This might be Kyoto's most famous temple. I went in the evening on a Thursday night at the end of October, and it was still full of people. The temple is beautiful and its many gates are iconic. Since it is open 24 hours, I would recommend arriving as early as possible, if you intend to hike up (I have done it once and it is a very neat experience). If you go at night, you will have some cool photos and a different vibe, but maybe not the best hiking experience (though it is still possible a good experience). This is a best of the best cultural experience in my opinion, and I would highly recommend it (though everyone seems to be aware of that!).

Fushimi Inari Taisha is an unforgettable experience and a must-visit when in Kyoto. The iconic thousand vermillion torii gates create a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere as you walk up the mountain trails. The shrine itself is beautiful and deeply spiritual, offering a glimpse into traditional Shinto practices. What makes it truly special is the combination of culture, nature, and history. You can take your time exploring the smaller shrines along the paths, encounter friendly fox statues (messengers of Inari), and enjoy breathtaking views of Kyoto from higher up the trail. Be prepared for a bit of a climb if you want to reach the summit, but it’s absolutely worth it. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the serene ambiance.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is absolutely breathtaking — a place that feels both iconic and deeply spiritual the moment you arrive. Walking through the endless rows of vibrant red torii gates is an experience like no other, creating a stunning pathway that feels timeless and almost otherworldly. The atmosphere is peaceful yet full of energy, and every turn reveals beautiful shrines, quiet corners, and sweeping views over Kyoto. It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression long after your visit. Truly a must-see and one of the most unforgettable spots in all of Japan.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is stunning! The thousands of red torii gates create such a magical atmosphere, and the lower and middle sections are absolutely beautiful. Just a note—if you want to go all the way to the top, it takes about an hour of walking, and in my opinion it’s not really worth it since the views don’t get much better. The best parts are in the first half of the trail. Still, an unforgettable experience and definitely worth visiting!

A must visit in Kyoto. Went on a Sunday morning 8am ish while it's raining lightly. Was expecting a bigger crowd because of how famous this place is but turns out the rain might have scared a good portion of them which works out for me. Did the full hike including multiple detours for all the non-conventional routes (most of them ends up in a loop so it's pretty neat), and it took me around 2.5 hours. Most of the other routes usually lead to all kinds of shrines, and one even led me to a path with bamboo trees. While it's true that the higher you hike, the lesser the crowd is, I still find it pretty hard to land a crowdless picture especially on spots which I find pretty but that's okay.

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Kyoto, but it’s extremely crowded and at times feels like you’re being herded like cows, especially at the first torii gates. I was honestly disappointed at the start because it was packed with tourists. I’d say around seventy percent were foreigners. I arrived at 9:30 AM and the tour groups made it feel like a supermarket. My initial disappointment faded once I reached the upper areas. The crowd thinned out, and while there were still many people, it became manageable. The place is set on a mountain, and at the top you can enjoy a peaceful natural setting with shrines dedicated to Inari. If possible, visit before 7:00 AM so you can actually enjoy some peace and quiet.

Since this is 24hrs I highly recommend going ar night as I did. Had the entire place virtually to myself. Much cooler at night for walking up the thousands of steps. Unforgettable hike to the top. Bring lots of water and be prepared to be tired by the end. One of the best hikes I have ever done to the top. Must see in Kyoto!

Super mall of super malls. 6 levels. Pretty much anything. Don't buy your watch here. Have most of the names. Even have a Billabong clothes shop with Japan only pieces.

Beautiful mall. As a tourist, I enjoyed the variety of stores from big brands to small shops. Close to the train station too. A good visit. We'll maintained and amenities for families.

Super super big with 6+ floors spread out, similar to maybe Ikea size for each floor. You've got groceries, big arcade with restaurants, anime goods, a gundam plastic store and many more. There's a separate building for kids and other big department stores. I went on 2 floors and that alone was more than 2hrs spent there, didn't even get to see every store on the floor. You can definitely spend more than a whole day in there depending on what you're doing. Greatly recommended.

A pleasant and versatile shopping center within walking distance of Kyoto Station. You'll find a wide variety of shops and places to eat. Definitely worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.

Very big mall and have almost everything you need ^___^ I bought glasses at Ownday and had sushi at the restaurant there

Our evening hangout for the 3N stay in Kyoto. A good variety of shops (Uniqlo, 3coins, Workman/Workwoman) & the well stocked supermarket with lots of packed food including sashimi. After about 6.30pm, many food items are reduced prices. Of course if you are here later, they will reduced further. We got very good grade tuna sashimi 99g at ¥820 (after 40% discount & 10% tax) at about 6.30/7pm. The wagyu is very good price… if only we can pack them back to Singapore! The mall is also connected to Kaeda Mall with a big sports floor and Daiso.

Great location with a wide variety of shops. Overall, a cost-effective option for visitors.

Nidec Kyoto Tower, located just across from Kyoto Station, is a modest but convenient landmark that offers a 100-meter-high observation deck with panoramic views of the city. While it may not rival the grandeur of other famous towers in Japan, it provides a nice overview of Kyoto’s skyline, especially at sunset or night. The tower also houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and a public bath, making it a practical stop for travelers arriving or departing from the station. Though its modern appearance contrasts with Kyoto’s traditional aesthetic, it remains a recognizable part of the city’s landscape. Overall, it's a decent place to visit if you have extra time or want a quick, elevated look at the city.

Nice quick visit. Even though it was raining, we could still have a decent view of Kyoto, namely the beautiful nearby temple, Higashi-Honganji. It wasn’t too crowded and the elevators are quick 👍

Situated across the street from Kyoto station, you find an observation deck where you can see Kyoto and parts of Osaka. In Kyoto you don't have tall buildings which make it perfect to see almost to the horizon and unique since both Tokyo or Osaka have observation decks with tall buildings surrounding them and obscuring parts of the view. You have a complete 360 degree view and entrance fee isn't that much either. I recommend to do it last so that you know what you are looking at or looking for, we went as the first attraction and didn't really know what we looked at. You have free telescopes to help you see which is nice. Also, stamp collectors, there is a stamp on the top there.

We went up the tower at night and it gave us a great view of the city! You can pick out some key landmarks and really get a sense of the scale and size of Kyoto. We spent about 45 minutes from when we entered to leaving. Worth the money if you like a good view.

Great spot for views of Kyoto & super convenient location. The view at sunset was worth it. Shop & eat downstairs too. Only downside was waiting in line when it got busy.

No wait to get to the observation deck but it was busy once we got there. Very warm in there. When we went to the lower level, they wanted to take photos which they said were free. Then at the end of the circle, they tried to charge for them. So don't say they will be free. Nice views and not very expensive.

The lower part of the tower is clearer. The binoculars were really good; they show incredibly close up. The bad thing is that you have to wait a bit in line and it's a bit crowded. The tower can sometimes shake momentarily, and you can feel it.

I love this temple so much and I'm glad they banned taking pictures inside the shrine so we can really take it all in and pray or pay our respect. Didn't expect to see some statues from Hindu mythology and they have their Japanese name (new information for me). I enjoyed reading every story on each statue. The thousand golden Buddha was mesmerizing.

Visiting Sanjūsangendō Temple was epic. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a breathtaking sight — 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, each one uniquely crafted with incredible detail. The atmosphere is peaceful and reverent, and you can truly feel the centuries of history and devotion that fill the hall. Photography isn’t allowed inside, which makes the experience even more special — it invites you to be fully present and take in the beauty with your own eyes rather than through a lens. The craftsmanship, the symmetry, and the serene energy of the temple make it unlike anywhere else I’ve been in Kyoto. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and there’s a quiet garden and traditional architecture to admire outside as well. The informational signs in English were very helpful for understanding the significance of what I was seeing. If you’re visiting Kyoto, Sanjūsangendō is a must-see. It’s not just a temple — it’s a spiritual and cultural treasure that leaves a lasting impression.

Sanjūsangendō Temple is one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring places I’ve visited in Kyoto. 🌿✨ From the moment you step inside, there’s a deep sense of calm and respect — the atmosphere feels sacred yet welcoming. The long wooden hall is truly impressive, housing the 1,001 statues of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), each one slightly different, carved with incredible detail. Standing there quietly and seeing them all lined up feels almost magical — it’s an experience that words can’t fully describe. The temple grounds are also very beautiful and well maintained, surrounded by greenery that adds to the serenity. There are areas where you can just sit, breathe, and take in the moment — it’s the perfect balance of art, faith, and peace. It wasn’t crowded when I went, which made the experience even more special. I’d definitely recommend visiting early in the day to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just looking for a peaceful escape in Kyoto, this temple is absolutely worth visiting. 💛

This is the temple that is worth for the visit in the entire Koyoto in my opinion. Such a great history and how Buddhism adopted its philosophy. The links with Hinduism also is visibly clear in all the statues and details inside the shrine. Do visit without fail. Recommended time atleast an hour. The best part is the pictures are not allowed inside so no hassels of the photographers and full concentration we can give to the temple exhibits. Great applause to the management for the maintain and also by not allowing shoes inside the temple complex. Two videos I took are from outside.

A truly humbling experience walking around in- and outside of the Sanjūsangendō Hall. No photos allowed inside so please respect that when you visit. My visit was in the morning and this place was a recommendation from a Japanese friend and it still is my personal favourite in Kyoto.

Breathtaking garden and the hall of 1000 Kannon statues has to be seen to be believed - truly a bit of a hidden gem in Kyoto but one not to be missed. Note photos in the main hall are not allowed - don’t be a dick and try and take one - just buy a postcard or grab a photo from Google - it’s clearly a very sacred space and should be treated as such. Just forget about your Instagram and soak up the atmosphere. The various statues at the front are all incredible works of art and worthy of your full attention. They also sell lovely aloeswood incense - in both the temple hall and the gift shop - for a very reasonable ¥1000 a box - a lovely souvenir of a very special place. Enjoy ;)

Buddest Temple with pretty interesting interior. 1,001 Buddha statues. Quite a site! Photos not permitted inside, but the grounds were very pretty.

One of the best temples in Kyoto as It is one of the signature World Heritage sites in Kyoto. We would recommend to come early and also in the evening. Better to visit twice. Such beautiful scenery all around ie lush green forest and perched between them is this majestic temple which you can view from far Walk itself to the temple is lined with lot of eateries and souvenir shops especially lookout for matcha ice creams and drinks You can spend easily few hours here and plan in advance to visit various places within the temple compound as it ll take time due to its popularity Crowd was moving fast hence it was easy to navigate From their update lots of good information Kannon also known as Avalokiteśvara Over 1250 years have passed since the foundation of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, stands the temple, to which large numbers of visitors come to pay their respects to Kannon, a deity of great mercy and compassion. For this reason, our temple is known as a “Kannon Reijo.” “Reijo” is a Japanese word meaning a “holy place” with which the Kannon’s compassion is abundant. Visitors will stand before the Kannon with thankful hearts—feelings of gratitude for coming into this world, your tranquil daily lives, and your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who are always there beside you. In other words, worshiping Kannon means taking a hard look at your true self. Find the Kannon’s compassion in your everyday deeds. We at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, along with the deity Kannon, wish for the happiness of all people across in the world. When you visit the temple, simply put your hands together when in front of the statue of Kannon and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

Kiyomizu-dera reveals its beauty in layers—architecture, nature, and atmosphere intertwining with a quiet sense of timelessness. Visiting during the late-autumn light, the temple feels almost painted by the setting sun, each structure glowing as though lit from within. The vermilion pagoda stands as the first crescendo of the experience: sharp, elegant tiers rising above a tapestry of autumn leaves. In the warm dusk light, its crimson beams appear almost translucent, catching the gold of sunset with a soft radiance. Around it, maple trees in flaming reds and honeyed orange deepen the scene’s drama, making the pagoda feel like the heart of a living painting. As the path continues upward, the view opens to Kiyomizu-dera’s iconic wooden stage. Even from afar, the vast veranda—supported by its forest of towering wooden pillars—conveys an overwhelming sense of craftsmanship and endurance. At sunset, the pavilion glows with a gentle amber shine, while crowds gather along its edge, drawn by the sweeping view of Kyoto below and the fiery canopy of autumn foliage. The mingling of human energy and ancient architecture creates a rare atmosphere: lively, yet reverent; dynamic, yet serene. The most unforgettable sight arrives as dusk deepens—the pagoda illuminated among the autumn colors. Its red hue intensifies into a brilliant glow, contrasting beautifully with the cool evening sky. The surrounding trees, now darker and richer in tone, frame the structure like a stage curtain opening to a perfect scene. It is a moment that feels both grand and intimate, capturing the emotional essence of Kyoto’s autumn. Kiyomizu-dera is more than a historical landmark; it is an unfolding journey of light, season, and space. Each turn reveals another composition worth remembering, and each moment feels touched by centuries of devotion. To visit at sunset in autumn is to witness the temple at its most poetic—where the world slows, the surroundings glow, and Kyoto quietly shows the depth of its beauty.

A truly iconic Kyoto landmark. The wooden stage overlooking the city is spectacular and offers some of the best views in the area. The temple grounds are spacious, well maintained, and full of interesting spots to explore. The walk through the historic streets leading to the temple adds to the experience. Absolutely worth visiting, especially around sunset or in spring/autumn.

