Guidebook for Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Sean
Guidebook for Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Food Scene

Best Indian food I've maybe ever had. Great for vegetarians. But if you eat meat, I love their lamb dishes too. All you can drink chai for 300¥, though beer goes down well with the meals too. It's on the north side of Oshikoji, just east of Ainomachi. Just a little bit east on the southeast corner of Takakuradori and Oshikoji is a sento, a traditional Japanese bathhouse.
Tadka
138 Sakyōchō
Best Indian food I've maybe ever had. Great for vegetarians. But if you eat meat, I love their lamb dishes too. All you can drink chai for 300¥, though beer goes down well with the meals too. It's on the north side of Oshikoji, just east of Ainomachi. Just a little bit east on the southeast corner of Takakuradori and Oshikoji is a sento, a traditional Japanese bathhouse.
My wife's soba restaurant. Serving Kyoto since 1465! The traditional building itself dates back to the late 19th century. Soba, udon, rice dishes, and traditional sweets too. Most popular are the horai soba and tenseiro (tempura with cold soba). It's on Kurumayacho, just one block east of Karasuma, on the west side, between Oshikoji and Nijo Streets.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Honke Owariya
322 Niōmontsukinukechō
29 recommandé par les habitants
My wife's soba restaurant. Serving Kyoto since 1465! The traditional building itself dates back to the late 19th century. Soba, udon, rice dishes, and traditional sweets too. Most popular are the horai soba and tenseiro (tempura with cold soba). It's on Kurumayacho, just one block east of Karasuma, on the west side, between Oshikoji and Nijo Streets.
Hafuu is a super place to try wagyu, Japanese beef. A bit pricey for course meals or even a la carte, but well worth it if you like Japanese beef. The honten (original restaurant) is on Fuyacho-dori, west side, just a little north of Ebisugawa. That is the nicest Hafuu, but around the corner on Ebisugawa, just west of Fuyacho on the north side is their second restaurant, which you can try if the honten is closed or full.
39 recommandé par les habitants
Hafuu
471-1 Sasayachō
39 recommandé par les habitants
Hafuu is a super place to try wagyu, Japanese beef. A bit pricey for course meals or even a la carte, but well worth it if you like Japanese beef. The honten (original restaurant) is on Fuyacho-dori, west side, just a little north of Ebisugawa. That is the nicest Hafuu, but around the corner on Ebisugawa, just west of Fuyacho on the north side is their second restaurant, which you can try if the honten is closed or full.
One of the oldest (and best) coffee houses in the city. Nice patio and beautiful nonsmoking room. It is on Sakaimachi dori, west side, just south of Sanjo. Just 1/2 block east of Sakaimachi on the southside of Sanjo is another Inoda's branch.
21 recommandé par les habitants
INODA COFFEE
3-chōme-334 Kiyomizu
21 recommandé par les habitants
One of the oldest (and best) coffee houses in the city. Nice patio and beautiful nonsmoking room. It is on Sakaimachi dori, west side, just south of Sanjo. Just 1/2 block east of Sakaimachi on the southside of Sanjo is another Inoda's branch.
Pontocho is a great place for drinks, especially in the summer when you can sit out and watch the sun set over the river. Great jazz bars too. A lot of restaurants, but of varying quality and expensive due to quality of location.
362 recommandé par les habitants
Pontocho Area
Kashiwayacho Nakagyo Ward
362 recommandé par les habitants
Pontocho is a great place for drinks, especially in the summer when you can sit out and watch the sun set over the river. Great jazz bars too. A lot of restaurants, but of varying quality and expensive due to quality of location.
Convivial, young vibe here with cheap food and drinks and a gallery upstairs. They have lunch specials, the beers are cheap, and it's open late. Only drawback is it can get smoky (if you are non-smokers). It is located in the basement of an old building. It's entrance is on Sanjo dori, south side, just one short block west of Teramachi. Just west of it is a Tully's Coffee if you are looking for a landmark.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Cafe Independants
56 Benkeiishichō
13 recommandé par les habitants
Convivial, young vibe here with cheap food and drinks and a gallery upstairs. They have lunch specials, the beers are cheap, and it's open late. Only drawback is it can get smoky (if you are non-smokers). It is located in the basement of an old building. It's entrance is on Sanjo dori, south side, just one short block west of Teramachi. Just west of it is a Tully's Coffee if you are looking for a landmark.
Classic Showa-era coffee house. Strong coffee, old fashioned atmosphere. It is located in the Teramachi arcade, just 1 1/2 blocks south of Oike, on the west side.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Smart Coffee
537 Tenshōjimaechō
13 recommandé par les habitants
Classic Showa-era coffee house. Strong coffee, old fashioned atmosphere. It is located in the Teramachi arcade, just 1 1/2 blocks south of Oike, on the west side.
Toraya is another famous teahouse, this one with a lovely garden. Superb cakes too, and sometimes there are exhibitions. I love their matcha. It's on Ichijo Street, just a few blocks southwest of the northwest corner of the sprawling Imperial Palace Gardens.
