Guidebook for Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi
Food Scene
A traditional izakaya setting on the first floor, where guests sit at the counter which ropes around the center open kitchen. A variety of sake and LOTS of little dishes to go with that sake. English menu available. May have to wait in line during peak times.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Gion Yuki
111-1 TominagachōA traditional izakaya setting on the first floor, where guests sit at the counter which ropes around the center open kitchen. A variety of sake and LOTS of little dishes to go with that sake. English menu available. May have to wait in line during peak times.
Traditional Japanese restaurant at the end of the block. The food is always fantastic and the service is great! Come try traditional home cooked Japanese food~
(Thank you for all your good feedback. Yutaka Ya is closed as of October 2017.)
Yutakaya
108-6 RokurochōTraditional Japanese restaurant at the end of the block. The food is always fantastic and the service is great! Come try traditional home cooked Japanese food~
(Thank you for all your good feedback. Yutaka Ya is closed as of October 2017.)
Our neighborhood bakery on our same block, across the street from Happy Rokuhara grocery store. Closed on weekends.
六波羅おやつ堂
110-4 RokurochōOur neighborhood bakery on our same block, across the street from Happy Rokuhara grocery store. Closed on weekends.
Probably the best takoyaki (battered squid balls) you'll ever have! Lots of different flavors.
Gojōbashihigashi 2-chōme, １５−２
Probably the best takoyaki (battered squid balls) you'll ever have! Lots of different flavors.
Japanese-style Chinese food chain. There are lots of branches around town. Known for gyoza dumplings, fried rice, ramen noodles, and an assortment of stirfried dishes. Excellent bargain for a savory meal.
Gionmachi Minamigawa, ５４０−３
Japanese-style Chinese food chain. There are lots of branches around town. Known for gyoza dumplings, fried rice, ramen noodles, and an assortment of stirfried dishes. Excellent bargain for a savory meal.
Cafe that's known for their Japanese sweets made with maccha green tea powder. An excellent stopover before or after meals~
Higashiyama Saryo
4-chōme-448 GojōbashihigashiCafe that's known for their Japanese sweets made with maccha green tea powder. An excellent stopover before or after meals~
Just around the corner from our block is this cozy restaurant that serves high quality Japanese-style French and Italian cuisine. A good wine selection. Reservation recommended.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Korisu
101 RokurochōJust around the corner from our block is this cozy restaurant that serves high quality Japanese-style French and Italian cuisine. A good wine selection. Reservation recommended.
A cafe/restaurant/bakery around the corner that serves light meals, a good cup of coffee, and their yummy breads. There are a few tables and chairs set outside - good for sunny days and happy days. Open: 11am-11pm
Rokurocho
A cafe/restaurant/bakery around the corner that serves light meals, a good cup of coffee, and their yummy breads. There are a few tables and chairs set outside - good for sunny days and happy days. Open: 11am-11pm
Our neighborhood Chinese restaurant, where, among other popular dishes, you can try curry flavored ramen noodles~ Open: 11am-10pm
六波羅飯店
Our neighborhood Chinese restaurant, where, among other popular dishes, you can try curry flavored ramen noodles~ Open: 11am-10pm
Beautifully presented french cuisine served in a traditional Kyoto machiya wooden house, which was renovated from an antique soy sauce shop and is a registered Japanese cultural treasure. Also try its sister establishment at Arashiyama. Reservation recommended.
旅籠屋貴匠桜
Beautifully presented french cuisine served in a traditional Kyoto machiya wooden house, which was renovated from an antique soy sauce shop and is a registered Japanese cultural treasure. Also try its sister establishment at Arashiyama. Reservation recommended.
Of course when one is in Kyoto, one has to try the traditional Kaiseki Ryori. As the top decadent dining experience Kaiseki is often lavishly expensive. Not so with Michelin 1 Star Sangencha, which is a place you want to keep coming back to but doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. An exquisite experience. Lunch is particularly a bargain. Be sure to reserve in advance.
605-0073
Of course when one is in Kyoto, one has to try the traditional Kaiseki Ryori. As the top decadent dining experience Kaiseki is often lavishly expensive. Not so with Michelin 1 Star Sangencha, which is a place you want to keep coming back to but doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. An exquisite experience. Lunch is particularly a bargain. Be sure to reserve in advance.
