Chao Chao Gyoza - Shijo Kawaramachi
- Popular gyoza chain in Kyoto known for its creative flavored gyoza, including shiso, cheese, and curry varieties served in a lively setting.
vegetarian, chinese
Mitsuyasu
- Intimate kaiseki restaurant in a traditional Kyoto townhouse, offering carefully composed seasonal courses that showcase refined Japanese culinary technique.
japanese
Tendon Restaurant Loosen Up!
- Beloved tempura rice bowl shop near Higashiyama known for exceptionally crispy tendon at affordable prices, with consistently high ratings.
japanese
Marushin Hanten
- Dumplings, noodles & rice, plus Western dishes, at a no-frills Japanese-style Chinese restaurant.
chinese
Tan
- Tranquil restaurant presenting inventive meals featuring organic produce & homemade rice.
japanese
LURRA°
- Modern European-influenced restaurant centered on wood-fire cooking, using carefully sourced local Japanese ingredients in an intimate Higashiyama setting.
michelin, fine dining
Asuka
- Casual restaurant serving a classic menu, with traditional dishes from donburi to tempura.
japanese
Mankamerou
- Historic kaiseki restaurant tracing its origins to the Edo period, serving traditional multi-course meals in an elegant setting near the Imperial Palace.
michelin, japanese
Le14e
- Intimate French bistro tucked away in a quiet Kyoto neighborhood, offering refined seasonal menus with a personal touch from the chef-owner.
michelin, french
Sambongi Shoten
- Lively neighborhood izakaya near Demachi known for seasonal Japanese small plates and a warm, convivial atmosphere popular with locals.
japanese
Yakitori Torito
- Charcoal-grilled yakitori spot near the Philosopher's Path area, serving well-seasoned skewers of chicken and seasonal vegetables.
japanese
Cenci
- Acclaimed bi-level restaurant offering innovative Italian & Asian dishes, plus a serene courtyard.
michelin, italian
Doujin
- Intimate counter-style Japanese restaurant with a devoted following, offering omakase-style seasonal courses with meticulous attention to ingredient quality.
japanese
Akagakiya
- Long-established Kyoto izakaya near Sanjo, serving traditional home-style Japanese dishes in a welcoming, old-fashioned atmosphere.
japanese
Sakuragawa
- Refined kaiseki restaurant along the Kamo River offering elegant multi-course Japanese meals that highlight seasonal Kyoto ingredients.
japanese
Yamamoto
- Understated Japanese restaurant in Nakagyo serving carefully prepared set meals and a la carte dishes in a quiet, traditional setting.
japanese
Suehiro
- One of Kyoto's oldest sukiyaki and shabu-shabu establishments, known for premium beef served in a classic townhouse setting since the Meiji era.
sushi, japanese
Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto
- Plant-based ramen shop serving rich, flavorful vegan broths that rival traditional ramen, with creative toppings and a stylish interior.
vegan, vegetarian
Nonkiya Mune
- Cozy neighborhood izakaya in Nakagyo run by a dedicated chef, offering seasonal Japanese dishes and a carefully curated sake selection.
michelin, japanese
Kiyama
- Michelin-recognized kappo restaurant near the Imperial Palace, serving creative seasonal Japanese cuisine at an intimate counter.
michelin, japanese
Iwasaki
- Refined kappo-style restaurant near the Imperial Palace, specializing in seasonal seafood and Japanese cuisine with elegant presentation.
michelin, japanese, seafood
Men-ya Takakura Nijo
- Simple, snug noodle shop where patrons use a machine to order bowls of ramen or tsukemen.
ramen, japanese
Ichihana
- Welcoming Kyoto-style restaurant near Nijo Castle, serving thoughtful seasonal set meals and obanzai home-cooking at reasonable prices.
japanese
Bajitofu
- Cozy restaurant specializing in creative tofu-based cuisine, showcasing the versatility of Kyoto's celebrated tofu tradition in a casual setting.