Kiyomizu dera was very crowded even on a weekday afternoon, but the beautiful autumn colours made the visit worthwhile. We arrived near sunset, and the warm light made the foliage glow vividly. It is quite a long upslope walk from the bus stop or bus terminal, though there are plenty of food options along the way. Both viewing stages were crowded with visitors trying to take photos. Inside the temple, there is a steep staircase leading towards the exit, but you can opt for the longer sloped path instead. Toilets are available within the grounds. A stunning spot, especially in autumn, though be prepared for crowds.

Kiyomizu-dera is truly a must-visit in Kyoto. The temple is not only beautiful, but it also offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature. Walking through the historic wooden halls and seeing the iconic veranda built without nails is an experience in itself. The atmosphere feels peaceful yet vibrant, especially with the sound of flowing water from the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink for good fortune. The paths leading up to the temple are lined with charming shops and local treats, which make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you go during cherry blossom season, the lush greenery of summer, or the autumn foliage, the scenery is absolutely stunning. This is one of those places where you can truly feel the blend of culture, history, and natural beauty all at once. A highlight of Kyoto that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan.

I recently visited Kiyomizudera, and it truly felt like stepping into a dream. The view from the temple overlooking Kyoto is breathtaking, especially during sunset. The atmosphere is calm yet full of life, with traditional streets leading up to the temple adding even more charm. It’s a place where you can feel both history and peace at the same time. Definitely one of the most beautiful and unforgettable spots in all of Kyoto — a must-visit for anyone coming to Japan! 💞💞💞💞

We had the pleasure of visiting Kiyomizu-dera twice, and it was an unforgettable experience. In the bright light of midday, the temple's vibrant colors and intricate details truly shine, with a lively, bustling atmosphere. Returning for sunset was magical. Watching the sky change colors and cast a warm, golden glow over the wooden stage and the city of Kyoto below was incredibly peaceful and breathtaking. Both visits were beautiful and offered a unique perspective of this stunning temple. Highly recommended!

delicious, healthy, simple, and well priced meal. Came once for dinner and again the next day. (The line moves surprisingly quickly so dont be intimidated) You can do a half and half option to try various food combinations— I def recommend their best selling, sea bream which is nutty and has good quality fish

The food was delicious. The dashi for the chazuke had a clean taste. The combination of the rice, chicken and assorted was complimented each other. A comforting meal after getting off the Shinkansen from Tokyo. The only disappointment was that the karate chicken was already sold out.

Simple healthy meal of rice with toppings, change the flavor adding the dashi broth. The hot soup cooks the fish more, it's interesting to taste the fish raw first

It was so good and comforting! Got the half and half sea bream and salmon, and croquettes to try. Everything came so fast and was super good, love the seamless ordering!

Worth trying! 🔥 I love the taste of the soup with rice, especially when you’re craving something hot—rice will save the day! The price is really good, because it will cost me 30 AUD in Sydney

Had always wanted to try ochazuke but never got a chance to back home so tried this is dish where it originated from. Rather than ochazuke this was dashi chazuke but still an experience I guess. This set was one of the meals I loved during my time in Kyoto - and probably because I like soups. The restaurant was small and unassuming, nestled among the bigger ones in Kyoto Porta, a 'foodcourt' in Kyoto Station. You need to order at a kiosk and be seated at a counter. Wait for food was not too long, considering that it was lunch time The broth was clear, flavourful and full of umami. It wasn't overly salty or MSGy (if that's a word) and blends with the rice quite well. I chose the seafood set which came with bits of prawns, squid and fish. They are all fried in batter, so will turn slightly mushy when the soup is poured in. I also ordered a side of chicken karaage cos I can see that the bowl wasn't enough to satiate me (although I chose less rice). The chicken karaage was well, decent and similar to what's available in other restaurants. Highly recommended at least for me and my palate

This is located at Porta Dining basement nearby Kyoto station. The queue was long but quite quick bcoz it's a japanese fast food type. It's quite standard typical Chazuke. Broth was nothing distinctive. Meal comes in set of rice, cha broth, soft beancurd, selected topping and appetiser. I still prefer the one i had in tokyo. The cha broth was more fragrant and it came with milk pudding. When you are sick of other food and wld like simple one, Chazuke is best.

It's a fast food restaurant, but I have to admit that I was surprised by the flavour of the ramen and the density of the broad. Very powerful and tasty. It's the opposite of high quality ramens, which tend to be delicate and with clear and pure broads. Recommendable for those wanting to eat something still recognizable as a ramen but with a much more intense flavor and at a very reasonable price.

Can highly recommend their Wagyu beef ramen (see picture). Yes, it’s 3x the price of the normal Ramen but well worth it and where else can you order it? It’s part of about 10 small restaurants on the 10th floor of the Isetan building/shop, use the elevator to get there. Service was a below the usual standard by the female waiter, who was borderline rude. The cook tried to make up for it, hence a 3 in total.

Honestly? Best ramen I’ve ever had!! 🍜☀️❤️ You have to look for it a bit, it’s on the 10th floor of Kyoto Station. Google Maps sends you to the wrong spot downstairs, but you actually need to go upstairs, right in the middle of the station. Take the elevator, follow the path, and I think it was the first ramen place on the right. I found it thanks to a photo someone else had posted otherwise, I never would’ve spotted it. The vibe was great. No one standing outside trying to pull you in. Just chill. When I hesitated at the entrance, one of the staff immediately came to help with the ticket machine. After ordering, I got seated right away, and there was already a cold glass of water waiting for me perfect!! The staff? Awesome. Only one man in the kitchen, and the rest were friendly, cheerful women. You could tell they enjoyed working together! smiling laughing, it made the whole place feel warm and welcoming. And the food… wow. The noodles were perfect, the broth rich and flavorful, and the meat was super tender and well seasoned. You can even ask for extra noodles (I didn’t this time, but I definitely will next time). In short: best ramen I’ve ever had. Friendly service, amazing food, relaxed atmosphere. If you’re in Kyoto, go up to the 10th floor and find this place above the station. You won’t regret it! Thank you! 😁

Having tried dozens of ramen shops, I didn’t find much uniqueness in the cold mixed tonkotsu ramen here, and the accompanying chashu had a gamey pork smell that I found hard to accept.

First day in Kyoto, had to try the local ramen, the broth and flavours were amazing, I wish it was udon noodles, I’m pretty sure they’re egg noodles which were still good. The portions were huge such great value for what you get! I double ordered a dish and they were very honest and refunded! Had a great experience!

Great ramen restaurant in Kyoto. Order at the kiosk and lineup to get in. Staff is friendly and helpful to serve us. Ramen texture is great with the Al Dante bite and broth is so rich and flavourful as we go for the Toyama black ramen. Pork meat is tender as well with generous portion. We also had their Gyoza which is quite crispy and delicious.

Stopped in for lunch as we really wanted some Ramen. Heaps of choices but chose this spot due to the nice staff member out the front and there wasn't a tourist in site. Good selection in Ramen and side dishes (handy for picky kids). We had two types of pork Ramen. Broth was awesome. Staff amazingly friendly. Order at the machine and line up (or take a seat of free). Worth a stop in. Beer ice cold.

Cute little local run by a lovely lady and amazing staff. Good price, very generous portion and good taste. I'd come back.

We loved this place! We brought our 1.5 year old and three year old and they also loved. Such a great family place, they even had a booster and kids plates and spoons. Staff was very friendly and the food truly was amazing!

Perfectly cooked soba, a Kyoto hidden gem!!!💎 only $3300 yen for my partner and myself and we both ordered larges! I ordered a bottle of Coke, miso, and a large spicy soba and it was AMAZING. 🔥 This soba has the perfect balance of heat and savory flavor. I highly recommend this place and reservations were not required. (We were even here during a Japanese holiday weekend) This place was away from the crowded areas of Kyoto but still close to the shrines and shopping area. The owners and employees were accommodating and helpful. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and energy. Rub don’t walk to this soba joint if you’re in Kyoto!

Went one day for the soupless ramen and the next do the fried chicken with rice. Both times the ladies were so kind and the food sooo delicious!! It’s so light yet fulfilling!!! Totally recommend.

The soy ramen was super delicious 🤤 We repeated this place twice! Maybe I went a bit over board with the large size because I don’t usually eat much, but I am so happy to have found such a yummy ramen place. Also, I think this place is run by only women which I find really amazing 🤩 The place is so clean, tidy and delicious. Highly recommended 🇯🇵🥰

Just came to this noodle shop when heading back to hotel. Turns out very delicious. They offer dry ramen.

Was really excited to try this place but it turned out just okay... The abura soba was a little too bland for my liking, and the karaage was rather difficult to eat, I'm guessing it's because of how it was deep fried twice, though the chicken was well-marinated. Most importantly the service was rather regrettable... It was a sad meal. :(

Sat at counter , and all tourists on that seating. Course flow is polished and not too slow or rushed with sake pairing . Owner chef doesn't speak English thou he tries , quite lively and takes his time to engage with each customer. Food is too "safe" for me thou he incorporates ingredients like caviar into his appetizers , also had matsuba crab and bear meat from Niigata. Didn't really have a memorable dish. Price was decent

Most of the ingredients are fresh, and the octopus can't chew them. Not a great experience. But my first taste of kaiseki cuisine was quite novel.

This was my worst dining experience possibly ever. The food was okay, but the service was really inexcusable. Maybe they were training a bunch of new employees at once or something, I can't be sure. Over half of the dishes were set in front of us without any information or explanation about what it was. For the mushroom rice dish, the servers offered everyone in Japanese to refill their bowl, but did not extend this to other guests. The chefs table was packed so tightly that you constantly had a waitress reaching over you to take or place something. Beyond this, the servers refilled our waters perhaps once every half hour, and we were on our own besides then. I wouldn't expect this level of service at any decent restaurant, let alone a Michelin 2 star restaurant. It was really disappointing, especially compared to the other Michelin restaurants we tried in Japan (e.g. Hommage in Tokyo)

Visited on 10/31/2025 for lunch. Amazing experience. Upon arrival, you don't need to wait outside like we did. Everyone was waiting for us on the table inside to start the course.

Ate lunch here, what an experience! It's all about the process, enjoy the moment and details from this experience. Due to the budget and price, I can still feel the chef and staff put a lot of efforts to make the lunch set an enjoyable memory and experience, I asked for just a glass of wine for pairing since it's a casual lunch, I got a 1er cru Chablis to match this light and delicate kaiseiki lunch, which was spot on. Great experience and memory!

Some of the best fine dining I’ve had. The lunch was a bit less than two hours and it’s best to arrive on time. Give some time to find the place as it’s tucked at the end of a corridor. The food was incredible! Each dish was elegantly put together. The wait staff were extremely friendly. The presentation was nothing to write home about, and there weren’t any dishes that pushed my comfort zone. But it was very high quality food nonetheless. The highlights for me was the dessert and the wagyu beef course. Overall would definitely recommend as an intro to fine dining.

This place is true gastronomic tasting place. The Kaiseki meal set by the chef is truly amazing. Each plate is meticulously prepared and tastes delicious. The platting is visually stunning. The ambiance is very cozy and the Chef at the counter engages with the customers. Note that photos/videos are not allowed but if only photos of the dishes, Chef said ok. This places deserves likes 3 ⭐️!

I recently visited Kinkakuji, and it completely captured my heart. The golden pavilion shining over the calm water is one of the most stunning sights I’ve ever seen. The reflection on the pond looks almost unreal, like a painting brought to life. Walking through the peaceful garden feels timeless, surrounded by nature and beauty at every step. It’s an unforgettable place that perfectly represents Kyoto’s elegance and spirit. I’d highly recommend everyone to visit and experience its magic in person! 💞💞💞💞💞💞

Beautiful golden temple especially on a sunny day. The golden temple shimmering over the pond feels almost unreal, especially when the reflection is perfectly clear. The surrounding gardens are peaceful and beautifully maintained, with little paths and viewpoints that make you slow down and take it all in. It was crowded, but a quick visit is enough to leave a strong impression

​The Crowded Experience at the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji ​A visit to Kinkaku-ji, widely known as the "Golden Pavilion," is often a highlight on every traveler's "must-see" list for Kyoto. It appears on every postcard and guidebook, but as you experienced, the great anticipation doesn't always align with the reality on the ground. ​The Gap Between Expectation and Reality ​The expectation was to see the dazzling structure, covered in pure gold, perfectly reflected in the tranquil waters of the pond, just as seen in photographs. Without a doubt, the building itself, standing on the water's edge, is a magnificent sight in its architectural beauty and golden gleam. ​However, the reality is that the experience often becomes challenging, primarily because of the unbearable crowds. ​The Crowds That Undermine the Experience ​The central issue at Kinkaku-ji is the massive audience. Visitors are directed along a narrow path that circles the pond, and everyone is trying to capture the exact same moment, from the same viewpoint. ​Difficulty Appreciating the Beauty: When you have to push and move with the masses, it's very difficult to "absorb" the beauty and experience the serenity that should prevail in a Zen temple. Instead of deep contemplation, it becomes a race to take a photo and move on. ​Lack of Intimacy: The place, which by its nature should encourage quiet and meditation, feels like a mass tourist site where the temple is merely a fleeting visual attraction. The pressure to keep moving doesn't allow one to fully enjoy the golden reflection or the meticulously maintained surrounding gardens. ​In summary: Although the Golden Pavilion is a visual masterpiece, the crowds destroy a significant part of the opportunity to truly appreciate the power and beauty of the location. In this case, the gap between the temple's image and the actual visitor experience is quite wide.

