Guidebook for Kyōto
Restaurants
Ki is a nice restaurant in a small house by the Takase river, the food is inspired by Lebanese cuisine, done by a Japanese chef experience in French cuisine. They use fresh vegetables and do nice premium falafel and shawarma. They cook the pita bread in their own oven. Ki 汽 means smoke or vapor, meaning the naturalness of this restaurant.
Open from 8am for breakfast and lunch. Dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Closed on Wednesdays.
汽 [ki:] レストラン 清水五条
Ki is a nice restaurant in a small house by the Takase river, the food is inspired by Lebanese cuisine, done by a Japanese chef experience in French cuisine. They use fresh vegetables and do nice premium falafel and shawarma. They cook the pita bread in their own oven. Ki 汽 means smoke or vapor, meaning the naturalness of this restaurant.
Open from 8am for breakfast and lunch. Dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Closed on Wednesdays.
Sonoba is a very well crafted soba made by Kento, a young and talented soba master. They usually have 4 types of soba dishes, from the basic to the sophisticated, and a nice variety of side dishes and drinks. The hinoki cypress tables in an elegant interior make it a pleasant experience. And if you like ceramic, Donoma workshop is annexed to this restaurant. You can even make a piece with Andrew Saito!
Open from 11:30 to 3pm (closed on Wednesday)
Next door this_is_ormary_store is a bakery/standing bar opening from 3pm 🕒 to 🕙
Very focaccia and campagne breads!
Sonoba
Sonoba is a very well crafted soba made by Kento, a young and talented soba master. They usually have 4 types of soba dishes, from the basic to the sophisticated, and a nice variety of side dishes and drinks. The hinoki cypress tables in an elegant interior make it a pleasant experience. And if you like ceramic, Donoma workshop is annexed to this restaurant. You can even make a piece with Andrew Saito!
Open from 11:30 to 3pm (closed on Wednesday)
Next door this_is_ormary_store is a bakery/standing bar opening from 3pm 🕒 to 🕙
Very focaccia and campagne breads!
Great view of the river with a very nice staff and excellent vegan food.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Veg Out
Inarichō Shimogyo WardGreat view of the river with a very nice staff and excellent vegan food.
This ramen is known to be recommended by the Michelin guide, they do things by the book and originally. The soup is actually made of dashi with some fish oil, it is not made of pork bones as other ramen, thus it is lighter and healthier.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Menya Inoichi
542 EbisunochōThis ramen is known to be recommended by the Michelin guide, they do things by the book and originally. The soup is actually made of dashi with some fish oil, it is not made of pork bones as other ramen, thus it is lighter and healthier.
Lorimer Kyoto is a new restaurant who does only (Japanese) breakfast and lunch (it closes at 2 pm).
Everyday they have the choice between 2 fishes and 3 or 5 dishes. The kitchen manager, Tomo, speaks English.
The decoration is Brooklyn style, but in a traditional machiya. Menus are at ¥1500 (3 dishes) or ¥2000 (5 dishes).
Lorimer Kyoto
143 HashizumechōLorimer Kyoto is a new restaurant who does only (Japanese) breakfast and lunch (it closes at 2 pm).
Everyday they have the choice between 2 fishes and 3 or 5 dishes. The kitchen manager, Tomo, speaks English.
The decoration is Brooklyn style, but in a traditional machiya. Menus are at ¥1500 (3 dishes) or ¥2000 (5 dishes).
This grilled chicken restaurant is a vivid place with many customers. The design is sober and food is of good quality. They also have staff able to communicate in English. Open from 5pm to midnight.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sot-l'y-laisse
284 ShimizuchōThis grilled chicken restaurant is a vivid place with many customers. The design is sober and food is of good quality. They also have staff able to communicate in English. Open from 5pm to midnight.
BDY ethnic is a night restaurant run by a young team of local chefs. They have many Asian dishes, good wines, sake and beers. Open from 5pm to midnight.
BDYエスニック
BDY ethnic is a night restaurant run by a young team of local chefs. They have many Asian dishes, good wines, sake and beers. Open from 5pm to midnight.
Takahashi soba is located in a former "ochaya" typical of Kyoto red-light district. The soba noodles are handmade with floor from Nagano Shinshu region, and if you take the 100% soba option then it is even gluten free.
The owner is also a very nice and kind lady.
Takahashi
Takahashi soba is located in a former "ochaya" typical of Kyoto red-light district. The soba noodles are handmade with floor from Nagano Shinshu region, and if you take the 100% soba option then it is even gluten free.
