This blog post is all about the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto.
If Tokyo dazzles with neon lights and Osaka tempts with street food, Kyoto is where tradition takes centre stage.
As the former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is steeped in centuries-old culture, beautiful temples, peaceful gardens, and some of the most elegant and refined cuisine in the country.
From multi-course kaiseki meals served in wooden townhouses to smoky ramen bars and delicate tofu dishes served in temple grounds, Kyoto is a dream for food lovers.
Whether you’re in search of Michelin-starred sushi or a simple bowl of curry udon, this guide shares the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto to try on your next visit.
This blog post is all about the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto.
What Kind of Food is Kyoto Famous For?
Kyoto is renowned for its refined, seasonal cuisine. Often lighter and more delicate than what you’ll find elsewhere in Japan. Here are some iconic food styles Kyoto is known for:
- Kaiseki: A traditional multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. It reflects Kyoto’s slow, mindful approach to food.
- Shojin Ryori: A form of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine traditionally prepared by monks. It’s simple, healthy, and based on local vegetables and tofu.
- Yudofu (Boiled Tofu): A specialty served in temple districts like Arashiyama and Nanzenji, often as part of a peaceful set meal.
- Obanzai: Kyoto-style home cooking featuring simmered, pickled, and marinated vegetables.
- Matcha (Green Tea): Uji, just outside Kyoto, is one of the most famous green tea-producing areas in Japan. You’ll find matcha in drinks, noodles, desserts, and even soba.
Kyoto’s cuisine focuses on seasonality, aesthetics, and spiritual connection, offering a culinary experience unlike any other.
Why Do Travellers Visit Kyoto?
Kyoto is often considered the cultural heart of Japan. While cities like Tokyo are fast-paced and futuristic, Kyoto invites travellers to slow down, wander cobbled lanes, and step back in time.
People come to Kyoto for:
- Historic Temples & Shrines: Over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, including the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
- Traditional Culture: From tea ceremonies and geisha performances to wearing a kimono in the Gion district.
- Seasonal Beauty: Kyoto is stunning year-round. Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, snowy gardens in winter, and lush green hills in summer.
- Culinary Traditions: Food here is an art form, rooted in centuries-old techniques and deeply connected to the local environment.
Whether you’re hiking to bamboo groves in Arashiyama or eating matcha parfaits in a riverside café, Kyoto captivates at every turn.
Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Kyoto offers a perfect blend of cultural richness, historical sites, natural beauty, and traditional experiences.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to discover more, here are some of the best things to do in Kyoto:
1. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
One of the most iconic sights in Japan, this Shinto shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form pathways through the forested hills.
Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds and a peaceful hike.
2. Wander Through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, this enchanting bamboo forest feels otherworldly. Pair your visit with a stroll along the Katsura River or a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple nearby.
3. Explore Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
This stunning Zen temple, covered in gold leaf, reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. It’s one of the most photogenic and serene places in Kyoto.
4. Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Kyoto is the birthplace of the Japanese tea ceremony. Join an authentic session in Gion or near Kiyomizu-dera to learn about the rituals and cultural significance of matcha.
5. Stroll the Historic Streets of Gion
Kyoto’s most famous geisha district is lined with wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and traditional restaurants.
You might even spot a geiko or maiko on their way to an evening engagement.
6. Discover Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the city, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-visit. Don’t miss the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors drink from its streams for health, longevity, and success.
7. Try a Kimono Rental Experience
Embrace tradition by renting a kimono for a day. Walking around historic neighborhoods like Higashiyama or around Kyoto’s temples in full traditional attire is a memorable experience.
8. Take a Day Trip to Uji or Nara
Just outside Kyoto, Uji is famous for its premium matcha and Byodo-in Temple, while Nara is home to friendly free-roaming deer and the giant Buddha statue at Todai-ji Temple.
RELATED blog post to read: 1 Day in Nara Itinerary: The Best Day Trip Guide
Best Japanese Restaurants in Kyoto
Below is a list of the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto that you need to try on your trip to Japan!
