5 Recommended Restaurants to Visit Near Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Feb 23 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: French Italian Kyoto Japanese Cuisine

5 Recommended Restaurants to Visit Near Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto

When it comes to spring in Kyoto, cherry blossom viewing is a must. Kyoto City is home to numerous cherry blossom spots, where various types of cherry blossoms, such as Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees, compete to bloom beautifully. After enjoying the splendid cherry blossoms, it's time to satisfy your appetite. Here are some recommended restaurants near famous cherry blossom viewing spots where you can stop by during your cherry blossom viewing outing.

See full listings of French, Italian, and Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Nihon Ryouri YUEN

Forget about time and enjoy a private chef's hospitality for just one group.

Located just steps away from the photogenic To-ji Temple, known for its picturesque red drooping cherry blossoms named Fuyo-zakura, and its five-story pagoda, is "Nihon Ryouri YUEN." Here, you can enjoy unique Japanese cuisine filled with originality crafted by a chef who has trained in Japanese cuisine and also learned Western cooking. Indulge in a luxurious dining experience with various "omakase courses" featuring carefully selected ingredients such as pesticide-free vegetables sourced from local contract farmers, locally delivered fish, and premium Japanese black beef.

The exterior and interior, created by a sculptor who has worked on a certain theme park, are filled with an exciting sense of wonder and escapism. The restaurant offers fully private rooms for groups of 2 to 6 people, providing an exclusive dining experience for each party. Despite being on the second floor, the window overlooks a cozy Japanese garden. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while savoring the chef's specialties.

Nihon Ryouri YUEN

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: By bus: Take routes 16, 18, 19, 42, 71, 78, 202, 205, 206, 207 and get off at Toji Higashimon-mae, Toji Minamimon-mae, or Kujo Omiya.
Address: 60-2, Nishikujo Hieijo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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2. DODICI

A luxury restaurant to enjoy the flavors of the 12 seasons.

Walking south from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where you can enjoy various cherry blossoms such as the Goshogawara cherry blossoms and the Ito cherry blossoms, you'll find the luxurious Italian restaurant "DODICI." The name of the restaurant means "12" in Italian. From appetizers to desserts, you can fully enjoy courses made with high-quality seasonal ingredients from the 12 months.

The stylish interior is decorated in silver, gold, and dark navy tones. The aroma drifting from the open kitchen and the sounds echoing throughout the restaurant are all part of the experience. Don't miss out on the pairing of about 500 wines carefully selected by the manager, who holds sommelier qualifications from both Japan and Italy, and rare tea cocktails with the dishes.

DODICI

Open: [Monday, Friday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O 1:00 pm) [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O 7:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: 296m walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Address: 239, Kamihaksancho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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3. Higashiyama Garden

Enjoy French-Italian cuisine in a warm space with a Japanese motif.

Higashiyama Garden, located on the slope leading to Kiyomizu Temple, where approximately 1000 cherry blossoms bloom, is a French-Italian restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal Kyoto ingredients such as Kyoto vegetables from Kamigamo and seafood from nearby fishing ports. The dishes, which emphasize the natural flavors of the ingredients while also focusing on the beauty of colors and presentation, are imbued with a modern sense.

Situated in the Higashiyama area, with its elegant Western-style building incorporating Japanese design elements, the restaurant exudes the atmosphere of the ancient capital. The garden, designed by a landscape artist, is filled with tranquility. Dining in the upscale space overlooking the garden is sure to be a blissful experience. Indulge in the seasonal cuisine and the essence of Kyoto that permeates every corner of the warm atmosphere.

Higashiyama Garden

Open: [Wednesday-Sunday] Dinner from 4:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 20 minutes from JR Kyoto Station City Bus Terminal on Route D-1 #100 or Route D-2 #206 / 5 minutes walk from Kiyomizu-michi stop
Address: 4-166, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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4. Gion Sato

Enjoy sushi kaiseki in a 150-year-old traditional townhouse brimming with elegance and charm.

Located near Maruyama Park, one of Kyoto's premier cherry blossom viewing spots, and nestled in the charming flower district, "Gion Sato" is a sushi kaiseki restaurant that has been beloved in Gion for many years. The proprietor, who has specialized in both kaiseki and sushi, prepares dishes using seasonal ingredients, such as beautifully arranged "hassun" platters featuring various delicacies and irresistible "mackerel sushi" packed with the rich flavor of fatty mackerel.

Originally independent from Kyoto Hotel Okura, the proprietor established the restaurant on the north side of Gion. In 2015, it relocated to its current location and underwent a renewal. The first floor features a counter made of white wood, while the second floor offers table seating. The 150-year-old traditional townhouse exudes a historic ambiance, promising a dining experience filled with a sense of sophistication.

Gion Sato

Open: [Opening hours] 17:00 - 23:30
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: About a 7-minute walk from Keihan Line, Gion-Shijo station.
Address: 570-118 Minamigawa Gionmachi , Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Map
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5. IOTO - Kyoto Vegetable and Charcoal Grill -

Indulge in visually stunning cuisine while gazing at lush green gardens.

Located near the elegant Heian Shrine adorned with red weeping cherry blossoms and the picturesque cherry tree-lined Biwako Sosui Canal, within the "Fufu Kyoto" complex, is "IOTO - Kyoto Vegetable and Charcoal Grill," a Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy casual set meals to authentic kaiseki cuisine. Delight in creatively crafted dishes made with seasonal Kyoto vegetables and carefully selected ingredients. The "Fukuezen Meal - Yu" meal set is particularly popular for its meticulously arranged beauty that makes the heart leap the moment you lift the lid of the lacquered box.

Upon entering through a quiet narrow alleyway, you'll find yourself in a cozy and inviting space. Outside the windows lies a lush garden showcasing the beauty of each season, offering a tranquil backdrop reminiscent of a painting. Dining while gazing upon this natural beauty is an indulgence in itself. Why not savor the exquisite view of the splendid garden and the meticulously crafted dishes, fitting for memories of your journey through Kyoto?

IOTO - Kyoto Vegetable and Charcoal Grill -

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: About 7 minute's walk from Keage Station. It is located next to Murin-an. The main entrance is on the Lake Biwa Canal side
Address: 41, Kusagawa-cho, Nanzenji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.