The temple and surrounding gardens are absolutely stunning. Breathtaking actually. Unfortunately the experience doesn’t allow for that to be enjoyed. There are literally bus loads of people there. You more or less line up to take a photo then feel compelled to move quickly from that vantage spot to allow the next person to take their photo. The grounds are a one way walking system which is orderly and likely much less chaotic than if it was not implemented. But it is also hard to meander or linger and enjoy the views. There was no peace to find. And you cannot enter the temple. I arrived at 10.30am in September. You can easily buy tickets at the entrance. There were some stalls and tea rooms at the end of the walking circuit.

Reading the comments, I thought there would be hundreds of tourists. Yes, there are a lot of visitors but I found that you still got to enjoy the grounds and take nice pictures without too much hassle. Also, everyone stops (me included) right at the first sight of the Golden Pavilion, because it truly is amazing, but a few steps to your right and you’ll have plenty more space for photos/selfies and the views are also beautiful. The Pavilion was once the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimits and after his death it became a Zen temple, and now we can all enjoy it 😊 Since it was raining half the time during my trip to Japan, I tried to plan this visit on a sunny day, so that the light would reflect even more on the gold leaf. It must also be amazing at golden hour ❤️

It’s a gold temple... iconic, elegant, and definitely photogenic. That said, the visit itself is a bit short and underwhelming since you can’t go inside. Still, the ticket doubling as a blessing talisman is very cool and makes for a nice souvenir.

Another must-see temple in Kyoto. The image of this building, with its 2 top floors covered in gold leaf, and appearing to float on the water, is an iconic view in this city. The whole scene is breathtaking, so do not rush your visit here. Walk around the building and see it from different angles. The serenity of this Zen temple will certainly leave an impression on you. Beautiful!

This is about a 15 min ride from Kyoto Station. Walking through the castle feels like walking back in time of the Shogun. The interior is phenomenal and well maintained. The craftsmanship of the paintings is out of this world. The grounds are beautiful with an exquisite garden. The tour can be viwed at your own pace or you can purchase the audio tour with the ticket. Keep in mind photos/videos are not allowed inside the castle.

My absolute favorite cultural site in Kyoto. Unlike the overly crowded Kiyomizu-dera and the always-popular Fushimi Inari, the crowds here are far more manageable. You can easily visit this after Kiyomizu-dera since the Osaka City 202 bus has stops nearby. The place is incredibly beautiful. Even with its rich history (if you’re a fan of Shogun, this is a must), it feels like you’re suspended in time. The palace gardens are the highlight, and in autumn they’re some of the most stunning in Kyoto. Highly recommended. Don’t skip it. Ticket: 1,300 yen for Ninomaru-Goten and the garden.

A fantastic cultural experience! Nijo Castle offers a deep dive into Japan’s history through its beautifully preserved palace, traditional architecture, and famous nightingale floors. The gardens are wide, peaceful, and stunning in every season. Everything is well organized and easy to explore. A must-visit in Kyoto for history lovers and casual travelers alike.

Super cool experience! The gardens are perfect for a stroll, and the palaces are beautiful. Seeing the official palace also gives you an amazing understanding of Japanese history and power through time. It is super interesting to look at the architecture and understand its cultural significance

Nijo Castle is one of those rare places where the beauty of power reveals itself with quiet dignity. Approaching the outer defenses, the immaculate white walls rise above meticulously stacked stone foundations, mirrored perfectly in the still waters of the moat. The southwest turret in your photos stands poised and noble—its black-tiled roof, crisp lines, and reflection in the moat create a scene that feels both stern and serene, as if time has paused in the Edo period. Passing through the gates, the magnificent Karamon Gate commands attention. Its gold leaf, elaborate wood carvings of phoenixes, peonies, and mythical beasts shimmer under the afternoon sun, radiating a restrained grandeur unique to Japanese aesthetics. It is not flamboyant—it is confident. This was once a stage for shoguns to display authority, and even now, standing before it feels like witnessing history breathe. Inside, the scenery softens. The expansive lawn, manicured trees, and gentle curve of the garden path create a sense of peace that contrasts beautifully with the castle’s defensive exterior. In your photos, the warm light falling across the wooden walls of the Ninomaru Palace highlights the textures of age—wood grain that has absorbed centuries of seasons and stories. Climbing upward to the elevated viewpoint, the landscape expands dramatically. Kyoto’s cityscape, distant mountains, golden ginkgo trees, and crimson autumn foliage all converge around the glimmering moat. It is a scene uniquely Nijo Castle—where past and present coexist in a single sweeping view. What makes Nijo Castle unforgettable are its details: the patina on the copper gate, the organic rhythm of the stone walls, the interplay of shadow beneath wooden corridors, the garden’s quiet geometry. It showcases the Japanese mastery of balancing material, light, and nature with perfect precision. More than a historic site, Nijo Castle feels like a stage where time moves gently, inviting contemplation. Leaving the castle, the sense of calm authority lingers—a quiet echo of Kyoto’s timeless charm, impossible to replicate anywhere else.

Lovely walk back into time. My family enjoyed the nightingale corridors and the palace thoroughly. There are English signs giving background all along and clear signage to guide you through. Highly recommend doing this early in the morning so you were not fighting the crowds. Currently there is also a nighttime event till December 8, where the castle grounds are open from 6 PM to 10 PM. If I had to choose, I would do the daytime visit because you can see the castle and the grounds and appreciate things better.

Very beautiful castle. It is a self guided tour with information panels along each room in english, japanese. No photos are permitted indoors so be mindful of this. Also no shoes but they have storage at the front for your shoes. Good glimpse into japanese history. The surrounding gardens are also very nice

Food Court is AMAZING!!!! Highly recommended! Great variety if you're a carnivore, vegetarian, and possible vegan options. We had plenty to choose from for entrees, side items, and desserts. So many dessert choices, it's ridiculous. The temptation is real!! Don't go if you have diabetes lol. Kidding (kinda), they have healthy food choices too. The squash was so good...it had the texture of a purple Korean sweet potato. We purchased food from several vendors and made a fun meal out of it. There's a sitting area outside (limited seats).

The basement food floor has a great variety of ready-made food. There is a seating area just outside where we enjoyed the karaage we bought. This was much appreciated compared to Takashimaya in Osaka, where we could not find any place to sit and eat.

A really huge high class department store spread over 10 floors. The goods are more or less exclusively premium, as are the prices. Some of the food in the basement is available in local supermarkets at a far lower price. There is an interesting high section that has some of the top golf brands available. Included in the dining and drink options are an Afternoon tea on the 2nd floor. There is also a roof top terrace where you can enjoy a Cielo coffee.

There were tables indeed but they are hard to find. You have to search first for the bakery shop called “Bakery” and then follow the sign to the Table Plus. Outside of the building but under the roof there are a few tables where you can eat and drink. Please don’t drink or eat inside since it’s loos very rude for locals even though they aren’t telling you this to your face. The tables are also in front if the pizza place called Le Napoli

The Breitling staff was very helpful in finding a new watch strap for me. If you're in the area, definitely stop by.

We ended up coming here to see about the possibility of purchasing a stroller. This is a very high end store so we did not find one within our budget. We went to the floor with the baby items and clothes and they also had a little play area for kids. My daughter absolutely loved it. We paid for her to play for 30 minutes which was not enough time.

SKIP Nishiki Market. This is where you want to come. The food is much better priced and quality. You won't regret it with 100 of stores to choose from and tax free shopping for tourists

Loved this and learnt a lot. The boy giving us our tour was sweet and funny, and gave us just the right amount of information without overloading us. The exhibits were great, getting to hold some weapons the samurai used. The only reason im giving it 4 star was because I think it was a bit too expensive for what it was. But I enjoyed 😀

I didn’t have high expectations for this museum as I couldn’t care less for male violence but this museum was actually so fascinating! It starts with a 45 min tour, and then you can do a ninja star throwing competition and take photos dressed as samurai. I’d say 95% of the explanation in the museum is focused on Samurai, I would’ve loved a little bit more information about ninja’s and their techniques. But overall it was fascinating, and violence was not really a focus of the tour at ALL. The explanation was very well done. Our tour guide (I think her name was Rin), was fantastic. A natural talent, her story flowed perfectly, she was able to keep us all focused without being overpowering or rushing us, and she genuinely cared about our experience. A gem ❤️.

Did I win the Shuriken throwing competition? You're damn right I did! This place is incredible. So much history and the knowledge and humour that our guide has was awesome! Rin, if you read this. You're amazing! Thankyou for such a good time 🙏 If you have an Instagram, we'd love to follow 😊

Pretty good experience. The tour was good, but moved a little fast to read some of the information (didn't know 'til later that you could go back through the whole place, minutes the ninja star throwing again at your own pace). The tour guide was great. And on to of throwing some plastic ninja stars into some foam targets, you got to dress up as a ninja, or Samurai at the end to take some photos.

We had a great time at the Samurai Ninja museum in Kyoto. The guide was excellent and gave a fantastic over view of the history, from the raise to the fall, of the Samurai. Amazing collection armour and swords. And a fun ninja start throwing game at the end. The only thing that was missing was more examples of ninja tools and weapons. The Ninja stuff was minimal and more based on information and not artifacts. I would recommend that complete inja fans visit, but also consider a day trip to Iga Ueno.

Really enjoyed the museum, and it was nice to have a tour guide. There is so much information, so you have to come earlier to spend at least 1-3hrs depending on how much you want to read. The activities such as throwing ninja stars and wearing samurai costumes were so much fun. The only negatives are that, once you are done your tour, it’s a little inconvenient to go back to the beginning and take your time as usually another tour is happening at that location and also the next location. It is also the most expensive museum we visited in Japan, at $33 per person. Overall, a great experience.

What a fun experience it was! We went in the late afternoon and there was no waiting time. The group was about 20 people but it didn’t feel crowded. Our tour guide (Raito) spoke were good English and answered all questions that were asked. We also did a fun star-throwing activity at the end. Highly recommended!

This review comes a bit late since I visited this beautiful shrine in early November 2024, but it’s been an unforgettable trip and truly a rather hidden gem for Kyoto shrines. Shimogamo is one of the two oldest and most important shrines in Kyoto, dating back further than the settlement of Kyoto as Ancient Japan’s capital. Its importance throughout history is felt as you walk through the grounds that are much more spacious than other temples and shrines, the walk through the garden was especially serene - and the rain made it all feel even more connected with nature, as is the spirit of Shintoism. Even more poignant since the shrine was settled here for the Kamo river. There are also several marked archeological sites and protected ancient trees to remind you of the age of this sacred place. Yet despite its historical significance, it (luckily) does not receive the level of tourist attention which other more widely known temples/shrines do, so it was a very peaceful experience. There was an ongoing ceremony for an event hence the group of people in my photos, but otherwise quite empty. The gift shop was quite popular since this shrine sells a famous season edition omamori - a special momento capturing the season you visited. Entry to the grounds and surrounding garden is also free but there is a fee to enter the prayer halls, which I didn’t do. They also have the water omikuji in Japanese only (I got great fortune yay 🙏) I will definitely visit again and also its connected Kamigamo shrine further upriver.

March 2023 I love this shrine , they sell really feminine lucky amulets It’s also less crowded here Definitely worth visiting Accessible by local city buses in Kyoto

Very delicate and elegant place. As walking along the alley that both sides full of trees and greens towards the 神社, the mind and eyes are filled with the beauty of the architecture and the serenity of the place .

Shimogamo Shrine is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It's also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the forest approach feels refreshing. The shrine itself is well maintained and not as crowded as other famous spots in Kyoto which made the visit feel more relaxed.

Shimogamo Shrine possesses a quiet, timeless beauty—one that doesn’t demand attention, yet lingers deeply in the memory. Approaching through its forest-like path, the vivid red torii gates rise gently between waves of autumn foliage, creating a scene that feels almost cinematic. The crimson leaves, brushed with gold and amber, form a natural canopy above the gravel walkway, and the torii stands like an open invitation into a more elegant, ancient world. Inside the shrine grounds, the architecture reflects the grace of the Heian period. The main stage pavilion—dark timber pillars, refined rooflines, and delicate gold accents—feels both solemn and luminous under the late-morning light. The wide expanse of white gravel adds to the sense of purity and openness, allowing the entire space to breathe. Standing there, you can almost imagine a traditional performance unfolding, accompanied by the distant echo of court music. The arched red bridge—simple, rounded, and marked with sacred shimenawa ropes—is another enchanting detail. It carries a quiet dignity, as if guarding the waters and trees that surround it. Nearby, the brilliant yellow ginkgo leaves glow like lanterns, completing the perfect palette of autumn. It’s a place where time slows, encouraging you to pause, observe, and let the silence settle in. Before leaving, the charm shop adds a final touch of warmth. The seasonal omamori, each shaped and colored after a different month’s motif, feel more like small handcrafted artworks than souvenirs. Their intricate threads and soft colors capture the essence of nature and the changing seasons—almost as if they preserve a piece of the shrine’s tranquility in the palm of your hand. Shimogamo Shrine is not defined by grandeur but by atmosphere. It balances sacred dignity with a gentle, inviting stillness. Walking through its grounds brings a calm that follows you even after you step outside—an understated, enduring serenity that stays with you long after the visit ends.