One of the top craft coffee shops in Kyoto, and highly recommended by our guests. 5 minutes of stroll from our apartment and a quaint setting for a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Dongree
One of the top craft coffee shops in Kyoto, and highly recommended by our guests. 5 minutes of stroll from our apartment and a quaint setting for a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
How delightful that the granddaddy maker of green tea has opened up a cafe in Kyoto, and right inside Kyoto Station! Nakamura Tokichi is brilliant at making delicious foods by infusing their own maccha green tea powder. Whether you have a bowl of their maccha noodles or not, the things to go for are their maccha sweets... particularly their maccha parfait... please have another for me, too.
Might have to wait for seating when going during peak meal times.
23 personas locales recomiendan
Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station
Higashishiokōjichō Shimogyo WardHow delightful that the granddaddy maker of green tea has opened up a cafe in Kyoto, and right inside Kyoto Station! Nakamura Tokichi is brilliant at making delicious foods by infusing their own maccha green tea powder. Whether you have a bowl of their maccha noodles or not, the things to go for are their maccha sweets... particularly their maccha parfait... please have another for me, too.
Might have to wait for seating when going during peak meal times.
A small Japanese-style tea house right next to Chion-in Temple, En offers the quintessential Japanese tea ceremony experience, featuring tatami mat tea rooms, kimono-clad waitresses, and English-speaking staff. Reservation required.
Open Mon - Sun: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
http://www.teaceremonyen.com/
7 personas locales recomiendan
Tea ceremony En
272 MatsubarachōA small Japanese-style tea house right next to Chion-in Temple, En offers the quintessential Japanese tea ceremony experience, featuring tatami mat tea rooms, kimono-clad waitresses, and English-speaking staff. Reservation required.
Open Mon - Sun: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
http://www.teaceremonyen.com/
My secret late night go-to spot for over twenty years. It's an okonomiyaki (some call this the Japanese pizza) and yakisoba (stir fry noodles) shop run by a smiley 80 some year old grandma and her staff.
Sit at the teppanyaki counter when you come in. Everything is in Japanese so you'll have to look around and maybe point to what local customers are having. The default choices are any flavor of their okonomiyaki or yakisoba. Place your food order with a beer, sit back, and watch the action start on the teppanyaki in front of you. Grandma makes her own iced tea, and it's on the house~
Closed on Fridays and one Thursday of every month.
お好み焼福助
My secret late night go-to spot for over twenty years. It's an okonomiyaki (some call this the Japanese pizza) and yakisoba (stir fry noodles) shop run by a smiley 80 some year old grandma and her staff.
Sit at the teppanyaki counter when you come in. Everything is in Japanese so you'll have to look around and maybe point to what local customers are having. The default choices are any flavor of their okonomiyaki or yakisoba. Place your food order with a beer, sit back, and watch the action start on the teppanyaki in front of you. Grandma makes her own iced tea, and it's on the house~
Closed on Fridays and one Thursday of every month.
Irodori is a small place on the other side of Kenninji Temple, and about 5 minutes of walk from the apartment. It services sashimi, fried skewer items, and a variety of alcohol. The staff is friendly and eager to engage foreign visitors. I enjoy coming here because it's one of the few no-smoking hangouts. Convenient and good ambience~
Enoteca Irodori
Irodori is a small place on the other side of Kenninji Temple, and about 5 minutes of walk from the apartment. It services sashimi, fried skewer items, and a variety of alcohol. The staff is friendly and eager to engage foreign visitors. I enjoy coming here because it's one of the few no-smoking hangouts. Convenient and good ambience~
Essentials
It's great having a grocery store right next to the apartment. Japanese grocery stores have a great ready-made food section, you can have your pick of picnic foods here before you set off for that green patch~ Open: 9:30am-8pm
41 personas locales recomiendan
Happy Rokuhara
110 RokurochōIt's great having a grocery store right next to the apartment. Japanese grocery stores have a great ready-made food section, you can have your pick of picnic foods here before you set off for that green patch~ Open: 9:30am-8pm
Something not to be missed in Japan is its convenience stores, and Seven-Eleven among their best. Check out their ready-made food section and their drinks selection - everyone wants one down the street! 7-11 is particularly marked because of its 24-hr ATM!!!!!
24 personas locales recomiendan
7-Eleven Kyoto Higashiyama Gojo
五条橋東-2-7 東山区Something not to be missed in Japan is its convenience stores, and Seven-Eleven among their best. Check out their ready-made food section and their drinks selection - everyone wants one down the street! 7-11 is particularly marked because of its 24-hr ATM!!!!!
Grocery store chain Fresco has a few branches within 10 minutes of walk from our apartment. This one is the closest. An alternative to Happy Rokuhara grocery store, which is right next to the apartment.
