Five restaurants in Kyoto where the ambiance and flavors become the purpose of the journey, allowing one to fully enjoy the essence of Kyoto Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Oct 26 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Five restaurants in Kyoto where the ambiance and flavors become the purpose of the journey, allowing one to fully enjoy the essence of Kyoto

There are various reasons for traveling, but sometimes one chooses their destination with the desire to eat something specific or to spend time in a particular place. How about visiting a restaurant where you can fully enjoy the essence of Kyoto? At those restaurants, you can savor both the atmosphere and flavors of Kyoto, ensuring an exceptional time.

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

1. Kifune WHAT’S

Enjoy the finest brand of beef in the deeply charming inner chambers of Kyoto

Located just 10 minutes by bus from Kibuneguchi Station, Kibune WHAT’S is a restaurant where one can savor branded Japanese beef, including Matsusaka beef. The "Kibune Gozen" offers a delightful comparison of Matsusaka beef cutlets and roast beef. For a deeper enjoyment of Matsusaka beef, the "Matsusaka Beef Shabu-Shabu Course (Sirloin)" is highly recommended, as well as the "Today's Assortment of Three Major Wagyu (Full)" which allows tasting of Matsusaka beef, Kobe beef, and Omi beef.

Five restaurants in Kyoto where time and flavor become the purpose of the journey, allowing one to fully enjoy the essence of Kyoto

Located between Kifune Shrine and its inner shrine, along the Kibune River, the restaurant is nestled in the area known as the back parlor of Kyoto. Visitors can relax and enjoy the soothing natural surroundings of Kifune while experiencing the leisurely flow of time. The interior of the restaurant features traditional Kyoto karakami on the fittings, creating a serene and refined atmosphere. During the summer, riverside seating (kawadoko) is available, allowing guests to enjoy their meals close to the flowing waters of the Kibune River, in a pleasantly cool environment.

Kibune WHAT'S

Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute by Kyoto Bus from Kibuneguchi Station of Eizan Electric Railway
Address: 78, Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Pontocho Takara

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine while overlooking the flow of the Kamo River

Located just a one-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, Pontocho Taka is a historic Kyoto cuisine restaurant that has been in operation for over 120 years. Every morning, the owner personally visits the Central Market to carefully select ingredients. The "Kyoto Kaiseki" meal, woven with seasonal ingredients, is adorned with Kyoto's unique charm throughout. The "Kamo Suki," which features Japanese duck in a homemade special broth, and the "Hamoshabu," a representative taste of summer in Kyoto, are also highly recommended.

The restaurant is located in Pontocho, where the cobblestone alleyways are full of charm, exuding an air of historical prestige. From each room, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kamo River. From May to September, the summer tradition of Kyoto, the 'noryo-yuka' (cooling floors), is set up, allowing guests to view the flow of the Kamo River even closer. The 'noryo-yuka' is a popular spot, so making a reservation is recommended. In addition to counter seats where one can enjoy a meal as if at a fine kappo restaurant, there are also table seats and private rooms available for a more relaxed experience, suitable for various occasions.

Pontocho Takara

Open: [Tuesdays - Sundays, days before national holidays, and national holidays] Lunch 12:00 - 14:30 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:00 - 22:30 (last order 22:00)
Closed: Mondays
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Kawaramachi Station. Take Exit 1, follow along the Kamo River towards Sanjo and it will be on your right.
Address: 173-2 Pontocho-dori Shijo Agaru Kashiwaya-cho , Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
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Nouvelle Epoque

Enjoy the charm of Kyoto blended with traditional French cuisine

Located a 14-minute walk from Keage Station, Nouvelle Epoque is a French restaurant that blends Japanese elements with traditional French cuisine. They carefully select Kyoto ingredients such as vegetables, fish, meat, and seasonings. Guests can enjoy dishes like the Okura French tradition of "Wagyu Beef Wellington," beautifully plated like works of art.

The restaurant located on the 1st floor of Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei is enveloped in an elegant atmosphere. From inside the restaurant, guests can enjoy the view of a meticulously maintained Japanese garden, experiencing the four seasons of Kyoto. The placemats made of Nishijin-ori, the tableware, and numerous furnishings are all crafted by 'GO ON', a collective of Kyoto's artisan craftsmen. Visitors can have an experience of Kyoto's unique traditional beauty.

Nouvelle Epoque

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: 14-minute walk from Keage Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line / 1-minute walk from Okazaki Jinja-mae bus stop
Address: 26-6, Okazaki Tenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Hyotei Main Restaurant

Discover authentic flavors at a Kyoto cuisine restaurant with a history of approximately 450 years

Discover authentic flavors at a Kyoto cuisine restaurant boasting a history of approximately 450 years

Hyotei, the main branch, is a restaurant known worldwide, located just a 10-minute walk from Keage Station. Founded about 450 years ago, this restaurant has been offering finely honed Kyoto cuisine for centuries. Both locals and tourists from around the world flock here to savor signature dishes like "Hyotei Tamago" and the seasonal "Asagayu." Let's indulge in the traditional flavors that this long-established restaurant continues to preserve while also eagerly exploring new tastes.

Located near Nanzenji Temple and adjacent to the garden 'Muranan', this restaurant is situated in a tranquil area. Upon entering through the front door, visitors will find a pond that draws water from Lake Biwa Canal, surrounded by various-sized hermitages scattered throughout the garden. This charming complex includes five private rooms, featuring thatched-roof tea houses that have been preserved since the establishment's founding. Guests can experience the spirit of 'wabi-sabi' in this space, enjoying an incredibly luxurious time.

Hyotei Main Branch

Open: Asagayu (July 1 - August 31) 8:00 am - 10:00 am / Uzuragayu (quail rice gruel) (December 1 - March 15) 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / 11:00 am - (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 23,000 JPY
Access: 516 meters from Keage Station / Immediately after passing through the main gate of Nanzenji Temple
Address: 35, Nanzenjikusagawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
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Nihon Ryouri Yuien

Enjoy the privacy of a completely reservation-only system, limited to one group per day

Located just a 10-minute walk from Toji Station, Yuuen is a restaurant where one can enjoy dishes prepared by a private chef. The omakase course features carefully selected ingredients, and one of the dishes, "Slow-cooked Aged Wagyu Beef," offers a flavor that intensifies with each bite. It is also exciting to experience the pairing of Japanese sake or wine, selected by a sake sommelier, with the dishes to suit international guests.

The restaurant is quietly located along Omiya Street, just a short walk south from the World Heritage Site, Toji Temple. Entering through an entrance that feels like a hidden gem, one might easily pass by without noticing. Inside, there is a completely private space available for only one group per day. Despite being on the second floor, visitors can enjoy a view of a Japanese garden crafted by a sculptor. The space is marked by striking fusuma (sliding doors) painted with dragons by a Kyoto fusuma painter, offering a moment filled with the essence of Kyoto.

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
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.