After Enjoying the Gion Festival, Come Here! 5 Restaurants Full of the Charm of the Ancient Capital｜Kyoto Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 10 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Kyoto

After Enjoying the Gion Festival, Come Here! 5 Restaurants Full of the Charm of the Ancient Capital｜Kyoto

One of the three major festivals in Japan, the Gion Festival. The main event is the Yamaboko Junko (procession of floats), where the mountains and floats that were displayed in the parish area of Yasaka Shrine parade through the city (divided into the schedule of the first and second festivals). After enjoying this summer tradition of Kyoto, you would surely want to conclude the evening at a place where you can fully savor the elegance and flavors of Kyoto. This time, we will introduce five special restaurants that fulfill such a wish.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Shijo [Kappo KyuKyu]

Perfect for a kaiseki debut. A variety of heartwarming dishes featuring traditional ingredients from Kyoto

Japanese restaurant Kappo KyuKyu is a 7-minute walk from Shijo Station on the subway. It is a place where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine, which is adorned with traditional ingredients from Kyoto and seasonal delicacies from all over the country, in a 'course' with a mix of slow and fast-paced dishes. There are also many hearty menu items, such as the 'Charcoal Grilled Beef Fillet,' which is made with carefully selected high-quality domestic beef and grilled to perfection over charcoal. It is supported by a wide range of age groups.

After enjoying the Gion Festival, come here! 5 shops full of the charm of the ancient capital｜kyoto

To deliver the unique live cooking experience of a traditional Japanese restaurant, seating is limited to six counter seats. The warm space, utilizing the warmth of wood, and the heartfelt hospitality provide a comfortable atmosphere. Many of the dishes are served on Shimizu-yaki pottery, showcasing a dedication to presentation. A wide selection of unique Japanese sake is also available, allowing you to enjoy flavors that complement the cuisine.

Kappo Kyukyu

Open: [Sunday - Tuesday,Thursday - Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (last order 9:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
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2. Shijo [Wine-dou]

A hidden wine bar presents a meeting of seasonal Kyoto cuisine and Italian wine

Just a 2-minute walk from either Subway Shijo Station or Hankyu Karasuma Station, making it extremely convenient to access. Located in the best position to enjoy the Gion Festival, Wine-dou boasts seasonal Kyoto cuisine paired with Italian wine. With a rich selection of wines, 20 to 30 varieties are always available by the glass. Enjoy the perfect marriage with authentic Japanese cuisine.

The chic interior features mainly counter seats at the open kitchen, as well as table seats where groups can relax. By the window, which offers a view of the charming street, there are bar tables for two to have a conversation. Being close to Shijo Street, you might even hear the sounds of festivals and traditional music while enjoying your drinks.

Wine-dou

Open: [Weekday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am / Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last order 2:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
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3. Shijo [Ippin Hashinaga]

Exquisite Japanese cuisine that lets you feel the seasons. Enjoy the seasonal transitions unique to Kyoto with your eyes and palate.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Subway Shijo Station or Hankyu Karasuma Station, [Ippin Hashinaga] offers exquisite Kyoto cuisine that lavishly uses seasonal Kyoto vegetables and fresh seafood mainly from the Seto Inland Sea. The chef's skill in bringing out the best flavors of the ingredients is superb. You can enjoy a unique world that pays attention to every detail, including the combination of ingredients and beautiful presentation.

If you want to immerse yourself in the elegant atmosphere of the modern Japanese interior, the counter seats where you can enjoy the chef's skillful techniques are recommended. If you're tired from walking around the Gion Festival, the semi-private rooms with horigotatsu-style seating, where you can stretch your legs comfortably, are ideal. Warm hospitality also provides the ultimate relaxation. Be sure to toast with the fine sake, primarily from Kyoto's local breweries, but also selected from breweries across the country.

Ippin Hashinaga

Open: [Sunday,Monday,Wednesday - Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm / Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
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4. In front of Kyoto City Hall [Tomikoji Tempura (fried seafood and vegetables) Matsui]

Kyoto-style tempura (fried seafood and vegetables) perfected through training at renowned restaurants. Enjoy it freshly fried as a course or à la carte.

A 5-minute walk from the subway Kyoto City Hall Station, which is also part of the Gion Festival's Yamaboko Junko route, [Tomikoji Tempura Matsui] offers a tempura (fried seafood and vegetables) course featuring carefully selected Kyoto ingredients of the day. The tempura (fried seafood and vegetables) is delicately fried in low-temperature oil, resulting in a crispy and light batter that highlights the deliciousness of the ingredients.

The spacious interior, with its long counter made of fresh white wood, offers a pleasant atmosphere. You can thoroughly enjoy the course meals served at just the right timing. In addition to Kyoto's local sake, a selection of seasonal drinks is also available. From 8 PM, you can order individual items (with an additional cover charge), but the all-you-can-drink option is only available as an add-on to the course.

Tominokoji Tempura Matsui

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: From Karasuma Oike Station, take Exit 5 and head east on Sanjo Street, then turn right at Tominokoji Street, and it's a one-minute walk.
Address: 1F, Tominokoji Mansion, 540, Asakura-cho, Sanjo-sagaru, Tominokoji, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

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5. Karasuma Oike [ORTO]

Astonishingly beautiful dish! Enjoy a course featuring around 40 different ingredients centered on Kyoto vegetables

Astonishingly beautiful dish! Enjoy a course featuring around 40 different ingredients, with a focus on Kyoto vegetables.

An 8-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the subway, convenient for viewing the Gion Festival 'Ato Matsuri' floats. As the name of the restaurant, which means 'garden' in Italian, suggests, you can enjoy dishes made with carefully selected ingredients, mainly vegetables from the chef's hometown of Kumiyama City in Kyoto Prefecture. The seasonal vegetables and herbs featured in a single course number over 40 varieties. Of course, the fish and meat dishes are also exquisite.

The interior of the store combines the charm of a Kyoto townhouse over 100 years old with the openness of a high ceiling in a modern Japanese style. The space is meticulously designed, featuring original chandeliers made from driftwood for the lighting. In addition to wine, the pairing courses that include sake and cocktails are also a topic of conversation. You are sure to enjoy the best moment.

ORTO

Open: [Sunday - Tuesday,Thursday - Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 6:30 pm - (last order 8:00 pm)
Closed: Other irregular holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 15,000 JPY
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.