79 personas locales recomiendan
Fresco Higashiyama Yasui
72 TamamizuchōGrocery store chain Fresco has a few branches within 10 minutes of walk from our apartment. This one is the closest. An alternative to Happy Rokuhara grocery store, which is right next to the apartment.
A Japanese drug store is as fascinating as its convenience store. Besides the essential drugs, shampoos and cosmetics galore!
Daikoku Drug is right in front of Exit 4 of Kiyomizu-Gojo Keihan Rail station.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Daikoku Drug Keihan Gojo Station
8-chōme-438 MiyagawasujiA Japanese drug store is as fascinating as its convenience store. Besides the essential drugs, shampoos and cosmetics galore!
Daikoku Drug is right in front of Exit 4 of Kiyomizu-Gojo Keihan Rail station.
Sightseeing
One of the oldest temples in Kyoto is just three blocks away. As the headquarters of the Renzai Sect of Zen Buddhism, this is a grand temple, but is tucked away and hidden from busy crowds. Certainly visit during the daytime, when you can enter the buildings to see its beautifully manicured garden and the dragon mural; but also come back after dinner, when the grounds are still open for passersby, for a night stroll in Kenninji. A must see.
173 personas locales recomiendan
Kennin-ji Temple Hatto
584 KomatsuchōOne of the oldest temples in Kyoto is just three blocks away. As the headquarters of the Renzai Sect of Zen Buddhism, this is a grand temple, but is tucked away and hidden from busy crowds. Certainly visit during the daytime, when you can enter the buildings to see its beautifully manicured garden and the dragon mural; but also come back after dinner, when the grounds are still open for passersby, for a night stroll in Kenninji. A must see.
Rokudochinnoji Temple is a small temple in the neighborhood that people would visit alongside Kenninji Temple, as it belongs to the same school as Kenninji. It is well-known to the Japanese as the temple has a well that, according to legend, serves as a passage to the underworld. If you're not into legends, then give this a miss.
10 personas locales recomiendan
Rokudochinnoji
Komatsuchō Higashiyama WardRokudochinnoji Temple is a small temple in the neighborhood that people would visit alongside Kenninji Temple, as it belongs to the same school as Kenninji. It is well-known to the Japanese as the temple has a well that, according to legend, serves as a passage to the underworld. If you're not into legends, then give this a miss.
An old Geisha street that is beautiful, broad, and stone-laid... and also extremely crowded at all times of the day. Hanamikoji Street and its myriad of alleys are lined with Kyoto's traditional machiya wooden houses and restaurants that serve high-end Kyoto cuisine. Be respectful of the Geishas if you see them walking down the street. Many tourists crowd them with camera lenses big and small.
173 personas locales recomiendan
Hanamikoji Street
Gionmachi Minamigawa Higashiyama WardAn old Geisha street that is beautiful, broad, and stone-laid... and also extremely crowded at all times of the day. Hanamikoji Street and its myriad of alleys are lined with Kyoto's traditional machiya wooden houses and restaurants that serve high-end Kyoto cuisine. Be respectful of the Geishas if you see them walking down the street. Many tourists crowd them with camera lenses big and small.
The Toyokuni Shrine is within a ten-minute walk from our apartment. It was constructed more than 400 years ago to commemorate the Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It was closed soon after by the rival Tokugawa family, and then reopened more than 250 years later, towards the end of the 19th Century. Today, it stands as a national treasure of Japan and is a quiet getaway from the touristy part of the neighborhood.
Come here right before sunset, when the warm afternoon light paints over the grand wooden gate, casting solemn austerity over this piece of Japan's national treasure.
28 personas locales recomiendan
Toyokuni Shrine
530 ChayachōThe Toyokuni Shrine is within a ten-minute walk from our apartment. It was constructed more than 400 years ago to commemorate the Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It was closed soon after by the rival Tokugawa family, and then reopened more than 250 years later, towards the end of the 19th Century. Today, it stands as a national treasure of Japan and is a quiet getaway from the touristy part of the neighborhood.
Come here right before sunset, when the warm afternoon light paints over the grand wooden gate, casting solemn austerity over this piece of Japan's national treasure.
Right next to the Kyoto National Museum, Sanjusangendo is a very unique temple. It is the largest wooden structure in Japan, and is surrounded by a nicely laid walking path amid gardens around its premises. Once you step inside the building, the display of 1000 life-sized Kannon bodhisattvas will wow you. A must see even if it's not 10 minutes of walk away (but it is).