The owner is also a very nice and kind lady.
Kikoku shokudo was created in 1949, the current chef is 70 years-old, his parents have funded the restaurant. This is a very local place, a kind of "workers" izakaya where the beer and the food are not expensive. Neon lighting, no particular design, no English menu, but definitely a local experience if you want something different and not touristic. They have a rather large variety of food from grilled meat and noodles.
キコク食堂
Kikoku shokudo was created in 1949, the current chef is 70 years-old, his parents have funded the restaurant. This is a very local place, a kind of "workers" izakaya where the beer and the food are not expensive. Neon lighting, no particular design, no English menu, but definitely a local experience if you want something different and not touristic. They have a rather large variety of food from grilled meat and noodles.
Mumokuteki 無目的 is a building accommodating a big restaurant and vintage shops.
The food is organic, no meet, no dairy (vegan), all produced in Japan. It is good for groups and families ; they have baby seats, and toys for kids, even a separate room for breast feeding!
The last order is at 20:00.
https://mumokuteki.com/cafe
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
mumokuteki cafe&foods Kyoto
261 ShikibuchōMumokuteki 無目的 is a building accommodating a big restaurant and vintage shops.
The food is organic, no meet, no dairy (vegan), all produced in Japan. It is good for groups and families ; they have baby seats, and toys for kids, even a separate room for breast feeding!
The last order is at 20:00.
https://mumokuteki.com/cafe
Kinoya is an Okonomiyaki restaurant recommended by a group of 12 guests, who go there every year and really like it.
It is centrally located in a back street between Teramachi and Ura-teramachi, one street North of Shijo. Closed on Tuesday.
Reservation: 075-221-5005
喜の屋
Kinoya is an Okonomiyaki restaurant recommended by a group of 12 guests, who go there every year and really like it.
It is centrally located in a back street between Teramachi and Ura-teramachi, one street North of Shijo. Closed on Tuesday.
Reservation: 075-221-5005
On the way to or from Kyoto JR station, this restaurant is a traditional izakaya restaurant where you can have a late (or early) dinner, with a great variety of Japanese dishes. Located in a traditional warehouse (kura) it is a very interesting place, you can seat at the counter or at a table on tatami floor.
Kurakura
Ameyachō-244 Shimogyo WardOn the way to or from Kyoto JR station, this restaurant is a traditional izakaya restaurant where you can have a late (or early) dinner, with a great variety of Japanese dishes. Located in a traditional warehouse (kura) it is a very interesting place, you can seat at the counter or at a table on tatami floor.
Close to your place, Kanya Kyonhi is a Korean restaurant run by a Korean lady and her mother. The main dish is seasonal and they also have traditional dishes such as chijimi and bibinpa.
Kan-ya Kyonhi
Close to your place, Kanya Kyonhi is a Korean restaurant run by a Korean lady and her mother. The main dish is seasonal and they also have traditional dishes such as chijimi and bibinpa.
DD Shokudō is a canteen inside Bukkōji temple. They usually have 2 lunch sets, one is seasonal (monthly) and the other is a dry curry. They also serve tea and sweets. The restaurant is run by a design art school and they also have a craft products shop. Price are reasonable (¥1,800 for the lunch) and the scenery is great!
DD 食堂
397 ShinkaichōDD Shokudō is a canteen inside Bukkōji temple. They usually have 2 lunch sets, one is seasonal (monthly) and the other is a dry curry. They also serve tea and sweets. The restaurant is run by a design art school and they also have a craft products shop. Price are reasonable (¥1,800 for the lunch) and the scenery is great!
Sōya is a nice izakaya where you can have grilled meat (teppanyaki) or fish with local drinks. They have 2 restaurants nearby. One on Matsubara street and another one on Kawaramachi, both at walking distance from your accommodation.
鉄板とお酒 宗や
Ishifudōnochō Shimogyo WardSōya is a nice izakaya where you can have grilled meat (teppanyaki) or fish with local drinks. They have 2 restaurants nearby. One on Matsubara street and another one on Kawaramachi, both at walking distance from your accommodation.
Nice sushi restaurant made on the spot by the chef. You can sit at the counter, on tables and they also have a room with a bigger table.
Funaichi
Nice sushi restaurant made on the spot by the chef. You can sit at the counter, on tables and they also have a room with a bigger table.