japanese
Udon Endou
- Popular handmade udon shop south of Kyoto Station, known for springy noodles and rich, flavorful broths prepared fresh daily.
japanese
Ramen no Bombo - Shichijo Main Shop
- Bustling ramen shop near Kyoto Station serving hearty bowls late into the night, popular with both locals and travelers.
ramen, japanese
Nakatanidou
- Well-known store featuring traditional Japanese mochi rice cakes & making demonstrations.
japanese
Warajiya
- Relaxed restaurant specializing in freshwater eel fare, plus zōsui, congee & hot pot options.
japanese
Kikunoi Honten
- One of Kyoto's most celebrated kaiseki restaurants, holding three Michelin stars for its exquisite seasonal courses served in a traditional Japanese garden setting.
michelin, japanese
Gion Moriwaki - Kyoto restaurant
- Highly rated kappo restaurant in Gion serving elegant Japanese cuisine with pristine seasonal ingredients in an intimate counter setting.
michelin, japanese
Gion Maruyama
- Renowned kaiseki restaurant in the Gion district, known for its beautifully composed multi-course meals and refined traditional ambiance.
michelin, japanese
Choshoku Kishin
- Compact restaurant offering traditional breakfasts amid streamlined surroundings.
restaurant
Sushi Matsumoto
- Edomae-style sushi counter near Kyoto Station, offering carefully crafted nigiri and omakase courses with fresh seasonal fish.
michelin, sushi, japanese
Oito
- Traditional obanzai restaurant in Gion serving authentic Kyoto home-style cooking, with simple seasonal dishes prepared in the local manner.
japanese
Gion Manma
- Welcoming obanzai restaurant in Gion offering generous helpings of Kyoto home-style cooking, popular for both lunch sets and evening meals.
japanese
Sohonke Nishin-Soba Matsuba
- The original creator of nishin soba since 1861, serving the classic Kyoto dish of sweet-simmered herring atop warm buckwheat noodles.
soba
Gyoza Taizou
- Beloved gyoza spot near Shijo known for its pan-fried dumplings with a dedicated following that regularly produces long evening queues.
chinese
Renkon-Ya
- Warm, unpretentious restaurant in Pontocho serving Japanese home-style dishes with a focus on seasonal vegetables and comfort food.
japanese
Chao Chao Gyoza - Sanjo Kiyamachi
- Gyoza shop chain serving classic thin skin gyoza made with prawns, chicken or cheese .
chinese, japanese
Mishima-Tei (Original)
- Typical sukiyaki meals with premium beef grilled at the table, in a classic townhouse setting.
japanese
ごちそう 紫陽
- Refined counter-seat restaurant in Nakagyo focusing on seasonal Kyoto ingredients, serving beautifully composed Japanese dishes with a personal touch.
japanese
Eitaroya
- Traditional wagashi shop in Nakagyo crafting seasonal Japanese confections, prized for elegant sweets that reflect the changing seasons.
japanese
Torisaki
- Acclaimed yakitori restaurant specializing in high-quality free-range chicken, with each skewer carefully grilled over binchotan charcoal.
michelin, japanese
Sushizen
- Refined sushi counter near Nishiki Market known for expertly prepared nigiri and chirashi using top-quality seasonal fish, with a loyal local following.
michelin, sushi, japanese
Sumiyaki Seriu
- Intimate charcoal-grilled yakitori and seasonal dish restaurant in Nakagyo, with skilled preparation over binchotan and a curated drink selection.
japanese
Terayama
- Secluded Japanese restaurant in the mountainous Keihoku area of far-northern Kyoto, offering a unique countryside dining experience.
japanese
Men-ya Inoichi
- Traditional ramen dishes with housemade noodles served in a cozy, unassuming eatery.
ramen, japanese
Muromachi Kaji
- Refined Japanese restaurant housed in a traditional machiya townhouse, serving seasonal cuisine and sake in a warm, atmospheric setting.
michelin, japanese
Sen
- Relaxed venue with classic Japanese interiors serving set meals consisting of multiple small plates.
