Update-date: Dec 27 2024
Nijo Castle, which has about 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties, hosts a cherry blossom festival every spring. The Kyoto Gyoen, a vast area of about 100 hectares surrounding the Imperial Palace, boasts around 1,100 cherry trees in full bloom. This introduction highlights recommended Japanese restaurants near these two spots where the history of Kyoto harmonizes with cherry blossom scenery, perfect for hanami days.
See full listings of Sushi, Japanese Cuisine, and Unagi (eel) restaurants found in and around Kyoto.
Unagi Sansho Gokyo
A hearty eel rice dish in a modern space with jazz music playing.
Unagi Sansho Gokyo is a modern restaurant specializing in eel, located just a 3-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station. Their proud unaju and hitsumabushi are made with a focus on eel, rice, and sauce, offering a generous portion that is very satisfying. A unique feature not found in other restaurants is the topping of chirimen sansho (small fish simmered with sansho in a soy sauce flavor) on the rice, which enhances the flavor of the eel with its rich sansho aroma.
The interior features a space with dimmed lighting and jazz music playing, creating a calm bar-like atmosphere. The drinks enjoyed with the eel include rare local beers from Kyoto and carefully selected sake from Kyoto breweries. The 'Sake Tasting Set' that allows guests to enjoy a comparison of local sake from Kyoto is also recommended. Additionally, the appeal lies in the ability to taste the popular Japanese sweets 'Mizumaru Mochi' from the well-known chain that has been trending on social media.
Unagi Sansho Gogyou
Open: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Address: 1F, Oike Royal Mansion, 137-3, Shikiami-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Address: 1F, Oike Royal Mansion, 137-3, Shikiami-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Kyoto Cuisine Tatekami
Enjoy seasonal flavors and colors with a traditional Kyoto cuisine course
Just an 8-minute walk from both Marutamachi Station and Nijojo-mae Station, Kyo Ryori Tachigami is a restaurant where one can enjoy a course of Kyoto cuisine in a setting that embodies traditional Japanese aesthetics. The appeal of Kyoto cuisine lies not only in its flavors but also in the beautiful presentation and colors that reflect the seasons. While savoring sake that pairs well with the dishes, guests can delight in a series of plates including appetizers, sashimi, clear soup, black wagyu steak, and tempura, enjoying both the visual and taste experiences.
The restaurant is located just off the intersection of Horikawa Marutamachi Station. Its small entrance and deep layout evoke a traditional Kyoto atmosphere. Inside, there are counter seats where guests can enjoy watching the cooking process, as well as private rooms that can accommodate small groups (additional usage fee). The private rooms have tatami flooring, but they feature either sunken kotatsu-style seating or chairs, allowing guests to stretch out and relax comfortably.
Kyo-ryori Tategami
Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm) Open if the regular closing day is a National Holiday
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: It is near the Horikawa-Marutamachi intersection
Address: 24-1, Aburakoji-nishiiru-marutamachi, Marutamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: It is near the Horikawa-Marutamachi intersection
Address: 24-1, Aburakoji-nishiiru-marutamachi, Marutamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Kyoto Stand Kiyokiyo Sanjo Shinseien
Enjoying Kyoto's local sake and obanzai in a casual standing bar style.
Located a 5-minute walk from Omiya Station and within walking distance of Nijo Castle and Shinseen-en, the Kyoto Stand Kiyokiyo Sanjo Shinseen branch offers a wide variety of obanzai and Kyoto sake in a standing bar style. If unsure about what to order, it is recommended to start with the 'Recommended 5 Types Platter.' There is also a set available to compare 3 types of sake from over 30 varieties.
The interior of the restaurant features a stylish design and is open from 2 PM, creating a welcoming atmosphere for women dining alone. The height of the counter and tables is designed for comfort, allowing guests to relax even while standing. There are also a few chairs available, so it's possible to take a seat if one gets tired. In addition to alcohol, green tea and other beverages are offered, making it a casual spot to drop by like a café.
Kyoto Stand Kiyokiyo Sanjo Shinsen Branch
Open: Dinner 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Omiya Station. Go north on Omiya-dori street. Turn left into Rokkaku-dori Street, then turn right into Shinsenen-dori Street. It is on the right side.
Address: 91-15, Imashinzaike Higashi-machi, Sanjo-sagaru, Shinsenen-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Omiya Station. Go north on Omiya-dori street. Turn left into Rokkaku-dori Street, then turn right into Shinsenen-dori Street. It is on the right side.
Address: 91-15, Imashinzaike Higashi-machi, Sanjo-sagaru, Shinsenen-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Kirakutei
Enjoy seasonal fish and local vegetables in a restaurant designed to evoke the atmosphere of a public bath.
Located just a one-minute walk from Marutamachi Station and near the Kyoto Gyoen, Kirakutei is an izakaya where one can enjoy Japanese creative cuisine made with seasonal fish, local chicken, and fresh vegetables. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including the 'Toro Box Mori' featuring sashimi made from fresh fish caught that morning at Maizuru Port, seasonal obanzai made with vegetables from Ohara, and a rich selection of Kyoto Tanba chicken dishes, including sashimi, grilled items, and fried dishes.
The interior is designed to evoke the atmosphere of a public bath, creating a relaxing space. There are counter seats available, making it easy for individuals to drop by without hesitation. A wide variety of local sake and shochu from all over the country is also available, so guests can enjoy pairing them with their meals. For lunch, they can enjoy simple set meals, udon, and rice bowls. Takeout bento is also available, making it a great option to enjoy while cherry blossom viewing.
Kirakutei
Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holiday, Day before Nationsl Holiday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm, Drink L.O. 11:00 pm) [Wednesday - Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Closed: There may be irregular Monday holidays.
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 750 JPY
Access: A 1-minute walk from Marutamachi station on the Karasuma subway line
Address: Christer Plaza M1F , 215 Karasu Maru Takeya-cho Agaru Okura-cho, Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Closed: There may be irregular Monday holidays.
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 750 JPY
Access: A 1-minute walk from Marutamachi station on the Karasuma subway line
Address: Christer Plaza M1F , 215 Karasu Maru Takeya-cho Agaru Okura-cho, Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Fukukichi
Enjoy sushi and omakase courses in a 120-year-old Kyoto machiya.
Fukukichi, located an 18-minute walk from Imadegawa Station, is a Japanese restaurant renowned for its sushi. The sushi and a la carte dishes are exceptional, made with high-quality ingredients such as seasonal fresh fish carefully selected from various regions of Japan and rice that the chef personally inspects at the production site. A diverse selection of beverages, including wine and sake that pair well with Japanese cuisine, is also available, allowing guests to encounter different drinks depending on the season.
The exterior of the restaurant, which has been renovated from a 120-year-old machiya, retains its traditional appearance, exuding a distinctly Kyoto atmosphere. Upon entering the restaurant, there are counter seats with a modern arrangement based on Japanese aesthetics, allowing guests to enjoy watching the dishes being prepared right in front of them. For those who wish to experience more of Japan's essence, a private room with traditional Japanese decor is highly recommended.
Fukuyoshi
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) *Only Japanese tatami room is available at lunch time. / Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 28,000 JPY / [Lunch] 11,000 JPY
Access: 18-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
Address: Yakunin-cho, Kuromon Higashi-iri, Nakadachiuri-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
More Details Reservation
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 28,000 JPY / [Lunch] 11,000 JPY
Access: 18-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
Address: Yakunin-cho, Kuromon Higashi-iri, Nakadachiuri-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
This article was written by AI Translation.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