44 recommandé par les habitants
Toraya Karyo Ichijo
400 Hirohashidonochō
44 recommandé par les habitants
Toraya is another famous teahouse, this one with a lovely garden. Superb cakes too, and sometimes there are exhibitions. I love their matcha. It's on Ichijo Street, just a few blocks southwest of the northwest corner of the sprawling Imperial Palace Gardens.
Friendly English speaking pub with great craft beer selection and good food (especially fish and chips). Located just a little ways north of Oike on the atmospheric canal street of Kiyamachi, you'll see it on the east side.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Taigu
498 Kamikorikichō
7 recommandé par les habitants
Friendly English speaking pub with great craft beer selection and good food (especially fish and chips). Located just a little ways north of Oike on the atmospheric canal street of Kiyamachi, you'll see it on the east side.
Nice vegan burgers in an atmospheric old building. It's in the Nishiki/Tereamachi area so a little bit tricky to find. Walking south on Teramachi or Shingyokoku, once you pass the Nishiki market, the first small street after turn left (east) and you'll see a WeGo clothing store on your right. Across the way is the vegan burger restaurant, Cafe Matsuontoko.
Restaurant Ain Soph
538-6 中之町
Nice vegan burgers in an atmospheric old building. It's in the Nishiki/Tereamachi area so a little bit tricky to find. Walking south on Teramachi or Shingyokoku, once you pass the Nishiki market, the first small street after turn left (east) and you'll see a WeGo clothing store on your right. Across the way is the vegan burger restaurant, Cafe Matsuontoko.
Good choice for vegetarians as it has excellent grilled veggies. Also good for carnivores with its wagyu. To get to Isoya, walk east on Oike until you get to Kiyamachi Street. Turn right (south) and walk one very short block before turning right again. You'll see it on your left.
6 recommandé par les habitants
ISOYA
4215 Shimomaruyachō
6 recommandé par les habitants
Good choice for vegetarians as it has excellent grilled veggies. Also good for carnivores with its wagyu. To get to Isoya, walk east on Oike until you get to Kiyamachi Street. Turn right (south) and walk one very short block before turning right again. You'll see it on your left.
Highly recommended for vegetarians and vegans in the Nishiki Market area. Kind of a hidden place. In a beautiful machiya. Ignore the logo location here (it is incorrect). HaLe is located in the dense crowds of Nishiki Market. It's a little bit hard to find if you're not looking closely. It's just west of Fuyacho-dori on the north side of the Nishiki Market. It's a very narrow door with HALE written on it but if the door is open you might not see the entrance so keep a look out for a confectionary candy shop next door.
HaLe
Highly recommended for vegetarians and vegans in the Nishiki Market area. Kind of a hidden place. In a beautiful machiya. Ignore the logo location here (it is incorrect). HaLe is located in the dense crowds of Nishiki Market. It's a little bit hard to find if you're not looking closely. It's just west of Fuyacho-dori on the north side of the Nishiki Market. It's a very narrow door with HALE written on it but if the door is open you might not see the entrance so keep a look out for a confectionary candy shop next door.
Super duper cafe in a quiet spot behind a parking lot. The owners take their coffee very seriously! Weekenders is an interesting location. It's basically at the end of the parking lot, in a very narrow beautiful building turned into a cafe. It's located south of Rokkaku Street. So walking on Tominokoji Street, south of Rokkaku, you'll see an elementary school on your left and on your right a parking lot on your right, at the end of which is Weekenders.
28 recommandé par les habitants
WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI
Honeyanochō Nakagyo Ward
28 recommandé par les habitants
Super duper cafe in a quiet spot behind a parking lot. The owners take their coffee very seriously! Weekenders is an interesting location. It's basically at the end of the parking lot, in a very narrow beautiful building turned into a cafe. It's located south of Rokkaku Street. So walking on Tominokoji Street, south of Rokkaku, you'll see an elementary school on your left and on your right a parking lot on your right, at the end of which is Weekenders.
Pakuchi is quite decent Thai food and very reasonable prices. It's on the east side of Kawaramachi, just north of Marutamachi.
Thai Kitchen Pacuchi
河原町通丸太町上る-374 Masuyachō
Pakuchi is quite decent Thai food and very reasonable prices. It's on the east side of Kawaramachi, just north of Marutamachi.
Really affordable and pretty good Italian fare in an interesting atmosphere. It's three blocks west of Karasuma Street on Koromonotana-dori, just a little bit south of Nijo on the west side of the street.
Cafe & Kitchen Modern Times
245 Daionjichō
Really affordable and pretty good Italian fare in an interesting atmosphere. It's three blocks west of Karasuma Street on Koromonotana-dori, just a little bit south of Nijo on the west side of the street.
Very interesting make your own sushi restaurant in a very beautiful old building. On Takaoyakushi Street, just east of Shinmachi Street.