michelin, japanese
Katsukura - Kyoto Porta
- Popular tonkatsu chain restaurant conveniently located at Kyoto Station Porta, known for crispy, juicy pork cutlets with self-ground sesame sauce.
japanese
Tonkatsu Ichiban
- Old-school tonkatsu shop near Kyoto Station beloved by locals for generous portions of crispy pork cutlets at wallet-friendly prices.
japanese
Kitada
- Ramen shop near Kyoto Station known for its hand-kneaded thick noodles and rich broth, open from early morning to late night.
ramen, japanese
En
- Intimate 12-seat kappo counter near Kyoto Station serving refined Japanese cuisine in a converted traditional house, cash only.
japanese
Iharada
- Refined kappo-style restaurant in western Kyoto, offering seasonal Japanese cuisine with carefully sourced ingredients in an intimate setting.
japanese
Mugi no Yoake
- Popular ramen shop in the Nishishichijo area known for its rich, creamy chicken broth and carefully crafted noodles.
ramen, japanese
Coppie
- Charming Japanese sandwich shop specializing in koppe-pan, soft bread rolls filled with a variety of creative sweet and savory fillings.
japanese
Ore no Ramen Appareya
- Salt ramen with BBQ pork, egg or menma bamboo shoots, plus dipping noodles, in a casual joint.
ramen, japanese
Ryuhei Soba
- Artisanal handmade soba noodle shop in the Katsura area, where buckwheat noodles are freshly prepared with care and served in a tranquil setting.
soba
Kakou Okamoto
- Refined Japanese confectionery shop and kappo restaurant in Higashiyama, known for beautifully crafted seasonal sweets and elegant cuisine.
japanese
Sushi Ishimatsu
- Intimate sushi counter near the Philosopher's Path, highly rated for its fresh omakase courses and the chef's warm hospitality.
sushi, japanese
Monk
- Snug restaurant preparing wood-fired pizzas & seasonal tasting menus in a calm environment.
pizza
Omen Ginkaku-ji
- Bowls of udon noodles served with sides, spices & dipping sauces at Japanese & Western-style tables.
japanese
Sojiki Nakahigashi
- Sleek eatery in a serene, minimalist space with set-price menus highlighting locally sourced fare.
michelin, japanese
Ikazuchi Udon
- Popular udon shop near Ginkaku-ji known for thick, chewy handmade noodles served in flavorful broths, with a devoted local following.
japanese
Jukusei Buta Kawamura
- Relaxed restaurant serving up deep-fried pork cutlets in a down-to-earth dining room.
japanese
Ramen Touhichi
- Relaxed place with counter seats, serving soy sauce, chicken & sardine-based ramen bowls.
ramen, japanese
Kashiwai
- Sushi and kappo-style restaurant on the Kamo River in Kita Ward, offering refined Japanese cuisine with a focus on seasonal fish and local ingredients.
michelin, sushi, japanese
Shichiku Kiko
- Intimate Japanese restaurant in the quiet residential Shichiku neighborhood, offering seasonal courses prepared with care in a welcoming setting.
michelin, japanese
Itsutsu
- Refined kaiseki restaurant operated by the celebrated Wakuden group, serving elegant seasonal Japanese cuisine near Daitoku-ji Temple.
michelin, japanese
Unagi Hirokawa
- Traditional eel dishes served with rice in a tranquil, minimalist setting with garden views.
japanese
Shigetsu
- Serene locale operated in a Buddhist temple offering vegetarian fixed-price meals.
vegan, vegetarian, japanese
Bars in Kyoto
Talisker
- Intimate whisky bar in Gion with a deep selection of Scotch and Japanese whiskies, offering a refined atmosphere for evening drinks.
whisky
Kingdom
- Highly regarded craft cocktail bar near Kyoto Station, where a skilled bartender creates meticulously prepared drinks in an intimate, dimly lit setting.
cocktail
Cafes in Kyoto
La Voiture
- Classic Kyoto kissaten near Heian Shrine, famous for its caramelized apple pie and nostalgic retro atmosphere that has drawn loyal patrons for decades.
bakery
Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store
- Popular shop for premium teas, including ceremonial matcha, plus classes, accessories & a tea room.
tea
Cafe Bibliotic Hello!
