Are you planning an unforgettable adventure to Kyoto, Japan soon? Get ready for an in-depth experience of Kyoto as Trip.com introduces you to some of the most popular Kyoto Japan restaurant which simply cannot be missed!
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Gion is part of the downtown core where you can find delicious local restaurants situated on ancient streets
Brief Introduction to Kyoto Japan Restaurant
While many of these traditions are reflected in shrines, castles and ancient townhouses, there is a uniquely Kyoto experience that pictures can’t do justice: the Kyoto food culture! In this article, Trip.com will introduce various Kyoto Japan restaurant ranging from cheap and delicious delights to some of the most exquisite restaurants you can find here.
The nearest airport to Kyoto is the Osaka International Airport. The airport is about 50 km away from Kyoto. Travelers can board the Limited Express Haruka train service operated by JR West which will bring you to JR Kyoto Station in roughly 75 minutes for approximately JPY 2,850 (USD 19.50). Alternatively, travelers can choose the Limousine Bus services which will make several stops in Kyoto.
List of the Top 10 Kyoto Japan Restaurant
1. Sushi no Musashi (JR Kyoto Station)
Step into this cozy restaurant located on the ground floor of the station where you’ll be seated right beside the chef’s working station. As you eat, you’ll be able to see sushi chefs demonstrating their skills. From basic maki rolls to premium ootoro (fatty tuna belly) sushi that melts in your mouth, Sushi no Musashi is ready to impress you with its wide array of this beloved Japanese dish. What’s the best part? This Kaitenzushi restaurant (sushi conveyor belt restaurant) offers sushi at prices as low as JPY 146 (USD 1)! Since this is a small and popular restaurant, be prepared to queue if you’re coming during peak hours.
Source: Ho Pui Yng
Get a taste of authentic Japanese sushi at Sushi no Musashi once you arrive in Kyoto!
2. Ichiran Kyoto Kawaramachi
Located in downtown Kyoto, this popular Ichiran outlet is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Nishiki market. One of the most eye-catching features of Ichiran is that guests won’t need to speak to any staff throughout their whole dining experience unless they choose to! When you step into the restaurant, you’ll purchase your ramen ticket from the vending machine. Then, you’ll be ushered into an individual booth that has dividers on both sides. After you’ve chosen the specifications for your ramen on a piece of paper, simply ring the bell and the bamboo screen in front of you will be lifted. The staff will take your paper, but you won’t see the staff’s face. The ramen will then be served in a similar manner. This solo dining feature has been very popular among introverts as well as foreigners who don’t speak fluent Japanese. As for guests who are coming with friends, there’s no need to worry as the dividers can be pushed aside to combine the booths. Here’s one more fun fact, if you’re curious to see what it’s like to have a wall full of toilet paper, be sure to use the restroom when you’re there!
Slurp a hot bowl of ramen on a cold day at the famous Ichiran Kyoto Kawaramachi!
3. Hinode Udon
Guests can also pair their noodles with tofu which Kyoto is famous for. Don’t be intimidated by the traditional façade of this restaurant as you can find an English menu available here. In addition, guests can choose to change the udon noodles to soba noodles too. The popularity of this restaurant among locals and tourists is easily seen by the long queue outside!
Hinode Udon is a traditional Japanese udon restaurant popular among locals and tourists alike.
4. Gion Uokeya U
Located in downtown Kyoto, Gion Uokeya U is the place to go for a hearty bowl of unagi don. Unagi is the Japanese word for freshwater eel, and these grilled eels are undoubtedly one of the most popular Japanese dishes. If you're coming with friends, why not go for its signature dish, the Uoke? The Uoke is a “cedar bucket filled with rice and grilled unagi fillets brushed with a sweet soy sauce” (Inside Kyoto), and the smallest size is meant for at least 3 diners. The restaurant also serves eel innards for adventurous or seasoned unagi lovers.
Gion Uokeya U is where you can sink your teeth into mouth-watering unagi-dons.
5. Mishima-Tei
This is the place where guests can look forward to finely-marbled beef handpicked by the restaurant as well as traditional secret recipes. Chuck eye roll, tenderloin steak and premium sirloin steak can all be found here. Lunch Courses include Tenderloin Steak Oil-yaki Course and Tsuki Course (Shabu-shabu), while Dinner Grand Courses offer Hana Course (Sukiyaki) and Mizore Hotpot (Available from Nov to end of Feb only). Please note that the restaurant has a semi-formal dress code.