11 recommandé par les habitants
AWOMB 烏丸本店
189 Ubayanagichō
11 recommandé par les habitants
Very interesting make your own sushi restaurant in a very beautiful old building. On Takaoyakushi Street, just east of Shinmachi Street.
Probably my favourite coffee in Kyoto. Definitely try it if you are near the famous Kiyamizu-dera. It is on Yasaka dori, just east of the busy street of Higashi Oji.
55 recommandé par les habitants
%Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama
87-5 Hoshinochō
55 recommandé par les habitants
Probably my favourite coffee in Kyoto. Definitely try it if you are near the famous Kiyamizu-dera. It is on Yasaka dori, just east of the busy street of Higashi Oji.
A terrific vegetarian cafe in a beautiful machiya run by our friend, Kana. It's a bit north and out of the way, but has some good sightseeing in the area, like Daitokuji and the Botanical Garden. Great choice for vegans and aesthetes. Easiest way to find it would be to take the subway to Kitaoji Station and from there take a taxi to the cafe (only about 700¥ probably). Give the driver the address in Japanese: 603-8412 京都市北区紫竹下竹殿町41 Call 075-286-7296 before you go to make sure they're open (Kana speaks English)
STARDUST
A terrific vegetarian cafe in a beautiful machiya run by our friend, Kana. It's a bit north and out of the way, but has some good sightseeing in the area, like Daitokuji and the Botanical Garden. Great choice for vegans and aesthetes. Easiest way to find it would be to take the subway to Kitaoji Station and from there take a taxi to the cafe (only about 700¥ probably). Give the driver the address in Japanese: 603-8412 京都市北区紫竹下竹殿町41 Call 075-286-7296 before you go to make sure they're open (Kana speaks English)
Flip Up is perhaps the best bakery in Kyoto. I love their bagels, pizzas, and sweets. But everything is great! Just down the street too. Open at 7am, closed Sundays, Mondays. Finding Flip Up is easy. It is on Oshikoji Street, one block north of Oike, less than two blocks west of Karasuma, on the north side of the street.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Flip up
292-2 Takoyakushichō
14 recommandé par les habitants
Flip Up is perhaps the best bakery in Kyoto. I love their bagels, pizzas, and sweets. But everything is great! Just down the street too. Open at 7am, closed Sundays, Mondays. Finding Flip Up is easy. It is on Oshikoji Street, one block north of Oike, less than two blocks west of Karasuma, on the north side of the street.
Fiveran has a great selection of bakery items and a nice quiet back area for coffee and reading. The strawberry chocolate biscuit is probably my favourite sweet in Kyoto. Opens at 9am. Fiveran is located on Muromachi Street (2 blocks west of Karasuma). It is just north of Sanjo, on the east side of the street.
fiveran
377 Ennogyōjachō
Fiveran has a great selection of bakery items and a nice quiet back area for coffee and reading. The strawberry chocolate biscuit is probably my favourite sweet in Kyoto. Opens at 9am. Fiveran is located on Muromachi Street (2 blocks west of Karasuma). It is just north of Sanjo, on the east side of the street.
Menami is a classic Japanese restaurant. A little bit difficult because there is no English menu but well worth the adventure. Menami is on the nightlife street of Kiyamachi (the street with the canal and lots of trees). It is on the northeast corner of Kiyamachi and Sanjo. Look for the sign written in phonetic Japanese: めなみ
お料理めなみ
Menami is a classic Japanese restaurant. A little bit difficult because there is no English menu but well worth the adventure. Menami is on the nightlife street of Kiyamachi (the street with the canal and lots of trees). It is on the northeast corner of Kiyamachi and Sanjo. Look for the sign written in phonetic Japanese: めなみ
Kamogawa Cafe is a friendly cafe with great coffee. You should visit if you are in the area. The Kamogawa Cafe is located about ten minutes walk north of Marutamachi. To get there, from the corner of Kawaramachi, walk east on Marutamachi, turning left (north) at the first alley (one way traffic going north). At the T-junction, turn right and make a left on the next street. You'll see Kamogawa Cafe on your left after a few minutes.
Kamiikesuchō, 229
Kamogawa Cafe is a friendly cafe with great coffee. You should visit if you are in the area. The Kamogawa Cafe is located about ten minutes walk north of Marutamachi. To get there, from the corner of Kawaramachi, walk east on Marutamachi, turning left (north) at the first alley (one way traffic going north). At the T-junction, turn right and make a left on the next street. You'll see Kamogawa Cafe on your left after a few minutes.
Manmaru no Tsuki is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Kyoto. Great for okonomiyaki and Japanese-Asian fusion. Try the buta (pork) kimchi or the Caesar Salad or the grilled vegetables. The closest is on Sanjo dori, 1/2 block east of Karasuma, on the south side of the street, upstairs behind a Cafe Jinta (there is a clothing store on the 1st floor. The other location is on Nishiki Street about 1/2 block west of Karasuma on the south side of the street, 1st floor.