1. Gion Karyo (Kaiseki)
Address: 570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward
Experience Kyoto’s signature kaiseki cuisine in the heart of the Gion district. Gion Karyo offers seasonal, multi-course meals with exquisite presentation in a traditional setting.
The dishes are delicate, artistic, and made with locally sourced ingredients, making it an elegant introduction to Kyoto’s refined culinary style.
2. MenBaka (Fire Ramen)
Address: 757-2 Minamiiseyacho, Kamigyo Ward
A must-visit for the thrill alone. This ramen shop is famous for its flaming scallion-topped bowls of ramen.
The chef sets the soup on fire right before your eyes, making for a one-of-a-kind (and surprisingly delicious) dining experience. One of the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto for photos and foodies!
3. Mishimatei (Wagyu Sukiyaki)
Address: 405 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo Ward
This high-end sukiyaki restaurant has been serving customers since 1873. Known for using premium wagyu beef and a sweet-savoury soy broth, Mishimatei provides a beautifully slow dining experience in private tatami rooms.
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto for celebrating a special evening in Kyoto.
4. Omen Ginkakuji (Udon Noodles)
Address: 74 Jodoji Ishibashicho, Sakyo Ward
Located near the Philosopher’s Path and Silver Pavilion, this cozy spot serves handmade udon noodles with a side of seasonal vegetables and flavourful dipping broth.
It’s light, fresh, and offers a peaceful break from sightseeing.
5. Kyoto Gogyo (Burnt Miso Ramen)
Address: 452 Jumonjicho, Nakagyo Ward
Gogyo is best known for its bold, smoky “kogashi” ramen made by scorching miso in a searing-hot wok. The intense flavour, rich broth, and stylish interiors make it one of the more unique ramen experiences and best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto.
6. Izuju Sushi (Kyoto-Style Sushi)
Address: 292 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward
Unlike the common nigiri or sashimi, Izuju specializes in Kyoto-style sushi such as saba-zushi (mackerel pressed sushi).
Located across from Yasaka Shrine, this small shop is a great way to sample regional variations of sushi in a traditional setting.
7. Yudofu Sagano (Tofu Kaiseki)
Address: 45 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward
Set in a peaceful temple near Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, Yudofu Sagano offers a serene dining experience centred around yudofu (boiled tofu).
The meal is part of a set that includes seasonal veggies and rice, perfect for vegetarians and those wanting a light, traditional meal.
8. Mimikou (Curry Udon)
Address: 190-1 Sanjo Ohashi-cho, Higashiyama Ward
This family-run restaurant is beloved for its rich and hearty curry udon. It’s a comforting and affordable option close to major landmarks like Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park.
Add a side of tempura or fried tofu for the full experience.
9. Yasaka Endo (Tempura Kaiseki)
Address: 566 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward
Housed in a renovated machiya townhouse in Gion, Yasaka Endo serves tempura as part of a refined, multi-course kaiseki meal. Their seasonal menu focuses on ultra-fresh seafood and vegetables lightly battered and fried to perfection.
10. Sushi Iwa (Michelin-Starred Sushi)
Address: 566 Ohashicho, Nakagyo Ward
This intimate counter-style sushi restaurant offers a top-tier omakase experience with seasonal seafood sourced daily.
It’s a splurge, but the craftsmanship and freshness make it worth every yen.
11. % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama (Coffee with a View)
Address: 87-5 Hoshinocho, Higashiyama Ward
While not a full meal spot, this iconic coffee shop has one of the most scenic views in the city, overlooking the Yasaka Pagoda. Grab a latte and relax after a long morning exploring the historic Higashiyama district.
12. Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Matcha Desserts & Soba)
Address: 10 Uji Yamada, Uji (20–30 min from Kyoto city)
This century-old teahouse in nearby Uji is famous for its matcha soba and green tea desserts. The matcha parfait is layered with mochi, jelly, and sweet bean paste.
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto for tea lovers and Instagram-worthy too.