Visited the shrine because of Uchoten Kazoku anime. The shrine is located close to nature, as it is located near Tadasu no Mori. Not many foreign tourists there, so if you want to take a break from a place that is too 'touristy' you can visit Shimogamo Shrine. Many locals take their wedding shoot there also. They also sell some Uchouten Kazoku anime merchandise in the shops, as the setting for tanuki family's home is this Shrine. I recommend visiting during autumn, as the momiji is very beautiful.

A nice temple hidden amongst the forested area. Very tranquilizing walk into the shrine. There were many couples in their wedding gowns taking photos at the shrine. Get a lucky charm at the store and soak it into the water in the stream to unveil the words.

Excellent restaurant serving a set course menu specialising in Unagi (eel). Found in the Daimaru shopping complex, we were able to enjoy this 3 course menu consisting of unique appetisers, fresh sashimi and their Unagi cooked in so many different styles! Our favourites here is definitely the Hitsumabushi - where we were able to eat the Unagi in so many different ways - explained very quickly by the staff and the English guide was very helpful too.

Ordered the grilled unagi donburi, and honestly? A solid 6/10, but it also wasn’t memorable in any way. The real kicker? The price, $56 for one bowl which is pretty steep price tag for something that tasted just okay. At that price point, I expected something way more impressive in flavor or presentation. Would I recommend coming all the way down just to try this place? Definitely not. But if you happen to be nearby, have a sudden craving for unagi, and don’t mind parting with $50+ for an average bowl, then sure, go for it. Just don’t expect to be wowed.

This is the best unagi until now for me. The grilling skill is amazing. Crispy outside and juicy inside. Can smell the charcoal from the skin. We tried the premium combo which is worth it to try. Great side dishes. Kizami suit well with the rice if you are into wasabi. The portion here is too much for 1. Maybe suit better to Western portion 😆.

So delicious, loved the unagi and the chazuka style mixed things up and created a great new flavor profile for some good change. Make sure to order the specific Nagoya style unagi set - not all of them will have chazuka style. Great atmosphere, very pretty, and calming.

We often go to Kyoto but as we know, Kyoto gets super duper busy everywhere, so if you are looking for some restaurants very nice but no long line, you can come to this restaurant inside the department store building. It is not a Kyoto originated restaurant but you can enjoy wonderful unagi here without waiting in a long queue.

Terrible Experience - Burnt and Inedible Unagi Don! I had a truly disappointing visit here recently. For the first time in my life, I was served a bowl of unagi don where the eel was completely burnt! Every piece was black, overcooked, and bitter. It was absolutely inedible and honestly concerning from a health perspective. When I politely brought this to the staff’s attention, hoping for a resolution, the response was shockingly dismissive. They insisted there was nothing wrong with the food and outright refused to offer a replacement or any kind of solution. The attitude was poor and unprofessional. Left with no other choice, I took a few reluctant bites and had to leave hungry to find a proper meal elsewhere. I strongly advise against wasting your time and money here. There are much better options available.

4.2-4.4 rating feels correct. Good experience, good quality meal, and large portions. The meal feels celebratory and the staff provide good service. Highly recommend making a reservation as it looked hard to walk in. Restaurant is located on the 8th floor and takes a while to navigate to unless you take the north elevators up.

I ordered sukiyaki set which has sukiyaki, egg yolk, pickles, and miso soup. The beef is good but not great. Not as soft as I expected. I think this place is overrated by tourists. Good place for a quick lunch though if you are shopping in the department store. We were there around 1 pm and no lines. There are only 6 seats. Also offer beef rice to go.

Nice food. Very small restaurant, around 6-7 seat only

Really good food overall but a bit pricey

(Translated by Google) I came here because of the reputation, but because I don’t have a Japanese phone number, I couldn’t wait for almost an hour to be seated at noon on weekdays. Fortunately, there are seats outside the door where I can sit and wait. The three of us ordered: Superior Beef Sukiyaki (12100 yen) Premium Beef Sukiyaki (8800 yen) A regular sukiyaki set meal (about 3500 yen) Sure enough, you get what you pay for. The more expensive the beef, the more delicious it is, but the most common ones are not inferior to the sukiyaki outside. The chef in green kimono (perhaps the store manager?) carefully cooked sukiyaki for us. Every process was meticulous and very professional. Overall, it’s well worth a try and highly recommended! (Original) 慕名而來，但因為沒有日本電話所以無法平日中午等了快一小時才能入座，幸好門外有座位可以坐著等。 我們三人點了： 一份Superior Beef Sukiyaki (12100 yen) 一份Premium Beef Sukiyaki (8800 yen) 一份普通壽喜燒定食 (about 3500 yen) 果然是一分錢一分貨，愈貴的牛肉愈好吃，但是最普通的也不遜色於外面的壽喜燒 穿綠色和服的廚師（可能是店長？）細心地為我們煮壽喜燒，每個工序都一絲不苟，非常專業。 整體而言，非常值得一試，推薦！

(Translated by Google) Mishima-tei is a long-established sukiyaki restaurant in Kyoto with a history of over 140 years. There is a branch on the basement floor of Daimaru that sells meat and prepared foods, and there is an eat-in space in one corner where you can easily enjoy the taste of the long-established sukiyaki. There is only a counter inside the restaurant, which is perfect for a quick meal. Sukiyakizen is cooked sukiyaki served on a griddle and comes with rice, miso soup, egg, and pickled vegetables. ■Reservations: Not possible ■Price: Sukiyaki set (2,750 yen) ■Accessibility: 3 minutes walk from Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Railway. *You can enter Daimaru directly from the underground passage. (Original) 三嶋亭は京都で140年以上の歴史を持つすき焼きの老舗店舗。 大丸地下1階には精肉や惣菜を扱う支店があるのですが、その一角にイートインスペースがあり、老舗のすき焼きの味を手軽に楽しむことができます。 店内はカウンターのみ、サッと食事を済ますのにちょうど良い作りです。 すき焼き膳は調理済のすき焼きが鉄板に載せて提供される形で、ご飯、お味噌汁、卵と香の物が付いています。 ■予約：不可 ■料金：すき焼き膳（2,750円） ■アクセス性：京都市営地下鉄烏丸線「四条駅」・阪急電車「烏丸駅」徒歩3分。※地下道からそのまま大丸に入店できます。

(Translated by Google) It's on the B1 floor of Daimaru Kyoto. The store is small and can only accommodate 7 people at the same time. I ordered Sukiyaki and Netgaki set meals, which were delicious and not disappointing. (Original) 在大丸京都店的 B1层，店面较小，同时只能有7人用餐，点了寿喜烧和网烧套餐，很好吃不会踩雷的

(Translated by Google) Even if you buy cheap meat, Mishimatei's meat is still delicious! No matter how expensive the meat you choose, it tastes different from meat you buy at the supermarket. Depending on the part, it's soft, fatty, and has a nice sweetness. Curry also tastes much better when made with Mishimatei's curry meat! Prices vary widely, and the more expensive meat is for gifts. For home use, I buy the cheapest meat possible, but it's always delicious. I've been a fan of Mishimatei since my grandfather's time. I'd like to try their sukiyaki at the restaurant once. The staff at Takashimaya are better. The staff at Daimaru seem a bit messy. It's good meat, but it makes me sad when they just throw it around. The way they measure the meat and the way they grab it give me the impression of being rough. I end up buying it at Takashimaya. (Original) 安いお肉を買っても、三嶋亭はやっぱり美味しい！いくら高いものを選んでも、スーパーで買うお肉とは味が違います。 部位にもよりますが、柔らかくて脂が乗っていて、良い甘さがあります。 カレーも三嶋亭のカレー肉で作ると格段に美味しくなります！ 値段はピンキリで、高いお肉は贈答用に。自宅用にはなるべくお安いお肉を購入しますが、どれも美味しいです。 祖父の代から三嶋亭をご贔屓にしています。 一度お店ですき焼きを食べてみたいです。 高島屋の方が店員さんの対応は良いです。 大丸の店員さんはちょっと乱雑な感じがします。 良いお肉なのに、ポイっと投げるように置かれると悲しくなります。お肉を計る時の置き方や、お肉の掴み方も乱暴な印象。 やっぱり高島屋で買おう、と思ってしまう。

Whether you believe in fate, luck, or happy coincidence it matters not, because something’s are simply meant to be. And none is truer of the series of events that brought me to Kyoto Yamagishi’s door earlier this week (July ‘25). Following a tour of Kyoto’s scenic and serene North East I soon found myself in search of a place to dine. After wandering aimlessly and arriving a hair too late at a few places prior that had just stopped serving food, I turned a corner right as patrons departed the Kyoto Yamagishi. It was all but a moment, as I was riding a bicycle, yet in that moment before the door closed behind the patrons a heavenly aroma drifted out onto the street, and I caught a glimpse of a chic yet inviting decor, with guests engaged in pleasant chit chat, sous chefs and wait staff buzzing about wearing genuine smiles, all of which was draped in an uplifting aura. So naturally I stopped and inquired about the menu and was shown to a seat. In hindsight thankfully I had on a halfway decent golf polo because it soon became apparent this was a rather upscale restaurant. None the less, from there the night only improved. As Chef Nominokouji prepared a stunning spaghetti squash and soft boiled egg broth, the young couple adjacent struck up a conversation, and great food with even better company very nearly caused me to miss my return train to Osaka. And thus an ideal day was crowned by an exceptional evening, thanks to Tominokoji Yamagishi.

On this day, they were open in three parts, and we attended the 4:00 p.m. session! They said it was more expensive than usual because it was a matsutake mushroom course, but it was a Michelin-starred restaurant, so the food was very stable. I hope to go there again if I can get a reservation 🥺.

Dinner ¥60000 plus

Amazing food. But you can't get reservations for at least stuff months

I really don't understand how this place has a rating of 4.51 on Tabelog with such quality and flavor. As a kaiseki restaurant, it falls short in terms of refinement. Overall, the taste is quite ordinary, especially for a meal that costs over 80,000 yen per person; it feels rather perfunctory. I'm just glad I didn't waste a good bottle of wine here.

(Translated by Google) Savor summer memories with luxurious Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine and sake. Tominokoji Yamagishi, Gion, Kyoto | Executive Dining and Gourmet Trip One of the most memorable restaurants on my Kyoto gourmet trip was Tominokoji Yamagishi. This famous restaurant offers seasonal dishes that are the mainstream of high-class Japanese cuisine, and you can feel the best of Japanese aesthetics and techniques. As I visited in July, they served a luxurious selection of conger eel dishes. The grilled fish with turnip sauce was particularly delicious, and the natural sweetness and aroma brought tears to my eyes. The course, which was generously woven with high-quality ingredients such as abalone, sea urchin, sweetfish, and conger eel, embodied the luxury and refinement of the land of Kyoto. They also had a wide selection of sake, and the pairing with Aramasa was impeccable. The interior of the restaurant exudes a dignified atmosphere typical of Gion, while providing an exquisite sense of distance that allows you to enjoy yourself without feeling tense. It's truly "Japanese cuisine to be enjoyed with sensibility." It's also the perfect place for business owners to chat together. ⸻ Executive Index｜9.2 / 10 Space and Presentation ★★★★★ (Kyoto-esque and sophisticated) Food Quality ★★★★★ (Grilled fish is so delicious it brings tears to your eyes) Service ★★★★☆ (Polite and modest hospitality) Cost Balance ★★★★☆ (Ingredients and presentation are satisfactory) Willingness to revisit ★★★★★ (Want to visit every season) Multilingual Summary English Tominoji Yamagishi in Kyoto offers refined kaiseki cuisine with a luxurious seasonal touch. From grilled fish with turnip sauce to premium ingredients like abalone and sea urchin, every dish impresses. Ideal for executive gatherings with sake pairings like Aramasa. Korean 교토의 ‘토미노지 I'm sorry for the inconvenience. 순무 소스를 곁들인 생선구이는 눈물이 날 만큼 감동적이며, 전복, 성게, 은어, 하모 등 It's a good idea. I'm in love with you It's a good idea. Chinese (simplified) He is known for the best stone cuisine of Kyoto's "Tominokoji Yamagishi". Charcoal-cooked fish with a natural taste. Including mackerel, sea bream, fragrant fish, sea hawk and other high quality ingredients, very suitable for a business meeting or a gastronomic trip. (Original) ラグジュアリー京和食と日本酒で味わう、夏の記憶。 京都・祇園　富小路やま岸　｜経営者会食・グルメ旅 京都グルメ旅の中でも、最も印象に残った一軒が【富小路やま岸】。 高級和食の本流ともいえる季節の仕立てで、日本の美意識と技の粋を感じられる名店。 この日は7月の訪問ということもあり、鱧料理が贅沢に登場。 中でも、かぶらのソースで仕立てた焼き魚は絶品で、自然な甘みと香ばしさに思わず涙が出そうになる。 鮑、雲丹、鮎、鱧…と、高級食材が惜しみなく織り込まれたコースは、京都という土地の贅と洗練を体現している。 日本酒のセレクションも豊富で、新政とのペアリングは文句なしの仕上がり。 店内の設えは祇園らしい凛とした空気を漂わせつつ、肩肘張らずに楽しめる絶妙な距離感。 まさに「感性で食す和食」。経営者同士の語らいにもぴったりな一軒。 ⸻ Executive Index（エグゼクティブ指数）｜9.2 / 10 空間・演出力 ★★★★★（京都らしさと洗練が同居） 料理の完成度 ★★★★★（焼き魚が涙腺にくる美味） サービス ★★★★☆（丁寧で控えめな接遇） コストバランス ★★★★☆（素材・演出含め納得感あり） 再訪意欲 ★★★★★（季節ごとに訪れたい） 多言語サマリー（Multilingual Summary） English Tominoji Yamagishi in Kyoto offers refined kaiseki cuisine with a luxurious seasonal touch. From grilled fish with turnip sauce to premium ingredients like abalone and sea urchin, every dish impresses. Ideal for executive gatherings with sake pairings like Aramasa. 한국어 교토의 ‘토미노지 야마기시’는 계절감을 살린 고급 가이세키 요리를 제공합니다. 순무 소스를 곁들인 생선구이는 눈물이 날 만큼 감동적이며, 전복, 성게, 은어, 하모 등 고급 식재료가 한가득. 비즈니스 모임이나 특별한 날에 추천합니다. 中文（简体） 京都“富小路やま岸”以高端的怀石料理著称。 炭烤鱼配萝卜泥酱，味道自然感人。 包含鲍鱼、海胆、香鱼、海鳗等高档食材，非常适合商务会餐或美食之旅。