549 personas locales recomiendan
Rengeoin Sanjusangendo
657 SanjūsangendōmawariRight next to the Kyoto National Museum, Sanjusangendo is a very unique temple. It is the largest wooden structure in Japan, and is surrounded by a nicely laid walking path amid gardens around its premises. Once you step inside the building, the display of 1000 life-sized Kannon bodhisattvas will wow you. A must see even if it's not 10 minutes of walk away (but it is).
Nishiki Market is where the Kyoto locals shop for ready-made foods. Come and snack along the street stalls. Often crowded but Nishiki and its surrounding of downtown Kyoto are definitely worth a visit. 20 minutes of walk from the apartment.
912 personas locales recomiendan
Nishiki Market Shopping District
Nishidaimonjichō Nakagyo WardNishiki Market is where the Kyoto locals shop for ready-made foods. Come and snack along the street stalls. Often crowded but Nishiki and its surrounding of downtown Kyoto are definitely worth a visit. 20 minutes of walk from the apartment.
A UNESCO Heritage site established in 874, Daigoji Temple sits in the southeastern hills of Kyoto, on the way to Nara. Its extensive grounds and surrounding fauna makes this visit an unequivocal reverence to nature and a man's place in it. After you've admired the timeless serenity of its manicured gardens and its wealth of cultural treasures, take a hike towards Kami-Daigo and let nature showcase its beauty~
Most appreciated for the spring and autumn seasons.
160 personas locales recomiendan
Daigo-ji Temple
22 DaigohigashiōjichōA UNESCO Heritage site established in 874, Daigoji Temple sits in the southeastern hills of Kyoto, on the way to Nara. Its extensive grounds and surrounding fauna makes this visit an unequivocal reverence to nature and a man's place in it. After you've admired the timeless serenity of its manicured gardens and its wealth of cultural treasures, take a hike towards Kami-Daigo and let nature showcase its beauty~
Most appreciated for the spring and autumn seasons.
Arts & Culture
Ii (pronounced yi-yi) Museum is the only institution of its kind in Japan that's dedicated to Japanese armors and weapons, as well as their historical research. If you're into shoguns, samurais, and the Japanese Sengoku time period of warlords, be sure to make it to Ii Museum.
Ii Art Museum
564 KomatsuchōIi (pronounced yi-yi) Museum is the only institution of its kind in Japan that's dedicated to Japanese armors and weapons, as well as their historical research. If you're into shoguns, samurais, and the Japanese Sengoku time period of warlords, be sure to make it to Ii Museum.
Kyoto National Museum is an easy 10-minute stroll away, and good on a rainy day (or if you just need some variety from the temples). The regular exhibitions include kimonos, statues, ceramics, and paintings. Be sure to check what the special exhibitions are before you go~
513 personas locales recomiendan
Museo Nacional de Kioto
527 ChayachōKyoto National Museum is an easy 10-minute stroll away, and good on a rainy day (or if you just need some variety from the temples). The regular exhibitions include kimonos, statues, ceramics, and paintings. Be sure to check what the special exhibitions are before you go~
Newly opened in Spring 2016, Kyoto Railway Museum has been a hit! Children love this huge and interactive museum. Steam locomotives are especially a favorite. There is a canteen in the building serving a variety of Western and Japanese cuisine, AND a good view of the tracks of nearby Kyoto Station -- do stay a bit~
286 personas locales recomiendan
Museo Ferroviario de Kyoto
Kankijicho Shimogyo WardNewly opened in Spring 2016, Kyoto Railway Museum has been a hit! Children love this huge and interactive museum. Steam locomotives are especially a favorite. There is a canteen in the building serving a variety of Western and Japanese cuisine, AND a good view of the tracks of nearby Kyoto Station -- do stay a bit~
Getting Around
10 minutes of walk away, Gojo Cycle is the largest bicycle rental around, so you will bound to find a bike here to take you around town (Be sure to give a heads up if you're visiting during peak season). Daily rental is 800 yen and up. Discount on two or more days. Closed on wednesdays
795-4 Nishihashizumechō
10 minutes of walk away, Gojo Cycle is the largest bicycle rental around, so you will bound to find a bike here to take you around town (Be sure to give a heads up if you're visiting during peak season). Daily rental is 800 yen and up. Discount on two or more days. Closed on wednesdays
This Toyota Rental Car is about 10 minutes of walk from our apartment, at the southwest corner of Gojo and Kamogawa River. Reservation needed. Please note that there is no parking space at the apartment.