Drinks & Nightlife
Crafthouse is the 3rd craft beer pub opened by Takumi Shirai in Kyoto (after Takumiya and Takanoya). They focus on quality for local craft beers and good food too. You may also see Jefferson the second owner, and say hello to them from Ben the architect. It is rather big, they have up to 12 tap beers, Kyoto gin and Japanese whiskies. Rather easy to find, go down the river stream until Shichijo avenue, it is located in front of the Seven Eleven convenience store. It opens everyday 13:00-24:00.
Crafthouse Kyoto クラフトハウス京都
211 ŌmiyachōCrafthouse is the 3rd craft beer pub opened by Takumi Shirai in Kyoto (after Takumiya and Takanoya). They focus on quality for local craft beers and good food too. You may also see Jefferson the second owner, and say hello to them from Ben the architect. It is rather big, they have up to 12 tap beers, Kyoto gin and Japanese whiskies. Rather easy to find, go down the river stream until Shichijo avenue, it is located in front of the Seven Eleven convenience store. It opens everyday 13:00-24:00.
Kyoto Beer Lab 京都ビアラボ is the latest micro brewery opened in Kyoto on April 2018, and it's not even 5 minutes walk down the Takasegawa river. The beer is brewed on site. Try their sencha beer, made with Kyoto green tea.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kyoto Beer Lab
201-3 JūzenjichōKyoto Beer Lab 京都ビアラボ is the latest micro brewery opened in Kyoto on April 2018, and it's not even 5 minutes walk down the Takasegawa river. The beer is brewed on site. Try their sencha beer, made with Kyoto green tea.
This is the closest bar from our house, the owner, Nishimura-san has always been our friend and will appreciate if you say that you come from us.
Nishimura-san is also a hairdresser (during the day) and a rock fan (and plays shamisen guitar).
You will appreciate this authentic place, with a friendly local host. It opens at 8 pm and closes late.
The place gets quickly crowded but you'll get a chance to enter during your stay.
Closed on Mondays. Beer from ¥500.
BAR ROCK STOCK
317-7 KikuyachōThis is the closest bar from our house, the owner, Nishimura-san has always been our friend and will appreciate if you say that you come from us.
Nishimura-san is also a hairdresser (during the day) and a rock fan (and plays shamisen guitar).
You will appreciate this authentic place, with a friendly local host. It opens at 8 pm and closes late.
The place gets quickly crowded but you'll get a chance to enter during your stay.
Closed on Mondays. Beer from ¥500.
Ixey 幾星 is a premium cocktail bar opened everyday (except Wednesday) from 2pm to 10 pm who serves original drinks and also non alcoholic drinks based on their own distillery. Count about 1,300-1,400¥ for a drink. The place is beautiful, Japanese retro and very relaxing, only 6 seats. It’s located next to the restaurant Nikomiya Rokken, 2 minutes walk from Hasu properties.
IXEY Non-Alcoholic Spirits Kyoto Distillery & Salon
Ixey 幾星 is a premium cocktail bar opened everyday (except Wednesday) from 2pm to 10 pm who serves original drinks and also non alcoholic drinks based on their own distillery. Count about 1,300-1,400¥ for a drink. The place is beautiful, Japanese retro and very relaxing, only 6 seats. It’s located next to the restaurant Nikomiya Rokken, 2 minutes walk from Hasu properties.
Hachi 八 (height in Japanese) is a small bar set up in a record shop. They have 5 local craft beer taps and sakes. The bartender is DJing while serving, and they project movies (often Luc Besson’s) on the wall too. A very nice quiet place for a drink before or after dinner. Open until 23:00, closed on Tuesdays.
Hachi Record Shop and Bar
19 HiraichōHachi 八 (height in Japanese) is a small bar set up in a record shop. They have 5 local craft beer taps and sakes. The bartender is DJing while serving, and they project movies (often Luc Besson’s) on the wall too. A very nice quiet place for a drink before or after dinner. Open until 23:00, closed on Tuesdays.
Len has a cool bar with Japanese craft beers on tap, it closes at 11 or 12 pm.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Len Kyoto Kawaramachi
709-3 UematsuchōLen has a cool bar with Japanese craft beers on tap, it closes at 11 or 12 pm.
Maru cafe (Mer in French) has a nice terrace overlooking the East side of Kyoto. It is located on the 8th floor, you have to take the elevator from the parking located on the ground floor of the building.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mar Cafe
762 NishihashizumechōMaru cafe (Mer in French) has a nice terrace overlooking the East side of Kyoto. It is located on the 8th floor, you have to take the elevator from the parking located on the ground floor of the building.