(Translated by Google) Located at 560 Honeya-no-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Tominokoji-dori Rokkaku-sagaru. Approximately a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and a 5-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Keihan Line. Exterior/Building Features This charming building, renovated from a 130-year-old tenement house, is accessed through a cobblestone alley (known as a "roji" or "roji"). The restaurant has a tranquil atmosphere befitting Japanese cuisine. Interior/Seating/Atmosphere There are nine counter seats (subject to reservations) and the restaurant is completely non-smoking. The restaurant primarily serves courses, allowing for close interaction with the chef across the counter. The interior is a sophisticated space with a modern Japanese feel. Closed Tuesdays and the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Budget/Business Hours The chef's choice course menu is generally priced between ¥69,800 and ¥74,800 (tax included), subject to change depending on ingredients and the season. (Original) 京都府京都市中京区骨屋之町560 富小路通六角下る。阪急京都線・烏丸駅から徒歩約5分、京阪「河原町」駅からも徒歩5分程度。  外観・建物の特徴 約130年前の長屋を改装した趣ある建物で、入口から石畳の小路（いわゆる「露地」）を通って店内へ入る趣向。日本料理らしい静かな佇まいです。  内装・席数・雰囲気 席数はカウンター9席（※予約情報による）で、完全禁煙。コース中心の提供スタイルで、カウンター越しに料理人との距離感が近い構成です。店内は和のモダンを感じる上質な空間。定休日は火曜日および第2・4水曜日。  予算・営業等 おまかせコース料金はおおむね税込69,800円〜74,800円、仕入れ状況や季節により変動あり。

It was a truly unique experience. The food was delicious and the staff were wonderful kind, friendly, and fun. My family and I enjoyed a fantastic meal accompanied by a small fire show. We also had a delightful conversation, and one of the staff members kindly gave us a beautiful origami as a gift. I had such an enjoyable time and really appreciated the food. This is an experience I will always remember. Greetings from Spain 💕.

I was staying at the hotel right across the street and each night, I would see a long queue of diners there, waiting for their turn patiently. The evening before departing Kyoto, I decided to check it out for myself so I walked over and joined the queue. I had a fun time there. Dinner comes with a show. The food was very good and the team was very friendly and efficient. Everyone knows their part and things run like clockwork. Once you are seated and placed your order, they will walk you through the experience but nothing truly prepares you for what comes next. I was a bit excited to try it out and I am glad I did! One for the experience!

They pour burning oil on top of your ramen as they are serving it, showing an impressive display of fire erupting from the ramen bowl. They have printed out instructions for on what to do during the display in a multitude of different languages, even for more obscure/smaller countries. The workers all have very good English comprehension. They have an option to receive a commemorative Kyoto castle bento box (meant for children, but you might get away with getting one anyway as an adult c;) The atmosphere is very nice, and the employees take commemorative photos for you, both during the fire show and after. After the meal they also offer you a "cool places to visit" in Kyoto compiled by the restaurant owner himself. Overall extremely good service, friendly staff, and very good food, very much recommended if you are in Kyoto!

Food was very delicious! Didn't know about the show before hand but the food was so good and so worth it! Would def go back. We also got a bottle of delicious saki that was to die for. I would recommend making a reservation, we were a party of 4 and the only reason we got a seat was because we did an early dinner (around 5.15pm). Another group our size tried to come after us and couldn't because all the seats were reserved.

Had a lot of fun at Menbaka Fire Ramen! There is a very limited menu but the food is amazing and will definitely fill you up with the multi courses. The ramen was delicious but I wish it had an egg in it and had more flavor to the broth. It’s a fun experience if you’re in Kyoto but also keep in mind that it’s very expensive - not quite sure it was worth the price considering there are lots of good ramen spots in town.

Visited about a month ago, waiting about 45min. In my opinion this ramen is not worth ¥3300. Looks like you are paying for the show and your social media video. For people who are looking for exeptional taste ramen there are much more better choices. Service was good, show was good, ramen below average.

The flame on Ramen is not just a gimmick. The ramen and the pork tasted beautiful. We had the fired chicken for the side dish. It was crispy outside and juicy and tender inside. The boss could set up your phone to film your face threatened by the flame.

Nikishi Market in Kyoto is a must visit. You can get lost there for hours trying all the delicious food. So many place to try different traditional Japanese foods. I had a great time there. You must check it out while in Kyoto. Check out my pictures and videos and you will see incredible this place is.

Favorite buy: Kyoto special chili oils, fresh sashimi, scallops, ankimo (monkfish liver) Excellent street market with lots of fresh seafood, sashimi, beef (like Kobe specialty cuts) and more! You can easily pick up regional gifts here. It was still vey busy at 17:00, just 1 hour before it closed. Some shops have limited stock and close when they run out. On the weekend when it was nice weather and very busy it was still very stocked and full with many people. DO NOT WALK AND EAT! You are asked to eat outside/in most stores for safety and politeness. The market doesn’t have a lot of walking space so this is fit the best. Do buy: specialty and unique store recipes they you like, fresh food to eat at the market or nearby in your home/room. Some of the shops are more expensive for common souvenirs (like Kit Kats which are cheaper at Donki) but if you want them in a hurry then it’s okay to buy here for a little higher cost.

Nishiki Market is a foodie paradise! Every lane is packed with delicious treats—from mochi to grilled seafood and local pickles. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, and the vendors are friendly. A great spot to taste authentic Kyoto flavors. Highly recommended!

We visited this market in Kyoto and it was amazing! So many different kinds of food and shops to explore. The street food quality was excellent — everything we tried was delicious. It can get a bit crowded, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re in Kyoto, this is definitely a must-visit spot!”

Huge covered street mall with lots of restaurants and shops of all flavors: souvenirs, anime figures, gacha, clothes, shoes and everything else you can think of. I mostly enjoyed walking around and discovering shops with things that caught my eye, like a souvenir shop with beautiful jewelry boxes that also holds super expensive and unique fans. Another shop with unique Sake sets or one with cute lucky cut statues. You can also visit the shrine in the middle of the street and grab yourself a goshuin. Some more stores I enjoyed were a second hand anime figure store that has a quite varied selection at decent prices, a Japanese knife shop that also does a sharpening workshop and for some extra money will let you even keep and engrave the that you worked on for you. Would highly recommend spending a day here as the shops are so varied and have different closing times that it is almost impossible to get through all of them in one time.

Love love ❤️❤️ lots of treats for all. My daughter got unique Matcha bowl kit. The cream puffs to die for & place called city bakery had the best lemon meringue pie & the BEST COFFEE (Aussie style) we had in all of Japan PLEASE NOTE : they ask if you buy food or drinks you MUST NOT WALK WITH ITEMS - they say stay at venue you purchased & eat it there !! (They will remind you of this rule if you walk & eat etc )

I love walking down a narrow alley with street food galore. This is a great place to experience Japanese street food of all kinds. It was super busy when we were there. There were a lot of tourists. But it still felt pretty authentic with the Japanese food. There's also a lot of souvenir shops but that's not my cup of tea. I only wish that it stayed open later. It closes a little on the early side. I think it was 6:00 and they were closing up shop.

Me and my parents visited this place in the evening and the view was stunning! Although only a little red leaves when we were there, the layers of colour (green/ yellow/ brown/ red) mixed together in harmony. The temples and Buddha statues were breath taking as well! Highly recommended. If not because if the time constrain, I'd love to visit there in daytime too.

One of the best temples we have been too. Won't bore you with temple part, but the best thing was, the sunday we went, they had a huge flea market. It was just awesome. All this great 2nd hand stuff within the grounds. Just blown away with happiness. I got a way cool wind up small clock and Mrs got some strange dolls lol

The 2 huge main halls smell like ancient wood, very calming & zen… The garden is quite small, pond water is kinda dirty, but got a big grey bird & nice photo views of the pagoda. Good to visit for once.

The gardens at this temple were the highlight of our visit. We were lucky to time it to see the gorgeous fall colors and the cool calm day was perfect. It was not at all crowded the afternoon we were there which contributed to the peaceful atmosphere. We didn’t see it at night when it’s beautiful under the lights.

We are staying a couple blocks away from this temple and walk through it every morning to get to th train station. Such a wonderful experience. Right now from Nov 9- Dec 14 they light up the temple at night and you pay 1000 yen for a night experience.

They are doing their autumn light shows in the evening right now (Nov/Dec). Don’t be discouraged by the line to go in, it moves very quickly. It was very busy inside but we were able to take great photos and really enjoy the evening views.

An Exceptional Review of Tō-ji — Kyoto’s Enduring Spiritual Landmark Visiting Tō-ji (Kyōō Gokoku-ji) feels like stepping directly into the living bloodstream of Kyoto’s history. Even before entering the grounds, the towering five-storied pagoda commands the skyline—its dark wooden silhouette cutting cleanly against the crisp blue morning sky. In your photos, this moment is captured beautifully: the crowd waiting to cross, the gentle winter sunlight, and the pagoda standing like a silent guardian watching over centuries of change. ⸻ The Five-Storied Pagoda: A Vertical Line Through Time From a distance, the pagoda’s layered eaves appear almost weightless, yet up close the structure reveals an extraordinary complexity—deep wooden textures, intricate joinery, and craftsmanship refined over more than a thousand years. Your backlit photo of the pagoda is particularly striking, turning it into a grand, shadowed silhouette. It conveys exactly what Tō-ji represents: a monument that transcends decoration and speaks with the quiet authority of time itself. ⸻ Nandaimon and the Market: Where Sacred Heritage Meets Daily Life Tō-ji’s Nandaimon is a magnificent gateway—massive, weathered, and dignified. Yet the lively market just outside, filled with antiques, crafts, and Kyoto locals, forms a delightful contrast. Here, the ancient and the everyday coexist naturally: the solemn presence of the gate and the vibrant human warmth around it. This balance is one of Tō-ji’s greatest charms. It is not merely a preserved monument—it is a place that continues to breathe with the rhythms of Kyoto’s people. ⸻ The Temple Buildings: Quiet Spaces with Living Spirit Inside the grounds, the architectural harmony becomes even more apparent. Your photos of the Kōdō, Kondō, and surrounding halls show a serene interplay of colors: the soft white walls, the warm red columns, the shadowed wooden beams, and the gentle afternoon light filtering through. These are not static museum pieces. They are spaces shaped for meditation, ritual, and inner stillness, and even today they retain that calming presence. Walking between these structures, one senses a profound stability—an anchor to centuries of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. ⸻ Leaving Tō-ji: A Natural Return to Stillness Tō-ji may not dazzle with the golden brilliance of Kinkaku-ji or the dramatic vistas of Kiyomizu-dera, but it possesses a depth that is far more enduring. It is a temple that grounds you—quietly, steadily, almost imperceptibly. Your photos capture this essence perfectly: Tō-ji is not just a destination. It is a state of mind— a slow, measured breath in the heart of Kyoto.

I visited this temple on another rain soaked morning. It has been drizzling since breakfast and in spite of that, many tourists like us was undeterred and pressed on! We bought tickets at the front counter and explored the grounds. The buildings and surroundings were well kept and neat. There were clear signs to guide us along the path. Some paths may be slippery because of the rain so caution is advised. The compound is beautiful and you can almost feel the history when you step into the old temple and feel the original woodwork. There is a tea house inside as well as quaint cafes outside so if you feel peckish, there are nice, quite places to stop and replenish and rest.