Manmaru No Tsuki
Umetadachō Nakagyo Ward
Manmaru no Tsuki is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Kyoto. Great for okonomiyaki and Japanese-Asian fusion. Try the buta (pork) kimchi or the Caesar Salad or the grilled vegetables. The closest is on Sanjo dori, 1/2 block east of Karasuma, on the south side of the street, upstairs behind a Cafe Jinta (there is a clothing store on the 1st floor. The other location is on Nishiki Street about 1/2 block west of Karasuma on the south side of the street, 1st floor.
Fine dining in a beautiful atmosphere. Limited but often superb menu with seating on a wonderful communal table. View of sakura trees in spring and of Kiyamachi Street below. Kiln is located a half block south of Oike on the atmospheric canal street of Kiyamachi. Just avoid on Friday and Saturday nights, unless you want nightlife as Kiyamachi is a bit wild on weekend nights.
6 recommandé par les habitants
kiln
194 Sendōchō
6 recommandé par les habitants
Fine dining in a beautiful atmosphere. Limited but often superb menu with seating on a wonderful communal table. View of sakura trees in spring and of Kiyamachi Street below. Kiln is located a half block south of Oike on the atmospheric canal street of Kiyamachi. Just avoid on Friday and Saturday nights, unless you want nightlife as Kiyamachi is a bit wild on weekend nights.
Very local, colorful Japanese restaurant with superb fish and other dishes (as well as blowfish sake!). They don't have an English menu but are accommodating to foreign guests. It's located on the southeast corner of Nijo Street and Sakaimachi.
Tsuneyadensuke
84 Kannonchō
Very local, colorful Japanese restaurant with superb fish and other dishes (as well as blowfish sake!). They don't have an English menu but are accommodating to foreign guests. It's located on the southeast corner of Nijo Street and Sakaimachi.
Mughal is a very good Indian restaurant. A little formal (and expensive) but an excellent menu and a very nice atmosphere. It is located on the east side of Kiyamachi Street just south of Oshikoji, on the second floor.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Mughal
Kamikorikichō Nakagyo Ward
8 recommandé par les habitants
Mughal is a very good Indian restaurant. A little formal (and expensive) but an excellent menu and a very nice atmosphere. It is located on the east side of Kiyamachi Street just south of Oshikoji, on the second floor.
Kirufebon is not a Kyoto institution per se, but for me at least it has the best cakes in all of Kyoto. The line to sit in their cafe can be about two hours. I always get it takeaway and it's usually the cake store of choice when it's someone's birthday. It is located on Kiyamachi, next to the canal on the west side, just one short block north of Sanjo.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Qu'il Fait Bon Kyoto
534-18 Ebisuchō
9 recommandé par les habitants
Kirufebon is not a Kyoto institution per se, but for me at least it has the best cakes in all of Kyoto. The line to sit in their cafe can be about two hours. I always get it takeaway and it's usually the cake store of choice when it's someone's birthday. It is located on Kiyamachi, next to the canal on the west side, just one short block north of Sanjo.
If you're near Demachiyanagi, near where the river forks, Felafel Garden is a great place for felafel and kabob. Very laid back, comfortable atmosphere too. Great place to be around sunset in the summer. Felafel Garden is located 1 1/2 blocks north of of Imadegawa on the right fork of the river. It's on the east side.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Falafel Garden
15-2 Tanaka Kamiyanagichō
16 recommandé par les habitants
If you're near Demachiyanagi, near where the river forks, Felafel Garden is a great place for felafel and kabob. Very laid back, comfortable atmosphere too. Great place to be around sunset in the summer. Felafel Garden is located 1 1/2 blocks north of of Imadegawa on the right fork of the river. It's on the east side.
Strong, delicious coffee and nice lunches in a traditional machiya building. Opens rather late at 11:30 but stays open later than most cafes too. It's on the north side of Nijo, just east of Yanagi Baba Dori. Look for the big banana palm out front.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Cafe Bibliotic Hello!
650 Seimeichō
52 recommandé par les habitants
Strong, delicious coffee and nice lunches in a traditional machiya building. Opens rather late at 11:30 but stays open later than most cafes too. It's on the north side of Nijo, just east of Yanagi Baba Dori. Look for the big banana palm out front.
One of my favorite coffee places in Kyoto. Great smoothies and breakfast wraps too. And opens at 7am! Good wifi too if you want to go to a cafe to get work done. It is about 1/2 block south of Oike on Higashinotoin, on the west side of the street.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Sentido
445 Sasayachō
6 recommandé par les habitants
One of my favorite coffee places in Kyoto. Great smoothies and breakfast wraps too. And opens at 7am! Good wifi too if you want to go to a cafe to get work done. It is about 1/2 block south of Oike on Higashinotoin, on the west side of the street.
My new favorite breakfast place in town: get a BLT or sweet crepe with fresh filtered coffee for about 1000¥. And in a beautiful old building too. Opens at 9am It is about 1/2 block east of Ainomachi on Ebisugawa, north side of the street.
neuf creperie
550-550-1 Yamanakachō
My new favorite breakfast place in town: get a BLT or sweet crepe with fresh filtered coffee for about 1000¥. And in a beautiful old building too. Opens at 9am It is about 1/2 block east of Ainomachi on Ebisugawa, north side of the street.
