Top 4 Places to Eat in Kyoto

Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
21/08/2025
Explore the classic beauty of Nijo Castle in Kyoto, surrounded by lush gardens and historical architecture.
Heather Mallon, Pexels

Kyoto's dining scene offers a rich tapestry of traditional Japanese cuisine, ranging from refined multi-course experiences to local comfort foods, catering to a diverse array of tastes and preferences.

1. Gion Fukushi

Cuisine: Kaiseki (traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine)

Nestled in Kyoto's historic Gion district, Gion Fukushi offers an intimate kaiseki experience at its counter seats. The chef meticulously crafts seasonal dishes using organic and local seafood and vegetables, presenting each course with artistic precision. The setting, reminiscent of a traditional tearoom, enhances the serene dining atmosphere, making it a culturally immersive experience. Reservations are highly recommended.

Price: Dinner: ¥26,862 - ¥31,968 (approx. USD 180 - 215) per person, including tax and service.

Getting There: Located in the Minamisawa area of Gion. Approximately a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line, or accessible from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.

2. Honke Daiichi Asahi

Cuisine: Ramen (Kyoto-style soy sauce and pork broth)

A long-established and highly popular ramen shop near Kyoto Station, Honke Daiichi Asahi is famous for its consistently long queues, signaling its local appeal. The ramen features a rich yet light soy sauce and pork bone broth, medium-thick noodles, tender chashu pork, and generous amounts of Kyoto's local kujo green onions and bean sprouts. It offers a hearty and satisfying meal at an accessible price.

Price: Ramen: ¥940 - ¥1,140 (approx. USD 6-8) per bowl. Gyoza: ¥320 (approx. USD 2).

Getting There: Situated a 4-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kyoto Station.

3. Rengetsu-jaya

Cuisine: Tofu Kaiseki (multi-course tofu cuisine)

Found in the picturesque Higashiyama district, Rengetsu-jaya offers a refined tofu-focused kaiseki meal within a beautifully renovated traditional machiya townhouse. The restaurant specializes in elevating humble tofu into a delicate multi-course experience, featuring dishes like yudofu (hot tofu), yuba (tofu skin), and namafu (wheat gluten). It provides private tatami rooms, some with Western-style seating, and menus in English.

Price: Lunch: From ¥3,520 (approx. USD 24) for a 10-course meal. Dinner: From ¥4,000 (approx. USD 27).

Getting There: Located near the northern gate of Chion-in Temple, about a 0.32 km walk from Higashiyama Station.

4. Chao Chao Gyoza (Shijo Kawaramachi / Sanjo Kiyamachi)

Cuisine: Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings)

Chao Chao Gyoza is a lively and popular spot, known for its crispy, bite-sized gyoza with various fillings. Guests can observe the chefs cooking at the counter. Beyond the classic pork gyoza, they offer creative variations, including vegetarian options like yuba gyoza. It is a casual and welcoming environment, often with a queue due to its popularity, but the wait is typically worthwhile for an affordable and delicious meal.

Price: Set menus around ¥1,700 - ¥1,990 (approx. USD 11-13). A plate of 16 mini gyoza is around ¥600-¥670 (approx. USD 4-5).

Getting There: Multiple central locations. The Shijo-Kawaramachi branch is in Shimogyo-ku . The Sanjo Kiyamachi branch is tucked away in an alley just off Sanjo-dori, in the Pontocho district.

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