Beautiful light illumination experience! The main illumination show was excellent — vibrant lights, great sound, and an engaging story that I wanted to watch again, though it was a bit short (around 5 minutes). The temple grounds themselves are calm and pleasant to walk around at night. The lighting on the trees is nice, though not particularly special. There’s also a small bamboo garden which adds to the atmosphere. Be careful while walking: many paths have stone steps that can be slippery. There’s no stamp available on your own booklet. Instead, they sell a pre-stamped temple paper for 500 yen. Evening illumination entrance ticket is 600 yen per person.

Going to this temple at night whenever they have their special ligh show and illumination is a wondrous experience. It is just so gorgeous. The light show is nice and fun, but the best part are the trees reflecting on the lake, all illuminated, and simply gorgeous. The fact it was fall and they had all these different pretty colors made it all even better. I have been to this temple both during the day and at night, and I found the night experience even more memorable. I would very much recommend going whenever they have their temple illuminated.

Kōdai-ji is such a peaceful and beautiful temple to visit in Kyoto. The gardens are stunning — especially with the reflection ponds and bamboo grove that give off a calm, relaxing vibe. The temple buildings are elegant, and the pathways are well kept. If you visit in the evening, the light-up display makes it even more magical. It’s not as crowded as some other Kyoto spots, so it feels more relaxing and personal. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy nature, history, and quiet moments.

Beautiful temple in the Higashiyama area. The garden is absolutely beautiful, especially during Koyo (autumn) when the leaves are changing colors. The bamboo forest is incredible too, and if you don’t want to go all the way to Arashiyama (or don’t have time), this place is a great option to visit. Also wasn’t too busy, even for late October.

This was GORGEOUS!!!! It was amazing to see everything lit up at night and the fall colors, wow!!! They had a light show of the history with music that just lit up the the temple grounds. It was phenomenal!! This is a must see!!! The pictures don't do it justice! You just can't capture the magic and the beauty here!

A truly charming temple with beautifully landscaped gardens, quiet walking paths, and a lovely bamboo grove. Kodaiji has a peaceful vibe that makes it stand out from the busier temples in Kyoto. The buildings, tea houses, and ponds are all well maintained and full of character. A great place to unwind and appreciate Kyoto’s traditional beauty.

Yasaka Shrine is among the most renowned and frequently visited shrines in Kyoto, affectionately referred to by locals as “Gion-san.” The shrine grounds are a highlight for visitors, showcasing elegant architecture and distinctive sub-shrines. In the evening, the grounds are beautifully illuminated, with glowing lanterns creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. An evening stroll through the shrine is therefore highly recommended.

Beautiful especially when they light the lanterns. No photos allowed according to the signs but everyone (everyone…) was taking pictures and people go there and to the nearby park wearing kimonos especially for photo sessions. I would prefer if there weren’t all those stalls selling smelly food and souvenirs, it would be even prettier (especially since there are already a ton of cafés, restaurants and stores on your way to the sanctuary).

Located in Gion District in Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is beautiful and the sorrunding Marayuma Park offers respite in the hustle and bustle of Kyoto. You can see people wearing yukata. It's a pity that I haven't the opportunity to dress up. A perfect place to chill after visiting Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle and Arashiyama.

Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto offers a truly magical experience when visited at night. Arriving at 9 pm, I found the grounds tranquil and almost empty, making it an unexpected peaceful escape right in the heart of Gion. The shrine’s striking vermilion gates and elegant wooden architecture are beautifully illuminated by rows of glowing lanterns, creating a serene and almost mystical ambiance that’s perfect for quiet reflection or photography.With no crowds, the gentle sound of the wind and softly lit paths fostered a sense of calm rarely found at popular city shrines. The spacious grounds let you take your time wandering and admiring the small altars, lantern displays, and traditional structures without distractions. At night, the interplay of light and shadow across the main hall and gardens makes the site especially enchanting Yasaka Shrine is open 24 hours, and night visits come highly recommended for those seeking a peaceful, spiritual experience in Kyoto. It’s an ideal stop for anyone who values tranquility and wishes to experience a historical site away from the bustle of daytime crowds

Popular temple in Kyoto. A little too popular when we went and you really had to have your camera and pose ready to get a good picture between all the people. Have been told that the lanterns are lit up during the night and moon festival has events. Good to look up for start of October.

Yasaka Shrine Review | A Radiant Gateway to Kyoto’s Spirit Yasaka Shrine stands as one of Kyoto’s most iconic sanctuaries—an entrance not only to Gion, but to the city’s timeless spiritual heartbeat. In your photos, the shrine glows under the soft golden light of late afternoon, transforming its vivid vermilion gates and sweeping black roofs into a scene that feels both majestic and warmly inviting. Approaching the grand Rōmon Gate, its bold red pillars rise against the blue sky, immediately capturing attention. Visitors ascend the stone steps with a sense of anticipation, passing beneath the gate’s intricate details and into a world where Kyoto’s centuries-old traditions still breathe. The contrast between the shrine’s vibrant colors and the natural greens behind it creates a striking harmony—lively yet serene. Inside the precinct, Yasaka Shrine becomes a lively tapestry of worshippers, travelers, and families. The main hall, with its elegant curved roof and glowing orange beams, stands illuminated by the golden hour light. The shadows of people in kimono stretch across the stone courtyard, adding a gentle touch of ceremonial beauty. It is a place where everyday moments blend naturally with spiritual devotion. The shrine’s famous lantern pavilion, adorned with rows of white lanterns printed with the names of Kyoto businesses, shines like a constellation by day. It becomes the symbolic heart of Yasaka Shrine—an elegant fusion of community, tradition, and light. In your photos, this structure rises gracefully against the open sky, reminding visitors of the shrine’s central role in the Gion Festival and Kyoto’s cultural heritage. What makes Yasaka Shrine so captivating is its balance between stillness and energy. It is a sanctuary where prayers are whispered quietly, yet it is also full of movement—pilgrims ringing bells, groups taking photos, families enjoying the gentle breeze. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere retains a sense of purity and calm, as if the shrine itself absorbs and softens the noise of the world outside. Walking through Yasaka Shrine feels like stepping into Kyoto’s living soul. Its colors, sounds, and architecture speak not only of Shinto tradition, but of the way the old capital continues to embrace its past while welcoming people from everywhere. As the sun sets behind the roofs and the lanterns begin to glow, you leave with a sense of warmth—of having touched something deeply rooted yet wonderfully alive.

Beautiful shrine and a must-visit place in Kyoto. The enterance is filled with local vendors and foodstalls. One can try out all the japanese street food here and get yourself some souvenirs too. The shrine itself is a quiet and calm place and you can stroll through the park too which can be a beautiful sight in the spring season and fall season.

A really beautiful shrine with a big eye widening garden. This place is really good for forest bathing shinrin-yoku or just to be with friends and family. It has nice history. It costs 600 yen to enter the garden. Sadly the main shrine was under renovating. It was really fun to feed the fishes from the pavilion. They were really hungry. One bread piece costs 50+. Not many tourists

We visited this shrine and found it absolutely beautiful. We also paid to access the garden, which was incredibly peaceful and calm. It was such a lovely experience walking around the shrine grounds everything felt serene and well cared for. A perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the quiet beauty of Kyoto.

PSA: Visit the garden. That 600 yen fee was one of my best purchases. Out of all places I visited in Japan, Heian Jingu Garden is where I took the most photos. As for the main shrine itself, it was under renovation when I visited so I couldn't yap much about it. It was a weekday afternoon in late spring and I had the honor to experience the garden with no other soul in sight. It's either tourists are sleeping on this place, Kyoto overtourism is a hoax, or I slipped into a glitch on the matrix. Anyway, just look at the pictures and you'll understand why this place is dangerous. One minute longer and I might delude myself that I'm the main lead in an imperial drama, instead of the NPC.

We recently stopped in Japan on one of our trips to Korea to visit my wife’s family. From Tokyo, we book a tour to Kyoto on the bullet train. One of the places we visited on the tour was the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto. The main building was beautiful and very well maintained. Not too busy on the day we visited which was good.

Ancient symbol of Gate of Kyoto that is where the festivals take place now, there is beautiful garden next the shrine and some museum of Art around, flea market with hand made souvenirs

Technically you just visit the garden. I just visited in the summer. So it's not the best time. Why? Because the garden in this shrine is known for its cherry blossom!! Ticket for the garden is 600 Y (4$) I stopped by while walking back from Nanzenji Temple. There's a subway station not too far away.

Heian Jingu Shrine has a stunning large torii gate and wide open grounds. The architecture is impressive, and the garden (for a small fee) is very peaceful with ponds, flowers, and traditional bridges. A calm escape from the busy city and great spot for photos!

A must see Kyoto attraction as a tourist. A bit far from the station, which was great for a more quiet, relaxing visiting. There's both paid and free areas, both are beautiful. Definitely worth a visit. Also one of the few temples where there's opportunities for tourists to take their shoes off and walk freely inside. Please be considerate of staff instructions and posted signage.

Amazing zen temple a bit away from main Kyoto attractions. There was not that many tourists there as in most popular temples which contributed to the calm and spiritual vibe. If you can I recommend going for matcha tea room there as it’s so beautiful and relaxing. I absolutely recommend coming there to enjoy cultural side of Kyoto.

A bit of walk to get to. The nearest bus stop is 10 minutes walk, but it takes you through a beautiful part of the city. Interesting aqueduct that's worth checking out. The grounds are very peaceful and the sound of running water is all around you.

We are a family of 5 and were looking for an alternative to the busy tourist areas of Kyoto. At Nanzen-ji this is exactly what we found. Very few people between 9 and 11 am. Beautiful views and impressive landscaping and historical buildings. We explored the area for about 2 hours. Highly recommended!

The magnificent all-wood main hall is truly impressive. Don’t forget to go up to the second floor, where you can overlook the entire city of Kyoto. This is also one of the best spots for viewing autumn leaves.

The centre of Zen Buddhism in Japan! There is a few important cultural art pieces as well as stone gardens here. Great thing about this temple is they have English translation of the pieces. However, I am sure why they dont just recycle the plastic bags that hold your shoes for you. Seems wasteful to tell visitors to take them back home.

I went on a sunday morning in november, there were a lot of tourist buses and well, alot of people, even then i do recommend walking through the grounds, it is quite beautiful and at least at this time of the year, the trees are turning into their fall colors which makes it exra special. There is a trail to mount damji at the back of the temple grounds, though it is quite challenging so not for the feint of heart.

Location: Very nice, definitely very stylish Atmosphere: Traditional, clean, separate room, tatami mats Service: Excellent, very good English, traditional clothing (nicely looking) Food: Excellent. I have to admit that we are not experts for the depth and details of Japanese cuisine but every dish was marvelleslouly created, with style and love for details. You could sense the love for food, details and implementation. We had a wonderful everying with a great view to a traditional garden, sake was fitting very well to the dishes and really nothing to complain. We enjoyed it and had a great talk / evening and I wish you have a similar experience. The Service was spectacularly good but modest and respectful. The dished with the smoked sweet fish (we got them shown as they were still alive), the Wagyu (the red pepper sauce was great) and the bowl topped with aubergine were our personal high lights. Everything was very traditional and at least as I could understand it done in perfect style. If you want to have a very traditional evening in combination with great food and service you should go here. Sustainability: It was visible that they really invest time and energy to use bamboo to save resources - from my point of view a very positive effect. Very personal note: I will never be a fan of Uni / sea urchin - no matter how well it is done / prepared.

Exceptional from start to finish. Every element was thoughtfully curated with meticulous care — refined yet effortlessly welcoming. The food was both stunning and delicious, a true display of culinary artistry. Most memorable of all was the warmth and authenticity of the staff, which made the experience not just memorable, but genuinely meaningful.

Kikunoi Honten serves exquisite kaiseki in a serene Kyoto setting, with seasonal dishes & impeccable presentation. Chef Yoshihiro Murata also designs exclusive Japanese meals for Singapore Airlines - an authentic fine dining experience on the ground & in the air.

Unforgettable. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a milestone with your loved one, this is the place. Kikunoi Honten’s menu is creative but still rooted in tradition, taking you on a journey of flavours. My experience with the summer menu was refreshing and fulfilling, ending with a dessert that carried a lingering touch of summer. From the presentation to the flavours, and the serene atmosphere overlooking the lush garden—everything felt just right. Even the walk to Kikunoi Honten is part of the experience, as the property is nestled in an old village lined with small shops and towering trees. If you’re looking to create special memories while you’re in Japan, I highly recommend making a reservation here as every season sure will bring a unique experience.

PLEASE LISTEN TO ME AND SAVE YOUR MONEY. this was absolutely the worst “fine dining” experience in my life. And I’ve done a lot of them. I’m honestly so disappointed, we didn’t ate even half of the dishes that’s been served, chewy, bland, soulless. Yes it’s pretty surroundings, but that’s pretty much it. You can find better and cheaper places in Kyoto. Honestly I enjoyed sushi in sushiro even more Than this. I Don’t UNDERSTAND HOW THIS PLACE HAS MICHELIN STARS, tbh I stop respecting Michelin as it’s been a few times when their recommendations flopped. 145k yen wasted!