Mishima-Tei has been serving high-quality sukiyaki dishes for over 150 years
6. Kobe Beef Steak Moriya Gion
This is the Mouriya brand’s fifth outlet, as well as its first outlet outside of Kobe. Grab this chance to enjoy the renowned Kobe beef even if you’re not traveling to Kobe! The steaks are separated into two main categories: Mouriya Strictly Selected Beef and premium Kobe Beef. In each of these categories, guests can choose between Finest Sirloin Steaks (A5) and Finest Fillet Steaks (A5) ranging from 120 g to 200 g. Apart from steaks, Kobe Beef Steak Moriya Gion also serves teppanyaki-style seafood such as Fish of the Day, prawns, lobsters and Japanese abalone. If you’re on a budget, do check out the lunchtime limited menu which offers Finest Kobe beef Rump steak (100 g) for just JPY 6,500 (USD 45)!
Kobe Beef Steak Moriya Gion is a premium steak house that presents high-quality Kobe beef in Kyoto
7. Gion Yata
When you step into the wooden townhouse, it feels as though you’ve been transported to a different era. Take off your shoes and settle down on the tatami mat as you immerse yourself in the townhouse’s unique atmosphere while waiting for your meal to be served. From sashimi to fresh oysters and wagyu beef, your tastebuds will be in for a treat at Gion Yata. Of course, don’t forget to complement your meal with some fine sake. Gion Yata offers an English menu for tourists, so you can relax and enjoy your time here even if you don’t speak Japanese. Guests are advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment!
Settle down on a tatami mat at Gion Yata as you indulge in an exquisite Kaiseki course
8. Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama
Guests can look forward to dining in exclusive private rooms with nothing but the most impressive décor accompanied by a stunning view of the tranquil gardens. At this premium Kaiseki restaurant, the exact ingredients change according to the season, and hence, there isn’t a menu with fixed dishes. Instead, guests select the number of courses according to their budgets and allow themselves to be surprised by the chef’s creations.
Of course, if you wish to take this up another level, there’s nothing more exquisite than the Chef’s Omakase course! The cost of this course is undetermined as it’s based on market prices of the ingredients selected by the chef, and there is no ceiling price. Moreover, the dishes will be prepared by the chef right before you in your room. Are you curious about how this works out? There’s only one way to find out.
Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama offers the ultimate Kaiseki dining experience in luxurious private rooms
9. Zen Kashoin
The most popular treat here is the Zen Castella, a popular Japanese sponge cake that’s crafted with eggs sourced locally. If you’ve watched Doraemon, you’re bound to be familiar with the character’s favorite snack, Dorayaki, which is available at Zen Kashoin too. Last but not least, do check out the beautiful boxes that are filled with rice crackers and other Japanese snacks for the perfect souvenir!
Zen Kashoin is a traditional Japanese confectionery known for its Zen Castella sponge cakes
10. Tsujiri Tea House (Gion Main Shop)
At the Tsujiri Tea House (Gion Main Shop), matcha lovers will be spoilt for choices with its wide selection of matcha items. Matcha tea, matcha-flavored ice cream, matcha-soba, matcha-warabimochi and the list goes on. In addition, its convenient location at the heart of Gion also makes it a popular place to stop by when your legs are tired!
Tsujiri Tea House (Gion Main Shop) has everything matcha-related, including matcha-soba and matcha ice cream.
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Arashiyama is a popular tourist attraction in Kyoto with its iconic bamboo forest
Discover Delectable Delights at Uniquely Kyoto Japan Restaurants
FAQ
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What is Kyoto known for in Japan?
Kyoto is the former capital of Japan, and it’s known for upholding exquisite Japanese traditions.
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Where can I find delicious Kyoto Japan restaurant?
Many popular Kyoto Japan restaurant are concentrated in downtown Kyoto, which refers to the Kawaramachi area and the neighboring Gion area.
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What is Kyoto cuisine?
Kyoto cuisine includes many traditional Japanese ingredients such as tofu, matcha and preserved fish. You can find Kyoto cuisine served in Kaiseki-style restaurants (traditional multi-course Japanese dinners).
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What is Kaitenzushi?
Kaitenzushi, also known as Kaiten sushi, refer to fast-food-style sushi restaurants where you can find sushi served on rotating conveyor belts. These restaurants are usually more affordable.
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What do people eat for breakfast in Japan?
A typical Japanese breakfast includes rice, grilled fish, pickles, miso soup, tamagoyaki and other side dishes.