6 personas locales recomiendan
TOYOTA Rent A Car - Gojo Ohashi
16-21 MiedōchōThis Toyota Rental Car is about 10 minutes of walk from our apartment, at the southwest corner of Gojo and Kamogawa River. Reservation needed. Please note that there is no parking space at the apartment.
Kiyomizu-Gojo station on the Keihan Railway system is 9 minutes of walk away from the apartment. This line offers easy access to Fushimi Inari Shrine (the red tori gates of Memoirs of a Geisha fame), Tofuku-ji Temple (a best viewing spot for autumn foliage), and the hikes along Momoyama. This line also leads to transfers to the northern hills of Ohara (hidden away temples like Sanzenin), Kurama (hot spring), and Mt. Hiei-zan (sacred Buddhism sanctuary).
142 personas locales recomiendan
Kiyomizu-Gojō Station
Miyagawasuji-8-chōme Higashiyama WardKiyomizu-Gojo station on the Keihan Railway system is 9 minutes of walk away from the apartment. This line offers easy access to Fushimi Inari Shrine (the red tori gates of Memoirs of a Geisha fame), Tofuku-ji Temple (a best viewing spot for autumn foliage), and the hikes along Momoyama. This line also leads to transfers to the northern hills of Ohara (hidden away temples like Sanzenin), Kurama (hot spring), and Mt. Hiei-zan (sacred Buddhism sanctuary).
Nearest bus stop that's 3 minutes of walk away. This is a busy stop on the avenue of Higashiyama Ooji. Direct access to JR Kyoto Station, Golden Pavilion, Imperial Castle, Arashiyama, etc.
35 personas locales recomiendan
Kiyomizu-michi station
Tatsumichō Higashiyama WardNearest bus stop that's 3 minutes of walk away. This is a busy stop on the avenue of Higashiyama Ooji. Direct access to JR Kyoto Station, Golden Pavilion, Imperial Castle, Arashiyama, etc.
JR Kyoto Station is the main arrival station in Kyoto for the Bullet Train (Shinkansen) and the Haruka train from Kansai/Osaka airport as well as many local railways and buses. From here, taxi is the easiest way to get to our apartment and, depending on traffic, usually takes about 10 minutes with a cost of about 1,000 yen.
1291 personas locales recomiendan
Kyoto Station
Higashishiokōji Kamadonochō Shimogyo WardJR Kyoto Station is the main arrival station in Kyoto for the Bullet Train (Shinkansen) and the Haruka train from Kansai/Osaka airport as well as many local railways and buses. From here, taxi is the easiest way to get to our apartment and, depending on traffic, usually takes about 10 minutes with a cost of about 1,000 yen.
Terminus stop of the Hankyu Railway system in downtown Kyoto. The other end of this local rail line is Osaka Station. This is about 15 minutes of walk from our apartment.
285 personas locales recomiendan
Kawaramachi Station
Otabichō Shimogyo WardTerminus stop of the Hankyu Railway system in downtown Kyoto. The other end of this local rail line is Osaka Station. This is about 15 minutes of walk from our apartment.
Shopping
Across the KamoGawa River, the intersection of Shijo and Kawaramachi is the busiest intersection downtown. It's a 15-min walk from the apartment, and your one-stop shop for all your shopping needs. A good place to buy food/sake souvenirs is at the basement of Takashimaya Department Store. For your gastronomic urges, Pontacho alley and Nishiki Market are both in its immediate vicinity~
32 personas locales recomiendan
Shijokawaramachi Bus Stop station
Shinchō Shimogyo WardAcross the KamoGawa River, the intersection of Shijo and Kawaramachi is the busiest intersection downtown. It's a 15-min walk from the apartment, and your one-stop shop for all your shopping needs. A good place to buy food/sake souvenirs is at the basement of Takashimaya Department Store. For your gastronomic urges, Pontacho alley and Nishiki Market are both in its immediate vicinity~
Entertainment & Activities
My favorite neighborhood sento public bathhouse that has a lavender pool and a sauna room~
You might be more familiar with the concept of the Turkish or Roman bath, the sento is a quintessential Japanese experience.
Don't be bashful, "immerse" yourself~
大黒湯
My favorite neighborhood sento public bathhouse that has a lavender pool and a sauna room~
You might be more familiar with the concept of the Turkish or Roman bath, the sento is a quintessential Japanese experience.
Don't be bashful, "immerse" yourself~