The 10 Best Restaurants of Kyoto

Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, is known for its rich history, beautiful temples, and stunning gardens. It’s also home to a vibrant nightlife culture offering some of the most unique and delicious culinary experiences in the world. From traditional Japanese cuisine to fusion dishes, Kyoto has a variety of options to please every palate.

Here are the 10 best restaurants in Kyoto:

1. Hirokawa

Hirokawa is a traditional Japanese-style restaurant that specializes in Kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki is a type of multi-course meal that lets you experience the true essence of Japanese cuisine. The dishes are beautifully presented and use only the freshest seasonal ingredients.

2. Kikunoi

Kikunoi is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers traditional Kyoto-style cuisine. The dishes are made using local and seasonal ingredients and are beautifully presented. The ambiance of the restaurant is serene, making it a perfect place for a romantic dinner.

3. Ippudo

Ippudo is a popular ramen chain that originated in Fukuoka, Japan. The restaurant offers some of the best ramen in Kyoto, with rich and flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles.

4. Yakiniku Kashiwa

Yakiniku Kashiwa is a Korean-style BBQ restaurant that uses Kyoto-grown vegetables and locally sourced meat to prepare their dishes. The restaurant is known for its high-quality meat, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

5. Gion Sasaki

Gion Sasaki is a sushi restaurant located in the heart of the Gion district. The restaurant has been around for over 120 years and is known for its fresh and delicious sushi. The chefs are true artists and take great pride in their work, making every dish a work of art.

6. Okonomiyaki Katsu

Okonomiyaki Katsu is a cozy, family-owned restaurant that specializes in okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake. The pancakes are made with a variety of ingredients, including meat, seafood, and vegetables, and are cooked to perfection on a hot skillet.

7. Menyashakariki

Menyashakariki is a cozy and casual restaurant that specializes in curry rice. The restaurant offers a variety of toppings, including pork cutlets, shrimp, and vegetables, and the curry is rich and flavorful.

8. Daiichi Asahi Ramen

Daiichi Asahi Ramen is another popular ramen chain in Kyoto. The restaurant offers a variety of different types of ramen, including spicy miso and soy sauce-based broths. The noodles are hand-made and perfectly cooked, making each bowl a delight.

9. Manju-tei

Manju-tei is a traditional Japanese confectionary that specializes in manju, a type of steamed bun filled with sweet bean paste. The restaurant has been around for over 100 years and is known for its high-quality ingredients and delicious sweets.

10. Tousuiro

Tousuiro is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that specializes in shojin ryori, a type of Buddhist cuisine. The dishes are made with only vegetarian ingredients and are beautifully presented. The restaurant has a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

In conclusion, Kyoto is a city that offers some of the most unique and delicious culinary experiences in Japan. From traditional Japanese cuisine to fusion dishes, there are plenty of options to please every palate. The 10 restaurants listed above are just a small sample of what Kyoto has to offer, and each one is worth a visit. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a memorable dining experience, Kyoto is definitely a destination to add to your bucket list.

The Insider’s Guide to Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is one of the most fascinating cities in Japan. Travelers often love Kyoto because it provides a fantastic mix of traditional Japanese culture with modern life. With that said, Kyoto is also one of the busiest cities in the country, so the first piece of advice is to plan your itinerary and book ahead. In this insider’s guide, we’ll help you find the best restaurants, local attractions, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures so that you can make the most of your trip to Kyoto.

Local Attractions to Explore in Kyoto

Kyoto is home to many world-famous temples and shrines, and these landmarks are a significant draw for tourists from all around the world. Here are some of the most popular:

– Kinkaku-ji Temple – Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji Temple is an absolute must-see. The temple is entirely covered in gold leaf, situated in a tranquil pond surrounded by a peaceful garden.
– Fushimi Inari Taisha – This is an impressive shrine complex located near the summit of Mt. Inari. It’s a historic trail head with thousands of orange torii gates, each donated by businesses and individuals in hopes of good fortune.
– Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – The forest is on the outskirts of Kyoto, which is perfect for those who want to escape from the city. You’ll find a tranquility that’s unique to this area, with countless bamboo trees towering around you.

The Best Restaurants in Kyoto

Being a site of cultural heritage and considered a tourist destination for many, Kyoto has a great variety of food and drink options. These are some of the best places to eat in the city, from which you will get a taste of the local cuisine:

1. Nakamura – Nakamura is a restaurant that is tucked away in a neighborhood and is perfect if you want an authentic Kyoto foodie experience. The dishes are classic, including the signature dish of tofu, which you cannot refuse.

2. Izuju – Famous for its inari sushi, Izuju is a quaint restaurant that has something that for every foodie. Other dishes to try include the sake daikon, which is a pickled radish dish that goes well with sake.

3. Gogyo – If you want a different experience, Gogyo is the perfect restaurant. It specializes in Kogashi ramen, which is burnt on the surface for a unique flavor that sets it apart from regular ramen noodles.

4. Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi – Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi is a Chinese restaurant that serves some of the best dumplings in Kyoto. Don’t miss the homemade noodles and the unique Hakka-style spicy chicken.

5. Katsukura – This famous restaurant specializes in Tonkatsu, which is breaded pork cutlets. This dish is served with hot, fresh rice and a bowl of seasoned miso soup.

Cultural Experiences Off the Beaten Path

While Kyoto is known for its shrines, temples, and beautiful gardens, cultural experiences in Kyoto are abundant, from geisha dinners to tea ceremonies. Here are some of the less well-known cultural experiences you can enjoy:

– Visit the Nishijin Textile Center – Experience the traditional textile industry in the Nishijin Textile Center, located in the northwest area of Kyoto. Handicrafts like silk weaving and kimono manufacturing are long-lasting and unique ways to experience Japanese artisanship.

– Experience Maiko Performances – Enjoy the talents of maikos, Japanese trainees to become geishas. They are a great source of entertainment, as they dress up flamboyantly and dance to Japanese traditional music.

– Enjoy Gion Corner – Going to Gion Corner means you get to enjoy seven traditional Japanese entertainment types all in one hour ling experience, including the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, geisha dance, crafts, games and traditional music.

Local History in Kyoto

Kyoto is a city steeped in history, with a culture that has grown over centuries. You can see the Japanese historical culture in the temples, shrines, gardens, and traditional architecture around the city. One must-visit historical site is the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The palace was the residence of the Japanese royal family until 1868 and provides a unique insight into Japanese royal life. Additionally, the Kyōto National Museum in Higashiyama Ward deserves a visit for those who enjoy history and art. It houses over 12,000 pieces of art and objects.

Final Thoughts

Kyoto has much to offer, and no one can honestly experience everything in just one visit. So when planning your trip, it is essential to take ample time to research and create a flexible itinerary that caters to all of your interests. Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore Kyoto’s unique destinations with the locals. Kyoto’s compelling mix of traditional Japanese culture with modern life provides a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.