Fantastic internationally famous ramen restaurant. Two warnings: It's quite touristy so expect to wait in line and beware of the spicy levels. I'd stay at 1 or 2 since beyond that is very spicy (and believe me, I like spicy food). It is located on Nishiki, just 1 1/2 blocks east of Karasuma.
144 recommandé par les habitants
Ippudo Nishiki-Koji
144 recommandé par les habitants
Fantastic internationally famous ramen restaurant. Two warnings: It's quite touristy so expect to wait in line and beware of the spicy levels. I'd stay at 1 or 2 since beyond that is very spicy (and believe me, I like spicy food). It is located on Nishiki, just 1 1/2 blocks east of Karasuma.
Kushikura has terrific fare, most especially yaki-tori, served in a beautiful grand building. It is located on Takakura Street, just north of Oike on the west side of the street.
串くら
Kushikura has terrific fare, most especially yaki-tori, served in a beautiful grand building. It is located on Takakura Street, just north of Oike on the west side of the street.
Legendary tea house. Try the matcha, or if you want to splurge, the gyokuro, which offers a nice fresh perspective (I feel clarity after drinking myself). The main store of Ippodo is on Teramachi, east side, just south of Ebisugawa.
50 recommandé par les habitants
Ion Mall Kyoto Gojo Bus Stop station
Saiinoiwakechō Ukyo Ward
50 recommandé par les habitants
Legendary tea house. Try the matcha, or if you want to splurge, the gyokuro, which offers a nice fresh perspective (I feel clarity after drinking myself). The main store of Ippodo is on Teramachi, east side, just south of Ebisugawa.
Shinshindo is one of the old-school local cafes. Great for breakfasts when you can get a sandwich, a salad and all you can drink coffee for about 700¥. Their baked sweets are pretty good too, as I often get the cinnamon donut. Open early around 7:30 so good if you are off on a long day's adventure. There are many around the city but I usually go to the one on Oike, north side, between Yanagi Baba and Tominokoji dori.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Shinshindo Oike
Higashihachimanchō Nakagyo Ward
8 recommandé par les habitants
Shinshindo is one of the old-school local cafes. Great for breakfasts when you can get a sandwich, a salad and all you can drink coffee for about 700¥. Their baked sweets are pretty good too, as I often get the cinnamon donut. Open early around 7:30 so good if you are off on a long day's adventure. There are many around the city but I usually go to the one on Oike, north side, between Yanagi Baba and Tominokoji dori.
Wonderful little donut shop with very tasty, surprisingly healthy donuts. A nice indulgence: favorites are maple, cinnamon, and peanut. Located on Kurumayacho, east side, just north of Oshikoji.
Doughnut Cafe nicotto & mam
109-1‎ 中京区
Wonderful little donut shop with very tasty, surprisingly healthy donuts. A nice indulgence: favorites are maple, cinnamon, and peanut. Located on Kurumayacho, east side, just north of Oshikoji.
La Jolla is probably the best place for Mexican food in all of Kyoto (besides my home cooking :-) Really nice chill space and very friendly owner (talk to him if you're planning on surfing in Japan). It's on Koromonotana-dori, just one half block south of Oike on the west side.
11 recommandé par les habitants
LaJolla
Nagahamacho Nakagyo Ward
11 recommandé par les habitants
La Jolla is probably the best place for Mexican food in all of Kyoto (besides my home cooking :-) Really nice chill space and very friendly owner (talk to him if you're planning on surfing in Japan). It's on Koromonotana-dori, just one half block south of Oike on the west side.
Super delicious Vietnamese restaurant in a convivial atmosphere. Can serve vegan too so I've heard. On Oshikoji, 1 1/2 blocks east of Karasuma on the north side.
Huong Viet
118 Nishioshikōjichō
Super delicious Vietnamese restaurant in a convivial atmosphere. Can serve vegan too so I've heard. On Oshikoji, 1 1/2 blocks east of Karasuma on the north side.
Com Ngon is a very delicious Vietnamese restaurant but can be difficult to get a table. Best pho in Kyoto. Located on Takoyakushi Street 1/2 block east of Karasuma on the north side.
Vietnamese Komugon Kyoto
304 Ichirenshachō
Com Ngon is a very delicious Vietnamese restaurant but can be difficult to get a table. Best pho in Kyoto. Located on Takoyakushi Street 1/2 block east of Karasuma on the north side.
PAUL is a classic French bakery with very good breakfast and lunch specials and excellent baked sweets. Opens at 8am to boot which is good for early risers. It's located on the northeast corner of Takakura and Karasuma. Just west of it is the post office, which is good for cash withdrawal if you need money.