L'Escamoteur is the number one cocktail bar on Trip Advisor. The owner, Chris (Christophe), is a magician originally from South of France, and his cocktails are a real treat! Be ready to pay 1,500 JPY for one drink. The place is not big and usually crowded. They may not accept groups of more than 4 people. Closed on Mondays, open until 1 am.
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
L'Escamoteur
Saitocho-138-9 Shimogyo WardL'Escamoteur is the number one cocktail bar on Trip Advisor. The owner, Chris (Christophe), is a magician originally from South of France, and his cocktails are a real treat! Be ready to pay 1,500 JPY for one drink. The place is not big and usually crowded. They may not accept groups of more than 4 people. Closed on Mondays, open until 1 am.
Ruins is a typical bar ran by a kind Japanese lady, Chika, which has many regular customers. The ambiance is relaxed and Chika is welcoming. Located in a side street, and not touristic, you can sit on a big wooden table and also have something to eat while having a drink.
Shokudo Ruins
Inarichō Shimogyo WardRuins is a typical bar ran by a kind Japanese lady, Chika, which has many regular customers. The ambiance is relaxed and Chika is welcoming. Located in a side street, and not touristic, you can sit on a big wooden table and also have something to eat while having a drink.
Takumiya is specialized in Japanese craft beers. Run by the Shirai brothers, named after Takumi, the elder, it is a friendly place where you can eat some good food and drink a variety of 8 Japanese beers, and also a good selection of local whiskies.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BEER PUB Takumiya
400-1 FunayachōTakumiya is specialized in Japanese craft beers. Run by the Shirai brothers, named after Takumi, the elder, it is a friendly place where you can eat some good food and drink a variety of 8 Japanese beers, and also a good selection of local whiskies.
Gastronomie
Giro Giro is well known about French tourists because the chef had also a restaurant in Paris for more than 10 years. This is a Kaisei type of restaurant with a fixed course of ¥5000 yens.
Open everyday from 5:30 to 11pm. Reservation is necessary.
Giro Giro Hitoshina
西木屋町 Shimogyo WardThe Sunset Beach is a new restaurant on Matsubara Kiyamachi street, ideal for having dinner with several dishes cooked on the spot. Good seafood, fish, meat with a a beer or a good selection of natural wines. Cosy atmosphere. Booking is through @the_sunsetbeach on Insta.
the sunset beach
The Sunset Beach is a new restaurant on Matsubara Kiyamachi street, ideal for having dinner with several dishes cooked on the spot. Good seafood, fish, meat with a a beer or a good selection of natural wines. Cosy atmosphere. Booking is through @the_sunsetbeach on Insta.
Would you like an ice cream? A Japanese gelato?
Tomomi is a crafted gelato with local products coming from Kyoto and other regions of Japan. You can try innovative and original ice creams made of Sweet potato 🍠, golden carrots 🥕, milk 🥛, persimom, bbbpotato 🥔! And other seasonal fruits 🍉
It closes at 8 or 10 for Saturdays stand nights.
Tomomi Gelato
Would you like an ice cream? A Japanese gelato?
Tomomi is a crafted gelato with local products coming from Kyoto and other regions of Japan. You can try innovative and original ice creams made of Sweet potato 🍠, golden carrots 🥕, milk 🥛, persimom, bbbpotato 🥔! And other seasonal fruits 🍉
It closes at 8 or 10 for Saturdays stand nights.
Sightseeing
The Public bath (sento) Ume-yu 梅湯 is run by a young and passionate person who has renovated this place that used to be (and somewhat still is) the social place where you could bath with yakuzas. Tattoos are obviously authorized here!
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ume-yu
175 IwatakichōThe Public bath (sento) Ume-yu 梅湯 is run by a young and passionate person who has renovated this place that used to be (and somewhat still is) the social place where you could bath with yakuzas. Tattoos are obviously authorized here!
Fushimi Inari shrine is one of the most visited place in Japan. Built on a hill, with thousands of gates, it is also a good hike. It is open all the time. You can go there directly by the Keihan line (on the East side of the river), or even walk to it as it's less than a mile ago (4 km).
1229 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
68 Fukakusa YabunouchichōFushimi Inari shrine is one of the most visited place in Japan. Built on a hill, with thousands of gates, it is also a good hike. It is open all the time. You can go there directly by the Keihan line (on the East side of the river), or even walk to it as it's less than a mile ago (4 km).
