Philosopher's Path: Daitoyo Bridge, Kyoto

Kyoto has a lively coffee scene, unique to the city, that partly sustains its economic survival. Walking by the scenic Daitoyo Bridge, you might want to stop by the charming little "antique kimono shop" FUMIMARO – a perfect place for true vintage kimonos and yukatas – only to find that it has a café component as well! Given that they're mostly made of silk and hand-embroidered with golden thread, the kimonos come at a very good price, and the coffee on site is a nice bonus.

Further up the Philosopher's Path, KOMICHI is more of a 'kissaten'-style coffee shop with a traditional old-fashioned atmosphere and music. Here, amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea, patrons can indulge in light noodle dishes, rice bowls, and an array of Japanese-style sweets. Exactly the type of establishment for which one wants to "wander off the path", with its front windows giving a pretty clear view of what's to be expected inside.