7 recommandé par les habitants
PAUL 京都三条店
7 recommandé par les habitants
PAUL is a classic French bakery with very good breakfast and lunch specials and excellent baked sweets. Opens at 8am to boot which is good for early risers. It's located on the northeast corner of Takakura and Karasuma. Just west of it is the post office, which is good for cash withdrawal if you need money.
If you like gyoza (fried dumplings) it's a nice lunch. They also have ramen. Part of the famous Gyozo Osho chain in Kyoto. It's located one block west of Karasuma on Oike, southwest corner.
GYOZA OHSHO Karasuma-Oike
430 Tatsuikechō
If you like gyoza (fried dumplings) it's a nice lunch. They also have ramen. Part of the famous Gyozo Osho chain in Kyoto. It's located one block west of Karasuma on Oike, southwest corner.

Shopping

Another covered street parallel to Teramachi, but this one is more youth-oriented with arcades, a movie theater, and photo booth options. And sweets stands. Fun for strolling and people watching.
41 recommandé par les habitants
Union de la rue commerçante Shinkyogoku
507 Higashigawachō
41 recommandé par les habitants
Another covered street parallel to Teramachi, but this one is more youth-oriented with arcades, a movie theater, and photo booth options. And sweets stands. Fun for strolling and people watching.
YaMaYa is a very good imported grocery store with very good wines and beers and quite decent snack selections. Pretty good for international ingredients as well. It's located on the west side of Karasuma, just south of Aneyakoji Street. Next door is a drug store if you need medicine or toiletry essentials.
Yamaya Karasuma-Oike
592 Banochō
YaMaYa is a very good imported grocery store with very good wines and beers and quite decent snack selections. Pretty good for international ingredients as well. It's located on the west side of Karasuma, just south of Aneyakoji Street. Next door is a drug store if you need medicine or toiletry essentials.
Muji is the famous Japanese all-purpose store you've probably heard about. In the B2 level of the same building (BAL) you will find a very decent English language bookstore. It's 4 1/2 very short blocks south of Sanjo, on the east side.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Cafe & Meal MUJI
251 Yamazakichō
8 recommandé par les habitants
Muji is the famous Japanese all-purpose store you've probably heard about. In the B2 level of the same building (BAL) you will find a very decent English language bookstore. It's 4 1/2 very short blocks south of Sanjo, on the east side.
Aritsugu is one of the best knife stores in Japan. You can get your name printed in Roman or Japanese letters on the knife. Great souvenir for people who love cooking. About 10000¥. It's in Nishiki Market, just west of Gokomachi Street.
Marché Aritsugu Nishiki
Kajiyachō Nakagyo Ward
Aritsugu is one of the best knife stores in Japan. You can get your name printed in Roman or Japanese letters on the knife. Great souvenir for people who love cooking. About 10000¥. It's in Nishiki Market, just west of Gokomachi Street.
Shoyeido is a great incense shop just around the corner. Makes a great souvenir for yourself or for someone you love. It is on the east side of Karasuma, just south of Ebisugawa.
香老舗 松栄堂
Shinnyodōchō Nakagyo Ward
Shoyeido is a great incense shop just around the corner. Makes a great souvenir for yourself or for someone you love. It is on the east side of Karasuma, just south of Ebisugawa.
COOP is a great grocery store, very convenient, with very good selections. It is on Karasuma, west side, just south of Ebisugawa. Open 9am-8:30pm.
COOP Gosho Minami
Makieyachō-258 Nakagyo Ward
COOP is a great grocery store, very convenient, with very good selections. It is on Karasuma, west side, just south of Ebisugawa. Open 9am-8:30pm.
If you're downtown I definitely recommend stopping by Yaoichi for groceries. Best selection in the downtown area for meats, vegetables, and foodstuffs and on the 2f, they have a great selection for international brands and good snacks, decent cheeses. Highly recommended if you're looking for that something something to cook. It's on Higashinotoin, just north of Rokkaku on the east side.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Kyoto Yaoichi Honkan
220 Sanmonjichō
8 recommandé par les habitants
If you're downtown I definitely recommend stopping by Yaoichi for groceries. Best selection in the downtown area for meats, vegetables, and foodstuffs and on the 2f, they have a great selection for international brands and good snacks, decent cheeses. Highly recommended if you're looking for that something something to cook. It's on Higashinotoin, just north of Rokkaku on the east side.

Essentials

24 hour food and drink grocery. It's located on Marutamachi, three short blocks west of Karasuma.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Fresco Marutamachi
223 Tamauechō
17 recommandé par les habitants
24 hour food and drink grocery. It's located on Marutamachi, three short blocks west of Karasuma.
Besides any post office or 7/11, the best place to get money, especially if you want to exchange cash. It is located on Shijo, south side, just west of Karasuma. The most convenient 7-11 is probably on the southwest corner of Karasuma-Oike.
6 recommandé par les habitants
SMBC Trust Bank Kyoto Branch
Naginatabokochō Shimogyo Ward
6 recommandé par les habitants
Besides any post office or 7/11, the best place to get money, especially if you want to exchange cash. It is located on Shijo, south side, just west of Karasuma. The most convenient 7-11 is probably on the southwest corner of Karasuma-Oike.
