restaurant, we think you should go for their nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) set. From 1000 yen with nothing over 3000 yen, it’s reasonable.

One of the quaint shops in the Long Hill building is Chococinna, a baker confectioner. On offer you’ll find donuts, scones, cookies and other baked goodies, but what makes this place special is that they’re all made not with flour, but with rice flour. And yes, that means it’s all gluten free. Did we mention it's vegan, too? You can take something home for later, but there’s also a space to eat in and have a drink as well.

The West of Kyoto is known for its bamboo, so Kikuharu’s most well-known sweet is the bamboo shoot shaped takenoko monaka. The item we think you should really get though is their fruits daifuku. Daifuku are small round mochi (soft rice cakes) stuffed with sweet bean jam and seasonal fruit, making for a delicious blend of tradition and seasonal freshness. In Japan, wagashi shops don’t generally double as cafés, so if you’d like to sit down straight away and enjoy your snack, why not do it on a bench at the park nearby? If not, you can always take it home.

If you’d prefer a different option for lunch, a short walk off course will take you to Tumiki, a relatively new restaurant built with natural materials. Though small it seats a surprising amount of people, and the owners keep it neat and tidy. You’ll only find locals dining in its calm atmosphere. No eggs, milk, or flour are used in the food offered up.

The reason we are introducing this next spot is because, in our experience, travelers to Japan find them interesting. Literally as the title says, you’ll find produce ready to go, prices marked, all organized neatly inside this little unattended shop on the side of the road. These trust-payment systems are common in Japan, and a sign of the strength of community bonds. There’s a coin box in the center where you can drop your money.

Komyoji is the head temple of the Seizan Jodo school of Buddhism. The vast temple complex at the base of the Nishiyama mountains has a strong historical connection with Honen (1133–1212), the founder of the Jodo (Pure Land) school. Komyoji is also a popular place to view maple foliage. Highlights include the stone stairway leading to the Miedo Hall and the 200-meter “maple path” to the left from the main gate. The tunnel of leaves formed by some 250 trees is bright green from spring through summer and turns fiery red and orange in autumn.

Just in front of Komyoji Temple is Folkcraft Yu, who specializes in collecting and exhibiting quality Japanese antiques. Though it’s open only a couple of days a week, this tiny gallery’s collection differs depending on the month. It’s good to stick your nose inside for a peek if it's open.