Published date: June 27, 2025
OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo | Live a Day in Kyoto's Daily Alleyways
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
This is not my first time in Kyoto, but it is my first time staying in a place that feels more like a local than a tourist.
The Hoshino Group's OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo hides between the bustling and tranquil spots, as I walk out from the subway station "Kyoto City Hall Station", passing coffee shops, old shopping streets, and small izakayas that haven’t opened yet in the morning, before arriving at this understated design inn.
From the outside, it looks like a renovated town house, but it conceals a unique modernity of Hoshino.
The room is simple yet detailed, with an expandable luggage space that is super considerate for someone like me dragging a suitcase around.
The bed is raised, allowing for storage underneath, and there is a cushion area on one side where you can drink tea, use the computer, or just daydream.
The first-floor lounge combines public space and café; during the day, you can order hand-drip coffee and sit down to write postcards, with free guiding maps available, and walking out of the inn leads you straight into the daily life of the city.
During my few nights here, I stopped intentionally planning visits to historical sites, and instead learned to live like a local in the alleyways.
Experiences during the trip
The romance of a bowl of duck rice, ordering with just Emoji.
Have you ever thought that in Kyoto, you could order a meal just by pointing at Emoji?
From OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo, it's about a 10-minute walk to the trendy creative spot Gion Duck Rice (🦆🍚), where the menu contains no text, only Emoji.
You will find yourself standing by the wall, seriously pondering among a few small images: "Should I order 🦆🍚 today?"
What made it a hit is simply how delicious it is.
The signature duck rice uses Kishu duck, with the duck breast grilled to a crispy skin while the meat remains tender and juicy, paired with Japanese broth and rice, and at that moment of taking a bite, it feels like elevating the ordinary into a dining experience with a touch of ritual.
The whole place is very quiet, with minimal decoration and no over-the-top service, creating an atmosphere of "please enjoy this bowl of rice carefully, then leave slowly."
📍 Restaurant Name | Gion Duck Rice (🦆🍚)
📍 Location | Gion Town, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto (about a 10-minute walk from OMO5)
📍 Feature | Ordering exclusively with Emoji, no phone reservations, on-site wait recommended
📍 Recommendation | 🦆🍚 Basic Duck Rice Set (with soup and pickles)
📍 Note | The ambiance is quiet and not suitable for chatting while eating, please sit down quietly 🍴