13. Tempura Yoshikawa (Michelin Tempura)
Address: 499 Kamikorikicho, Nakagyo Ward
If you’re craving perfectly crisp tempura in an elegant ryotei setting, Yoshikawa is the place. With counter seating around the chef, you get to watch every piece fried to golden perfection.
It’s refined, quiet, and one of the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto for lunch or dinner splurge.
14. Wajouryoumen Sugari (Tsukemen & Ramen)
Address: 471-1 Daikokucho, Nakagyo Ward
This hidden ramen bar is famous for its tsukemen (dipping noodles) and perfectly balanced broth. The space is stylish yet traditional, with wooden interiors and bar seating.
It often has a queue, but it’s worth the wait and one of the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto.
15. Giro Giro Hitoshina (Creative Kaiseki)
Address: 420-7 Nishikikoji, Shimogyo Ward
A modern take on kaiseki cuisine, Giro Giro is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto and a favourite among younger travellers and locals. Each course is beautifully presented with unexpected flavour combinations.
Bonus: it’s surprisingly affordable for the quality and innovation.
Onwards Travel from Kyoto: Where to Go Next in Japan
Once you’ve soaked up the culture, beauty, and history of Kyoto, there are plenty of incredible destinations in Japan to explore next.
Thanks to Japan’s efficient rail network and Kyoto’s central location, continuing your journey is easy. Whether you’re heading to bustling cities, relaxing hot spring towns, or scenic countryside escapes.
Here are some of the best onwards travel options from Kyoto:
1. Osaka – Foodie Capital of Japan
Just 15 minutes away by Shinkansen (bullet train), Osaka is a must-visit for its vibrant street food scene, nightlife, and shopping.
Explore the neon-lit Dotonbori district, try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, or visit Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan.
It’s the perfect next stop for travellers wanting a high-energy contrast to Kyoto’s calm.
RELATED blog post to read: The Ultimate Osaka Japan Guide: A 3 Day Local’s Itinerary
2. Nara – Home of the Friendly Deer
Only 45 minutes from Kyoto by local train, Nara is famous for its friendly free-roaming deer in Nara Park and ancient sites like Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha.
It’s an easy day trip or a relaxing overnight stay.
RELATED blog post to read: 1 Day in Nara Itinerary: The Best Day Trip Guide
3. Hiroshima – History and Resilience
Travel south by Shinkansen in just under two hours to visit Hiroshima, a city that honours its past while embracing peace.
The Peace Memorial Park and Museum are moving experiences, and nearby Miyajima Island, with its floating torii gate, is one of Japan’s most iconic sights.
RELATED blog post to read: 2 Days in Hiroshima Itinerary: The Ultimate Japan Guide
4. Hakone – Onsen Retreat and Mount Fuji Views
If you’re craving relaxation, head to Hakone, a serene town known for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
Enjoy a traditional ryokan stay, soak in an onsen, and ride the scenic Hakone Ropeway. From Kyoto, take the Shinkansen to Odawara and transfer to local transport.
RELATED blog post to read: Everything You Need to Know About Climbing Mount Fuji
5. Tokyo – Japan’s Electric Capital
No Japan trip is complete without time in Tokyo.
Around 2.5 hours from Kyoto by Shinkansen, Tokyo dazzles with its mix of futuristic tech, ancient temples, world-class dining, and unique neighbourhoods.
From Shibuya to Asakusa, there’s something for every kind of traveller.
RELATED blog post to read: The Best 23 Things To See In Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto is a Feast for the Senses
Kyoto is not just a destination, it’s an experience. From the hush of a bamboo forest to the silence of a tea ceremony, and the subtle flavours of a yudofu meal, this city invites you to slow down and savour every moment.
Dining in Kyoto isn’t just about food; it’s about tradition, art, and the beauty of impermanence.
Whether you’re indulging in a multi-course kaiseki dinner or grabbing a matcha latte near a temple, you’ll find that every meal in Kyoto tells a story.
Come hungry, and leave with a full heart after dining at the best Japanese restaurants in Kyoto.
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- Japan Rail Pass Review: The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Trains
- The Best 23 Things To See In Tokyo, Japan
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