It’s the best meal during this trip Both the service and food are perfect Recommend the home brand rice wine

For a three star Michelin restaurant, this place had a lot of hype. We had high expectations going in and overall left with mixed feelings. Service- phenomenal. Period. The private rooms are one of a kind and the wait staff are incredibly professional and almost too respectful (lots of bowing and kowtowing, but that might be more of a cultural discrepancy). It’s a business casual dress code and shoes off in the restaurant. The overall experience for lunch takes 2.5 hours for 10 courses which is on par with the course of fine dining. Food- this is a mixed bag. Overall, I think the meals definitely challenged and expanded my palate. There were a lot of foods I’ve previously never tried and a lot of textures I personally don’t really like (like the slimy, okra like feeling) the courses all had great presentation but only 3-4 dishes I would eat again. The dishes were certainly original and had a flair of “trying to be unique.” But sometimes pushes past my comfort zone. The portion sizes, dare I say we’re almost too big for 10 courses. Overall- would recommend only if you have an adventurous palate and time on your hands.

Wow! I am not sure what we appreciated the most...the outstanding food..or..the outstanding joyful hospitality. The nicest, most welcoming owners you will meet. Made us feel at home, and the food was just about the best we have had in Japan. Comfortable, happy, cozy and casual.. and delicious! You must get a ressie! Absolutely worth it!

If I could only ever eat at one restaurant again, it would be this one – without a doubt. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with such genuine warmth that it felt more like visiting close friends than dining out. Hideki & Naoko pour their hearts into everything they do, and you can feel it in every detail. Each dish was a masterpiece – beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and absolutely delicious. They even offer gluten-free options and happily adapt to individual requests, which made the experience even more special for me. I tried things I would normally avoid, and every single bite blew me away. An unforgettable experience — amazing food, wonderful people, and a place I can’t wait to return to.

This Taverna is simply a once in a lifetime experience. Booked a week in advance, we were looking forward to this dinner and it didn’t disappoint! The set menus give you the chance to try a lot of different kinds of local and Japanese food, and you can also order extra from the à la carte menu. Food was - no joke - amazing, best we’ve had in our whole first week in Japan: set menu B, with Squid Yakisoba which were technically not between of the choices to choose from (thanks Naoko-san for breaking the rules from us), the best Gyoza and a super tasty Soft-shell crab. And the wagyu meat… oh lord, how good that was, straight up melted in our mouths: definitely regret not getting a bigger slice. Fantastic atmosphere too, the small but cozy restaurant felt homely and Naoko-san made us extremely comfortable for the evening… Hideki-san even educated us on all things-wasabi. Price was 100% acceptable for the amount and quality of food we had. 10/10 experience, definitely recommend to anyone who would like to try authentic Japanese food. Also the restaurant is a 1min walk from the Yasaka shrine, which is just fabulous in the dark. Thank to the owners for the best dinner we could ask for

The absolute best food experience on our Japan trip. The absolute greatest service by the sweet couple owning the restaurant. Also the food was very good. Just make sure to make a reservation a week in advance, since it is very busy and not possible to walk in without a reservation

Thank you so much for this incredible experience!!! sawWe were in the area and craving some teppenyaki, we stumbled across this restaurant on our maps and saw all the beautiful reviews, it would be an understatement to say it was our favourite dining experience in japan so far. greeted by a lovely couple who you can tell put a lot of love into your food. the food was incredible we ordered the first set style for 2 and was plenty of food for only $30-$40AUD each. make sure to make your reservation a few hours before the time you want to eat so you get a confirmation email time (ours came within the hour) thank you so much and we hope to see you soon!!!

Reservation is required and totally worth it. We went with 5 people having the best diner you can imagine. Take a look at those pictures and you can see Teppanyaki-chef is among the best! Thanks for having us. It was absolutely amazing!

We were so glad we managed to get a reservation. We had a wonderful experience! Hidaki-San and Naoko-San 's hospitality and love were really shown through the delicious food. The Wagyu beef and scallops are a must!! We are already missing the "magic" moments from both of them :) OHKINI and MATANE to both Hideki-San and Naoko-San!

Nishiki Warai offers a quick bite in a convenient location, but unfortunately, the food falls short. Most of the dishes are overwhelmingly salty, making the overall experience quite disappointing. The marinated cucumber was a pleasant surprise—refreshing and well-balanced—but it’s not enough to justify a full meal here. With so many fantastic food options in Kyoto, this one isn’t worth your time (or calories). I’d suggest exploring elsewhere.

Craving okonomiyaki during our visit, found this great place. - food was immaculate. (Added an egg on top = delicious) - we had both styles of okonomiyaki, noodles and no noodles. I think it’s called Hiroshima style and Osaka style? - privacy screen was a nice touch. Separating us from seeing the guest next to us eating. - staff was friendly and helpful to show you how to order. - they cook the food first and bring it out on the grill to keep it warm. I assume for the experienced customer they can make and mix it themselves. But we didn’t do that. Overall, great experience. Me and my wife really enjoyed it for our lunch.

It was such a nice meal, I eat the special okonomiyaki, and it was delicious so far, the staff was super friendly and also you order through and qr that is super convenient,

The food was good, and the service was okay. Unfortunately, the QR code ordering system didn’t work at all. One main dish was simply removed from our order, so we had to wait a long time. After asking, the staff manually added it back, but another 20 minutes later we were told that the dish was now sold out. In the end, we only had one dish at the table. My advice to the restaurant: Please get rid of this complicated ordering process. On top of that, our miso soup was forgotten. When paying, we asked to have it removed from the bill, but they said it was “on the way.” However, waiting more than 30 minutes for a simple soup is really unacceptable.

A very fun experience! The staff was helpful and kind. Your food is kept hot by the grill in front of you. The okonomiyaki were delicious.

The table order system using the iPad on each table is convenient. (It's uncomfortable to reset the menu screen very quickly, so hurry up and choose!) The table size is sufficient, and each table has an iron plate. You can also adjust the intensity of the heat by yourself. If you place an order with your iPad, you can continue to eat warm because the kitchen serves the cooked food on the iron plate. Compared to these services, Okonomiyaki is cheaper. I recommend adding fried eggs after choosing a mix, pork, or shrimp topping. You can also choose the amount of sauce, but we chose "thin sauce" for the sauce and chose the sauce on the table to our liking. I liked the combination of Ichimi and mayonnaise the most. Please make sure to order Donpayaki. I've tried it at many iron plate restaurants, but I think it's the most basic and best appetizer. This restaurant's donpeiyaki is not salty and has a good cost-effectiveness, so I visited it twice and ate it satisfactorily both times. Yakisoba is a bit cooked. I think it'll be good if it's undercooked. Other than that, I'm satisfied with everything.

Delicious Okonomiyaki in a great atmosphere with very pleasant, polite and accommodating staff I definitely recommend this place I had the "Waraiyaki" which is their own version of the Okonomiyaki and while I can't precisely describe everything that was in it, there were a LOT of ingredients! All very tasty and satisfying, in a mix of different textures and chewiness I could distinctly recognise these elements: green onions, cabbages, soba noodles, mushroom, squid or octopus, strips of meat, beef, shrimp, eggs and then more Appropriately priced for thr size and quality, I'll definitely return if I'm around! Absolutely recommend the place, and definitely recommend the "Waraiyaki"! 🐙🍄🍖🥬🦐🍳

We had lunch at this popular <i>shokudo</i> place and ordered their <i>oyako-don</i> and <i>kinugasa-don teishoku sets</i>. Both choices are excellent and we saw many customers order same menu items. The total cost was ¥ 2,060, which is very good value for your money, especially in the Gion / Higashiyama area. We enjoy both dishes as warm, comfort food in that cold day of Kyoto (March 2025). Customer services from staff members are good as usual and you can make payment with V/MC payment cards. The place has reasonable open space, maybe around 10 tables but it was quickly full with customers due to popularity. We were the first batch of customers since we waited around 20 minutes before they opened their door along with many customers before us.

Famous Oyakodon place in Kyoto. Very delicate flavor and it’s good for anyone who likes eggs and rice. Very very Kyoto style restaurant. Expect to wait in line but it goes pretty fast as they serve pretty fast. Both noodle and rice dish was great. All the menu is around ¥800-1000 so very affordable too. Not great for big group but perfect for 2-4 people. Lots of solo diners too.

Delicious ramen place. We dined here after our visit to Kiyomizu Dera (which is very close). Food was rich and tasty, and the service was very courteous and friendly. Price was very reasonable. Our son forgot his backpack, we went back the day after and we found it there. The staff was again very kind and helpful. I highly recommend this place and thank you to the staff.

Yummy! Wonderful rewards after visiting Kiyomizu-dera.

The first and only restaurant I come upon during my trip in Japan which serves hot green tea. They have their menu in English, Mandarin, Korean. Taste is ok, but I feel their soba is a bit soggy.

It appears to be a restaurant with some history because of its traditional interior layout and decoration. Table turnover was pretty quick but there were still queues all time so be prepared for 15-20 mins waiting time. We both ordered Oyako Don and it was very delicious. Inundated with soft-boiled egg, the rice soaked the marinated egg mixture and became boggy than usual but that was just the authentic bowl be like. A note to make is the portion of chicken as topping wasn’t large but we all know egg is the soul of this type of Don rice so its kind of within expectations

Waited around 30 minutes at lunchtime on a Saturday. The oyakodon was very pure tasting pretty much consisting of only egg and chicken. The tempura prawn came with 2 prawns which were fried but then softened by Dashi. All in all a decent meal although to be honest slightly underwhelming. Not sure it's worth the long line up.

This temple is the one on the 10 cent of the Japanese Yen coin. I really wanted to see it. So when my family decided to go to Uji in Kyoto for matcha, I made sure to visit the Byodo-in Temple. It is really beautiful. And as you go around the structure. The path will take you inside the Byodo-in Museum. Photography inside is not allowed so I don't have photos to show here. But it is a sight to see. This site is not that big and there are benches near the wisteria tree to sit and rest while you enjoy the view. Do try and visit.

Byōdō-in Temple was originally built in 998 as a countryside villa for the powerful Fujiwara clan. In 1052, Fujiwara no Yorimichi converted it into a Buddhist temple reflecting the Pure Land (Jōdo) belief in paradise. The temple’s most famous structure, the Phoenix Hall (Hōō-dō), completed in 1053, enshrines a statue of Amida Buddha and symbolizes the Western Paradise. The hall’s elegant reflection in the pond evokes serenity and harmony. Surviving fires and wars, Byōdō-in remains a masterpiece of Heian-period architecture and art. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and appears on Japan’s 10-yen coin.

The most peaceful calm please in uji. The stunning photographs that can be taken of the central pavilion is awesome. The light, the skies, the greenery.The lake, the water and the stunning structure.All create a perfect harmony. The museum is worth visiting.It's very beautiful, it's a small one, but still beautiful. The precincts of the place are very calm and peaceful. You can just sit and spend time over there for hours in deep reflection.

This temple is a must if you’re near Uji! Our group did a last minute visit with buying the tickets on site. It was very easy and fast. There are machines from which you can just order and get your tickets. Very fast and efficient like most stuff around this corner of the world. Would also like to mention there’s a free museum entry on site to which you won’t see most advertised places. It was 800¥ to go in and it was worth the whole experience. Although it was super hot… 🥵

Lovely temple on a lake. Entry is ¥700 + an additional ¥300 for entry to the Phoenix Hoo-do Hall (separate queue for the hut on the right after you enter with staggered entry times). We arrived at 12.45pm with entry time of 1.30pm for the Hoo-do Hall and walked around the left side of the lake and completed museum before our time. The interior is quite small hence why few people are allowed inside at a time, the Bodhisattva is imposing and grand but murals are faded due to the temple age. You can see murals replicated in the museum so I wouldn't say it's a must do to go inside.

The temple is on the world heritage list by UNESCO. Visited the temple on Friday. We had to wait less than 10 mins to book tickets. One can book tickets at the machine or at a counter with a person who will handover the ticket to you. Since the machine has English language we booked it at the machine. The ticket covers the temple ground and the museum. One has to pay extra 300 yen for entrance to Phoenix hall. The street leading to the temple has lotta eateries which mostly have matcha related items. Afterall Uji is known for finest quality matcha. Must see on a Japan trip.

While the Phoenix Hall itself is stunning, I found the total ticket price for the grounds and Phoenix Hall access to be a bit on the higher side compared to other major temples in Japan, considering the overall offerings. Improvements to the walking paths and washroom facilities would also enhance the visitor experience.

Visited Tofuku-ji Temple in summer, about two hours before closing. It wasn’t crowded, and the green, calm atmosphere helped cool down the hot summer heat. A peaceful and refreshing visit.

Skip the crowds of Kiyomizu and come here. This is a beautiful temple where you can actually feel some peace and calm because it isn't packed shoulder to shoulder. The rock garden is very serene and there are people just sitting and meditating in the beauty. We missed the color change by maybe a few weeks but this place would be spectacular when colors change. It is packed with maples.

Incredible temple with the best Zen garden I have ever visited. I write this review from the Hondo garden, where I have been reading and contemplating the sculptures for hours. So peaceful, and not as busy compared to the other temples in Kyoto. Take your time here, be respectful, and disconnect for a bit.

Absolutely loved it. As others have said, zen like feeling walking around here. No pushy, crowded, ignorant tourists like the the well known temples and castles. We legged it from our hotel opposite Kyoto station via the back streets, mixing with the locals. Crossed railway tracks with boom gates, fantastic. A great day. A true lesser known gem.