The closest coin laundry to the apartment. It costs 1000¥ (comes with detergent) and is a washer/dryer combo. It can be crowded as there are only five machines. It is located on Karasuma, east side, in between Nijo and Oshikoji Streets.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Coin Laundry
Ebisuyachō Shimogyo Ward
12 recommandé par les habitants
The closest coin laundry to the apartment. It costs 1000¥ (comes with detergent) and is a washer/dryer combo. It can be crowded as there are only five machines. It is located on Karasuma, east side, in between Nijo and Oshikoji Streets.

Sightseeing

One of Japan's legendary castles. Can be quite beautiful in spring and autumn. The entrance is on the east side. It takes up five city blocks, from Oike up to Marutamachi. There is a bicycle stand near the entrance renting bicycles for 1000¥ a day. In front of the castle is an important bus stop (please consult the bus map).
1725 recommandé par les habitants
Château de Nijō
541 Nijōjōchō
1725 recommandé par les habitants
One of Japan's legendary castles. Can be quite beautiful in spring and autumn. The entrance is on the east side. It takes up five city blocks, from Oike up to Marutamachi. There is a bicycle stand near the entrance renting bicycles for 1000¥ a day. In front of the castle is an important bus stop (please consult the bus map).
The Imperial Palace is a wonderful neighborhood park. Beautiful in the temperate seasons, particularly in spring and autumn, but always peaceful and nice to picnic. The south entrance on Marutamachi is the closest way to enter. If you planning to visit the palace itself you should bring your passports for same day entry. At the southwest corner of the Imperial Palace, is an important bus stop (please consult the bus map).
990 recommandé par les habitants
Kyōto-gosho
3 Kyōtogyoen
990 recommandé par les habitants
The Imperial Palace is a wonderful neighborhood park. Beautiful in the temperate seasons, particularly in spring and autumn, but always peaceful and nice to picnic. The south entrance on Marutamachi is the closest way to enter. If you planning to visit the palace itself you should bring your passports for same day entry. At the southwest corner of the Imperial Palace, is an important bus stop (please consult the bus map).
Kiyomizu-dera is a very popular temple-- so popular that at peak season, it can be a little difficult to visit. However, it is a great starting point for the Higashiyama area. I recommend taking a taxi there, especially if you are a group (of three or four), as it will only cost you about 1200¥ and save you a lot of time walking or using public transport). From there, there are many sites to enjoy all the way up to Ginkakuji and the mountain of Daimonji.
1521 recommandé par les habitants
Temple Kiyomizu-dera
1521 recommandé par les habitants
Kiyomizu-dera is a very popular temple-- so popular that at peak season, it can be a little difficult to visit. However, it is a great starting point for the Higashiyama area. I recommend taking a taxi there, especially if you are a group (of three or four), as it will only cost you about 1200¥ and save you a lot of time walking or using public transport). From there, there are many sites to enjoy all the way up to Ginkakuji and the mountain of Daimonji.
Daimonji is great exercise if you fancy an arduous 30 minutes hike to one of the best viewing areas in all of Kyoto. Usually not very crowded, especially compared to Kyoto's other vistas, and great cardio to boot.
Daimonjidera
30 Ginkakujichō
Daimonji is great exercise if you fancy an arduous 30 minutes hike to one of the best viewing areas in all of Kyoto. Usually not very crowded, especially compared to Kyoto's other vistas, and great cardio to boot.
You've probably heard of the fabled streets of Gion. The main drag can be very touristy nowadays, but nevertheless, it is well worth a visit, especially the backstreets or at night when the geisha and maiko will be making their rounds. A lot of the restaurants are a bit secretive or closed but some are welcoming, though very expensive.
50 recommandé par les habitants
Kyoto cuisine Gion
50 recommandé par les habitants
You've probably heard of the fabled streets of Gion. The main drag can be very touristy nowadays, but nevertheless, it is well worth a visit, especially the backstreets or at night when the geisha and maiko will be making their rounds. A lot of the restaurants are a bit secretive or closed but some are welcoming, though very expensive.

Arts & Culture

Beautiful old museum building that hosts different exhibitions. Check their website for scheduling. It is located on Sanjo, just west of Takakura.
THE SOUVENIR STORE®
348 Iseyachō
Beautiful old museum building that hosts different exhibitions. Check their website for scheduling. It is located on Sanjo, just west of Takakura.
Great place for comic fans and great for kids, with comics going all the way back to the 1940s available to read. It's on the west side of Karasuma, a 1/2 block north of Oike.
782 recommandé par les habitants
Musée international du manga de Kyoto
452 Kinbukichō
782 recommandé par les habitants
Great place for comic fans and great for kids, with comics going all the way back to the 1940s available to read. It's on the west side of Karasuma, a 1/2 block north of Oike.