- Bookshelves line the walls of this hip coffee shop with gourmet light bites & plants.
coffee
Hitsuji Doughnuts
- Small artisan doughnut shop on Tominokoji Street, crafting fluffy, lightly sweetened doughnuts in limited batches that sell out quickly.
bakery
Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo Main Branch
- Charming dessert shop offering traditional Japanese confections, matcha tea & more in an airy space.
tea
Ryurei Tea Room “SABI”
- Atmospheric tea room in Gion offering a contemplative matcha experience in a beautifully designed space that embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
matcha
WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI
- Pioneering specialty coffee roaster and minimalist cafe in Nakagyo, known for carefully sourced single-origin beans and precise brewing.
coffee
Marukyu Koyamaen - Nishinotoin / Sabo Moto-an
- Kyoto outpost of the prestigious Uji matcha producer established in 1688, with a tea room serving premium matcha and traditional sweets.
tea
Walden Woods Kyoto
- Home-roasted coffee, spiced chai & ice cream served in a chic, minimalist setting.
coffee
Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in
- Branch of the historic Uji tea house located near Byodo-in Temple, serving premium matcha desserts and tea in a scenic riverside setting.
matcha, dessert
Itoh Kyuemon - Uji Head Shop / Sabo
- Historic Uji matcha tea shop and cafe established in 1832, offering matcha parfaits, soba, and an extensive selection of tea products.
gelato, bakery, japanese
Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Main Store)
- Uji's most celebrated tea house since 1854, famous for its matcha desserts and traditional tea service in a beautiful historic building.
matcha, dessert
WIFE & HUSBAND
- Mom-&-pop coffee place with a snug, rustic interior, plus chairs & tables for riverside picnics.
coffee
STARDUST
- Retro-styled cafe and bar in a converted machiya townhouse in the Shichiku neighborhood, with a curated vintage aesthetic and relaxed atmosphere.
coffee
% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama
- Acclaimed specialty coffee shop with a striking riverside location in Arashiyama, known for expertly pulled espresso and scenic mountain views.
coffee
Attractions in Kyoto
Kurama-dera Temple
- Historic Buddhist temple set on a mountainside, with access via a cable car or up hundreds of steps.
temple
Heian-jingū Shrine
- Classic Shinto shrine & landscaped gardens created in 1895 for the city's 1,100th birthday.
temple
Nijō Castle
- Built in 1603, this cypress-wood castle with extensive gardens was a home for the shogun Ieyasu.
outdoors
Sanjūsangendō Temple
- This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of the goddess Kannon.
temple
Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
- Hilltop hall, part of Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple, with sweeping views of Nara from its balcony.
temple
Nara Park
- Landscaped, public park with ancient temples & the Nara National Museum of art, plus tame deer.
museum
Tōdai-ji
- Buddhist temple originally built in the mid-700s, with one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.
temple
Kasugataisha Shrine
- Bright vermillion columns support the roof of this Shinto shrine originally established in 768 A.D..
temple
Kōfuku-ji
- Small Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, offering a peaceful atmosphere and traditional architecture away from the main tourist areas.
temple
Keage Incline
- Former railway track known for clusters of picturesque cherry blossoms lining a 582-meter slope.
attraction
Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
- Picturesque 5-story Buddhist pagoda temple, offering sweeping views from the top.
temple
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
- Temple dating to the 16th century & headquarters of the Hongwanji sect of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
temple
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
- Serene Buddhist temple complex with a 76m-long hall, one of the largest wood buildings in the world.
temple
Byodo-in Omotesando
- Charming shopping street leading to Byodo-in Temple in Uji, lined with traditional tea houses, matcha shops, and local specialty stores.
temple
Byōdo-in Temple
- Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.