The Kiyomizudera 清水寺 is a very famous Buddhist monastery built on the slopes of Higashiyama.
From the house, you have to take Gojo street until Higashioji street 東大路, and then climb the slope. It is a very touristic spot, so we would recommend you to go there early in the morning (8-9 am).
1521 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kiyomizu-dera
The Kiyomizudera 清水寺 is a very famous Buddhist monastery built on the slopes of Higashiyama.
From the house, you have to take Gojo street until Higashioji street 東大路, and then climb the slope. It is a very touristic spot, so we would recommend you to go there early in the morning (8-9 am).
Looking for a guide, and a bike tour around the city? Niall and his team can guide you in Kyoto on demand.
Kyoto Fun
Shimogamo Kamikawaracho Sakyo WardLooking for a guide, and a bike tour around the city? Niall and his team can guide you in Kyoto on demand.
Essentials
The Public bath (sento) Ume-yu 梅湯 is run by a young and passionate person who has renovated this place that used to be (and somewhat still is) the social place where you could bath with yakuzas. Tattoos are obviously authorized here, and they even have a tattooist shop on the second floor! It opens until late in the night (after 1 am)
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ume-yu
175 IwatakichōThe Public bath (sento) Ume-yu 梅湯 is run by a young and passionate person who has renovated this place that used to be (and somewhat still is) the social place where you could bath with yakuzas. Tattoos are obviously authorized here, and they even have a tattooist shop on the second floor! It opens until late in the night (after 1 am)
Founded 70 years ago the bakery of the Inoue family is still run by the mother, father, son and daughter in-law. It’s better to go there in the morning as the production is crafted in small quantities. The whole bread is great.
Bake House Inoue
221 HiyoshichōFounded 70 years ago the bakery of the Inoue family is still run by the mother, father, son and daughter in-law. It’s better to go there in the morning as the production is crafted in small quantities. The whole bread is great.
Open 24/7 Fresco is the closest supermarket. You can go there walking without having to cross any road. It is located on the South-East corner of Kawaramachi and Gojo streets.
Fresco Gojo Ohashi
Open 24/7 Fresco is the closest supermarket. You can go there walking without having to cross any road. It is located on the South-East corner of Kawaramachi and Gojo streets.
Fab Lab cafe
MTRL Material Kyoto is a fab lab where you can use a 3D printer, a wood laser cutting machine, but also just sit down and work while having a drink.
Closed on Sunday.
MTRL KYOTO マテリアル京都
554 MotoshiogamachōMTRL Material Kyoto is a fab lab where you can use a 3D printer, a wood laser cutting machine, but also just sit down and work while having a drink.
Closed on Sunday.
Shopping
Kaikado has been making metal boxes from 1875. They are now doing the best tea caddies in copper, tin, brass, etc. The owner, Takagi-san, is also a design lover and opened Kaikado cafe (also in this guide), not far from the house, where you can see his products, while having a coffee or tea.
Kaikado
84-1 UmeminatochōKaikado has been making metal boxes from 1875. They are now doing the best tea caddies in copper, tin, brass, etc. The owner, Takagi-san, is also a design lover and opened Kaikado cafe (also in this guide), not far from the house, where you can see his products, while having a coffee or tea.
Yodobashi Camera is a department store with several floors dedicated to electronic products, but also main Japanese brands (Nitori, etc.). On B2F there’s also a food supermarket caller Ropia ロピア (only cash payment).
323 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Kyoto
590-2 HigashishiokōjichōYodobashi Camera is a department store with several floors dedicated to electronic products, but also main Japanese brands (Nitori, etc.). On B2F there’s also a food supermarket caller Ropia ロピア (only cash payment).
Takashimaya is one of the oldest and most recommended Japanese department store. It has luxurious products, food, but also the Pokemon Center.
Open everyday.
221 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Takashimaya Kyoto Store
真町-52 下京区Takashimaya is one of the oldest and most recommended Japanese department store. It has luxurious products, food, but also the Pokemon Center.
Open everyday.
BAL is a fashion department store, where you can find nice clothes but also MUJI shop, Mariage Freres tea, or the big Maruzen Bookstore.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kyoto Bal
251 YamazakichōBAL is a fashion department store, where you can find nice clothes but also MUJI shop, Mariage Freres tea, or the big Maruzen Bookstore.