Drinks & Nightlife

Kiyamachi dori is a quiet street in the day and can be a bit lively at night. There are many, many restaurants and bars, of all kinds of quality. Sometimes it's nice to just take a chance and go in somewhere on a hunch. If you're looking for a secret rock or jazz bar, this is where you'll find it.
43 recommandé par les habitants
Kiyamachi Dori
Shimokorikicho Nakagyo Ward
43 recommandé par les habitants
Kiyamachi dori is a quiet street in the day and can be a bit lively at night. There are many, many restaurants and bars, of all kinds of quality. Sometimes it's nice to just take a chance and go in somewhere on a hunch. If you're looking for a secret rock or jazz bar, this is where you'll find it.
Very good craft beer selection. It's located on the south side of Oshikoji, about 1 1/2 blocks east of Karasuma.
16 recommandé par les habitants
BEER PUB Takumiya
400-1 Funayachō
16 recommandé par les habitants
Very good craft beer selection. It's located on the south side of Oshikoji, about 1 1/2 blocks east of Karasuma.
Very nice craft beer selection in a classic Japanese machiya. It's located on the east side of Karasuma, just north of Oike.
13 recommandé par les habitants
BEFORE9
545 Nijōdenchō
13 recommandé par les habitants
Very nice craft beer selection in a classic Japanese machiya. It's located on the east side of Karasuma, just north of Oike.
One of the coolest bars in town. Owner has an amazing 1970s soul music collection. Highly recommended. It's a little bit tricky to find. It's 1/2 block south of Sanjo on Fuyachodori. West side of the street. I think it's the 6F of the building. Just keep an eye out for the name OIL.
Cafe/Bar OIL
442 Shirakabechō
One of the coolest bars in town. Owner has an amazing 1970s soul music collection. Highly recommended. It's a little bit tricky to find. It's 1/2 block south of Sanjo on Fuyachodori. West side of the street. I think it's the 6F of the building. Just keep an eye out for the name OIL.
Sake Bar Yoramu is run by a friendly Israeli guy who is a sake enthusiast. Nice space, great sake. It's on Nijo, just east of Higashinotoin.
38 recommandé par les habitants
Sake Bar Yoramu
35-1 Matsuyachō
38 recommandé par les habitants
Sake Bar Yoramu is run by a friendly Israeli guy who is a sake enthusiast. Nice space, great sake. It's on Nijo, just east of Higashinotoin.
Urban Guild is a great live venue. Check their website for scheduling. It's a bit tricky to find so you have to keep a good eye out. It's on Kiyamachi, east side of the street, around Rokkaku Street if Rokkaku went all the way to Kiyamachi. Quite the heart of Kyoto's nightlife district.
9 recommandé par les habitants
UrBANGUILD
Zaimokuchō Nakagyo Ward
9 recommandé par les habitants
Urban Guild is a great live venue. Check their website for scheduling. It's a bit tricky to find so you have to keep a good eye out. It's on Kiyamachi, east side of the street, around Rokkaku Street if Rokkaku went all the way to Kiyamachi. Quite the heart of Kyoto's nightlife district.
Club Metro is maybe the oldest live venue in Kyoto. Check their website for scheduling. It's just south of Marutamachi on the east side of Kawabata. There is a convenience store on the ground floor. Metro is below ground.
48 recommandé par les habitants
CLUB METRO
82 Shimotsutsumichō
48 recommandé par les habitants
Club Metro is maybe the oldest live venue in Kyoto. Check their website for scheduling. It's just south of Marutamachi on the east side of Kawabata. There is a convenience store on the ground floor. Metro is below ground.

Getting Around

Where Karasuma and Tozai lines intersect.
142 recommandé par les habitants
Karasuma Oike station
Torayachō Nakagyo Ward
142 recommandé par les habitants
Where Karasuma and Tozai lines intersect.
This is the closest subway station.
51 recommandé par les habitants
Marutamachi Station
Ōkurachō Nakagyo Ward
51 recommandé par les habitants
This is the closest subway station.
Sanjo-Keihan is an important station. If you take it south it will take you to Fushimi Inari (which is where that mountain with thousands of torii (gates) is located). If you take it to Demachiyanagi in the other direction, you can change stations there to get on the train to the mountain temple/village of Karasuma, a beautiful place only 30 minutes from the city. You can hike in Kibune nearby, pray at Kurama, and there's even the best onsen in the region a short walk or free bus ride away. Sanjokeihan station is just east of the Kamo River, on Sanjo Street.
9 recommandé par les habitants
三条京阪
Gokenchō Higashiyama Ward
9 recommandé par les habitants
Sanjo-Keihan is an important station. If you take it south it will take you to Fushimi Inari (which is where that mountain with thousands of torii (gates) is located). If you take it to Demachiyanagi in the other direction, you can change stations there to get on the train to the mountain temple/village of Karasuma, a beautiful place only 30 minutes from the city. You can hike in Kibune nearby, pray at Kurama, and there's even the best onsen in the region a short walk or free bus ride away. Sanjokeihan station is just east of the Kamo River, on Sanjo Street.