temple
Nintendo Museum
- Interactive museum in Ogura showcasing Nintendo's history from hanafuda playing cards to modern video games, with hands-on exhibits and exclusive merchandise.
museum
Katsura Imperial Villa
- The grounds of this 17th-century imperial villa feature a scenic classical garden with teahouses.
outdoors
Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates)
- Mountainside shinto shrine featuring a path with thousands of traditional red gates & stairs.
temple
Kiyomizu-dera
- Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.
temple
Chion-in Temple
- Expansive 17th-century temple headquarters of Jodo Shu Buddhism with gardens, events & services.
temple
Nanzen-ji
- Stately Buddhist temple complex with a Zen garden, forested grounds & walking paths.
temple
Eikan-dō Temple
- Major Buddhist temple with ancient art, such as a famed statue of Buddha looking over his shoulder.
temple
Hōnenin Temple
- Small, 17th-century Buddhist temple in a tranquil, tree-filled setting with a pond & sand garden.
temple
Ginkaku-ji
- This 15th-century Zen temple features picturesque gardens & a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.
temple
Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)
- Scenic pedestrian path along a cherry tree–lined canal that passes by various temples & shrines.
temple
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery
- Studio showcasing antique & modern Japanese pottery, including vases, jars & sculptures.
gallery
Hyakumanben Chion-ji Temple
- A handicraft market on the 15th of each month draws crowds to this historic Buddhist temple complex.
temple
Shisendō
- Founded in 1641, this Buddhist temple features portraits of Chinese poets & scenic Japanese gardens.
temple
Kifune Shrine
- Intimate Shinto shrine with a verdant mountainside setting, reached by a lantern-lined path.
temple
Manshuin Temple
- 8th-century Buddhist place of worship in a serene, botanical environment with vibrant fall color.
temple
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
- Striking 17th-century imperial villa offering tours of its celebrated gardens with cascading ponds.
outdoors
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
- Shrine with 10th-century origins featuring annual festivals to mark natural & historical events.
temple
Kinkaku-ji
- Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
temple
Ryōan-ji
- On the scenic grounds of this 15th-century temple is a famous Zen rock garden & a yudofu restaurant.
temple
Hōrin-ji Temple
- Constructed by Gyōki in 713 CE, this Shingon Buddhist temple is dedicated to Ākāśagarbha.
temple
Tenryu-ji
- This venerable Zen temple at the foot of mountains features teahouses & serene, expansive gardens.
temple
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- A popular sightseeing path runs uphill through this forest of towering bamboo stalks.
architecture
Daihikaku Senkō-ji Temple
- Tranquil, forested temple with mountain panoramas from a lookout deck, reached via a stepped trail.
temple
Giōji Temple
- Quaint Buddhist place of worship known for its picturesque moss garden, bamboo grove & maple trees.
temple
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
- Serene hilltop Buddhist temple featuring thousands of carved stone memorial statues.
temple
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
- Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century, featuring more than 1,200 stone heads on its grounds.
temple
Stores in Kyoto
Asahido Honten
- Long-established Kyoto crafts shop on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, carrying a wide selection of traditional ceramics, pottery, and local artisan goods.
shop
Gion Tsujiri Main Store
- Historic matcha tea shop and sweets purveyor in Gion since 1860, known for rich matcha parfaits, soft serve, and traditional confections.
shop
T.T
- Taiga Takahashi's bespoke menswear atelier in Gion, known for meticulously handcrafted clothing that blends traditional artisan techniques with modern design.
fashion
Nishiki Market
- 400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.
deli
Imanishiken
- Historic narazuke shop operating since 1710, famous for its traditional sake-lees pickled vegetables, a signature Nara delicacy.
deli
Demachi Futaba
- Classic Japanese sweets are available from this longstanding, old-fashioned sweet shop.
fashion
Kawabata Doki
- Historic Kyoto confectionery shop with roots dating back centuries, famous for its delicate mochi and seasonal wagashi crafted in the Imperial tradition.
deli