One of the more peaceful sites we visited while in Kyoto. Tōfuku-ji is one of the city’s great Zen temples, founded in the 13th century.

Visiting Tofuku-ji on a rainy day offered a completely different atmosphere — calm, serene, and deeply poetic. The rain brought out the rich greens of the moss and made the gardens feel even more peaceful. The stone paths glistened, and the whole temple grounds seemed to turn into a living ink painting. With fewer visitors around, I was able to really take in the quiet beauty and meditative mood of the place. I highly recommend coming here in different weather conditions — especially the rain — for a truly unique experience.

Awesome autumn leaves and colors. Entry 1000 Yen towards the bridge to see main garden.

When I arrived at Kyoto Station, I was amazed by how huge and modern it felt, almost like a small city on its own. It was really easy to find my way around thanks to the clear English signs, and I loved that I could quickly switch between the Shinkansen, JR lines, subway, and buses for my day trips. I grabbed a quick meal in the underground Porta mall, which had plenty of affordable options, and later explored the upper floors where I found the rooftop garden and Skyway with amazing views over Kyoto, plus the illuminated stairs that looked magical at night. I also used the coin lockers to store my bag, which made sightseeing much more comfortable. The station was definitely crowded, especially near the bus terminal, but I felt it was part of the experience, and overall I enjoyed spending time there—it turned out to be not just a station, but a destination in itself.

Kyoto has a massive sprawling station that connects people to the subway, JR West Lines, Kintetsu, Kyoto City buses, and Shinkansen. It greatly contrasts the rest of the city with its rather modern architecture and grand design, with high ceilings, and a rather cool “skybridge” at the top floor, which serves as a bonus observation deck. The station is usually very busy with the Shinkansen level being especially crowded, and it is usually wise to budget 5-10 minutes to navigate to your platform as crowds may be challenging to navigate through.

Kyoto Station is a major hub that connects many train lines, making it easy to get anywhere. It’s simple to navigate, and there are plenty of coin lockers both inside and outside the station. If you need a break, you can relax at the rest area on the top floor — just exit through the gate facing the Nidec Tower and take the escalator on the right. If you take the escalator on the left instead, you’ll reach the bridge leading to the other side, where there are more lockers and the Shinkansen platforms.

Was here in July recently on a break visiting Osaka Expo. This is the 3rd time in Kyoto over that last 15-20 years, and this is always a must-make stop. Nice atmosphere and can go up to the top level for a view of Kyoto. Also plenty of food options in this station.

I’m a US travel today taking the train from Kyoto station to Nara. I checked the schedule of the train B01 leaving at 9:27. The train station is big so we were not able to find the right platform. I went to platform 8-9 then we were told that was not the right platform so we needed to get out and go downstairs. I asked the service officer to manually waive the train charge because we were at the wrong platform and didn’t board the tram at all. Then I asked the service officer how to get to the B01 line platform to Nara, he immediately lost the patience and rudely told me “I don’t know!, I don’t know!”. The attitude was extremely bad…this is the first time we met such rude officer who WORKS in the train station but would not tell travelers the direction! You work here you don’t know?! I was shocked by his attitude! My wife took his photo when he came out to repair the reader. I then asked a different officer from the same office at the window and he explained to me well how to get to the B01 platform, luckily I was having one minute before the train left. I would like to report this officer’s unprofessionalism and attitude! He rained professionalism being an officer working at the station, and also ruined travelers entire day!

A nice railway station that is well marked and sign posted. A transit point for Shinkansen and other local trains to get by around. It is a bit away from the downtown though. You’ll have to taxi your way to get to the riverside and all the happening alleys.

This is a humungous station that has several different train lines including the world renowned Shinkansen aka bullet train of Japan. The station has more than eight floors, several platforms, exits, ticketing booths and multiple customer service booths. Alongside being a station, it is also adjacent to a shopping center. There are some landmark spots too, especially the eight floors of steps. The station is very clean. Directions are posted everywhere but it’s little bit confusing. It’s so huge that when we returned to the station from Fushimi Irani, we couldn’t locate the store where we left our luggage. We walked around for 20 minutes to find the path to other side of the station. Buying Shinkansen tickets was difficult too. Since we were boarding evening train, regular ticket wasn’t enough, the clerk sent us back the booth to buy express tickets. Tickets are expensive for express lines, about $175 per passenger to go from Kyoto to Tokyo. Once we were inside the Shinkansen platform it was super nice. The platform and their destinations were clearly marked. All the timestamps were posted on display screens. The platforms themselves had wonderful small waiting rooms. People waited in there for 1-2 minutes before the arrival of their train, as we could see the train arriving from the waiting room. There were several vending machines to purchase drinks and snacks.

I’d probably give it 4½ stars if I could. The Kyoto Railway Museum has an excellent collection of beautifully maintained locomotives and carriages, and it’s clearly designed with families in mind. Kids will love exploring the exhibits, and there’s plenty of space to walk around and take photos. You can even walk underneath some of the trains and see how the mechanics work, which is quite impressive. However, I would have appreciated more background or technical information. While it’s easy to translate Japanese signs these days, there isn’t much depth beyond the visual displays. Overall, it’s more a museum to experience than to study – a great place to admire trains rather than to learn about them in detail. Still, it’s very well presented, enjoyable for all ages, and two hours are just about the right amount of time to see everything.

The Kyoto Railway Museum offers a compelling journey through Japan’s railway heritage and future innovation. Located within easy reach of Kyoto Station (just about a 20-minute walk or short bus ride), the facility is impressive in scale and ambition. It features around 53 full-size rolling stock exhibits—from vintage steam locomotives to modern Shinkansen bullet trains—making it one of Japan’s most extensive railway museums. One of the museum’s standout elements is the historic 1914 roundhouse with a working turntable, where visitors can admire the sheer size and mechanics of the steam era. The museum also features interactive experiences such as train-driving simulators, diorama displays, and opportunities to step inside actual train cabins, engaging both children and adults. For families, this means a fun half day (or longer) outing; for train enthusiasts, an immersive technical and historical archive. That said, there are a few considerations. During busy times the museum can become crowded, especially around the simulator bookings which fill up quickly. Also, as with any large museum, you’ll want to set aside several hours to avoid rushing. According to reviews, many visitors plan for 3–4 hours or more. If you’re in Kyoto and looking to diversify beyond temples and gardens, the Kyoto Railway Museum is a strong choice. It’s educational, hands-on, visually striking and appeals to a wide age range. Whether you’re a rail-fan or looking for an engaging family experience, it won’t disappoint.

Great museum! Much larger than the Tokyo Metro Museum. The Shinkansen history is massive with exhibits of the different bullet train models through the years. Only a few of the cars allow entry, but there is still a lot of interactivity. In addition to the railcars, there were exhibits on dining, shipping, and train operators. There were lots of tours with young children. If you've ever rode the Shinkansen this is a must see attraction to see how it's become such a rapid transit wonder. My only disappointment was the map of world railway openings did not have Bermuda's 1931 railway opening.

This is worth going to. Having been to a few train museums this was one of the most comprehensive. You don’t have to understand all of the Japanese trains as the museums isn’t solely about the trains. They have exhibits about how you maintain railroads, how train crossings work and more. Very informative and interactive. They also have a great roof top area where you can see the high speed and regular trains.

This museum was so fun and educational! The activations and rooftop were definitely the highlight. If you do choose to come here, be sure to plan out more than 2 hours, we were rushing trying to see and do everything.

It was a very well organized museum. I just wish there were more English language displayed most of the information are in Japanese. A lot of hands on for kids to learn about rail road and rail services. For an adult it is good place to visit.

Absolutely a must visit if you're into trains even the slightest. The trains on display are impressive, with the opportunity to even enter some of them. I was surprised to be able to enter an old steam locomotive and view its interior up close. There are also several interactive exhibits that explains railway concepts in easy to understand ways. The only downside for foreign visitors would be that most of the explanations are in Japanese, so I had to walk around and Google lens pretty much every readable content. That aside, the displays are impressive on their own as well and will be plenty interesting. One highlight that you definitely would not want to miss is a session at the old train shed where a steam locomotive is brought out and operated. This happened around 4pm in the evening, and I stumbled upon it completely by accident.

An interesting menu with a chance to taste a bit of everything. The flavors are pleasant, though not particularly outstanding. Service is quick and friendly. If you’re walking in, expect a 10–15 minute wait.

Looks better than it tastes. If you're looking for outstanding tempura, this isn't it. Sort of gimmicky with the colorful, small pieces. Wife and I both took the deluxe set and it was gorgeous to look at. Most pieces are vegetables, sweet potatoes and the few seafood ones were not even close to being outstanding. Went during the busy evening time and the wait was almost an hour. You sign in and download an app to your phone that sort of tells you what number of people are ahead of you. You can walk around and come back to the restaurant when your number is almost up. The restaurant is SMALL, maybe has 10 tables so be ready to wait a while if it's busy. Well, we tried it and now can definitely say we won't repeat it, especially if the wait is that long.

Took quite awhile to find Porta sky dining. Shop looks different from the rest of the restaurants on the same floor. BUT this is how you know your food gonna be inexpensive and good. Every tempura is well mixed with it's own tasty batter, own sauce and topping. It is like fine dining in a tempura at a not so fine dining place for dinner. Should really try out for their tempura

It was a new, yet amazing experience to me. You get to try so many different flavors and textures in small bites size. The lady who served me was patient and explained everything to me.

Pretty but lacks flavor. The tempura was ok, but the rice ‘sushi’ was really underwhelming. Service is also super slow, don’t recommend this place

They offer three kinds of set meals, each including tempura, sushi, miso soup, and dessert. It’s a cozy spot to enjoy authentic Japanese food.

Small restaurant and a bit of a hike but the food was delicious! Very unique flavors and experienced.

This is such an awesome hidden gem away from the touristy spots around Fushimi Inari Taisha! We went there for lunch and appeared to be the only non-locals there the whole time, but had no problems at all ordering in English. They made everything right in front of us at the bar and everything was delicious with very generous portion sizes at probably half the price you would pay if you went 4 blocks towards the shrine.

Found this place through HappyCow. We were welcomed with warm smiles by the hosts and one of the customers even helped us out with the English menu. The hosts spoke English and took our modifications for ramen and fried rice. They even had a separate Vegan menu, quite unexpected. We had Vegan Ramen, and the ramen was the best vegan ramen we've ever had. After trying it before in Tokyo and getting disappointed, we didn't expect much. However, here the ramen surprised us with its rich and flavorful broth. Kaarage was awesome, seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. Egg fried rice (Replaced Veg with Egg) was the best I've had so far in Japan. It was delicious and had its own unique flavour which I've never tasted so far anywhere before. Also, the music playing in the background set the mood really well. And the hospitality was top notch, perhaps the most friendliest hosts I've met so far here. I'd highly recommend this place for dinner, if you're visiting Inari.

Stumbled upon this ramen shop after exploring Fushimi Inari. Very cozy and welcoming shop with English menu. One of the best bowls of ramen I’ve had in Japan and the Taiwanese fried chicken was crispy and flavorful (might be a seasonal item). Great food and great service!

Amazing little spot hidden in the side street, but offering incredible food and service. Delicious KYOTO style ramen, amazing gyoza dumplings, and the best chicken cutlet we ate in Japan! Great service and for sure one of the best foods in Kyoto, if we are ever to return to Kyoto we gonna visit this restaurant again. Cheers!

The most incredible ramen! If you want a ramen in Japan that’s special, freshly made and flavoured to the max then come here. The team were so lovely and you can really tell that they love making amazing food. It is a little hidden but well worth doing before/after the shrine if you are this way because of that or if you are exploring the area then make it a must to come here for lunch. We had a very small wait and it was so worth it. Really cannot recommend this place enough.

Delicious Food – We Came Back Twice! The food here was so good that we visited this restaurant twice — something we never do while traveling, because we always try to experience as many different places as possible. But this time we simply couldn’t resist! The vegetarian ramen was incredible, probably the best we had during our entire trip across Japan. Everything was full of flavor, beautifully prepared, and absolutely satisfying. If you’re in Kyoto, this place is a must-try. We’re so glad we found it!

Very good ramen and fried chicken. The broth is really tasty and the noodles and toppings are nice too. Fried chicken is juicy and crispy. The staff is very friendly and speaks very fluent English. We were very impressed by how enthusiastically he prepared the dishes. Best experience we had in Japan so far. Totally recommended!

Visited here on a lunch reservation. I would say this was the best meal I've ever had, to this point in life. An incredible variety of foods, with perfect execution each time. It was a blast to talk with the chefs and hear them explain their dishes. Unforgettable experience.

I’m sorry to say that although the food was excellent, the chef/owner could barely hide his contempt for us. I’m not sure if this was because of his distaste for westerners or if it was homophobia, perhaps both? While he gleefully shared sakes and wines with the other (all Japanese guests) giving tastes and explanations of the numerous libations, we sat watching on in silence. Luckily we were being assisted by a charming Aussie lad, Ethan, who explained all the dishes and served us gracefully. When I inquired as to why the other guests were enjoying all the various wines and sakes while we looked on, Ethan asked the chef who was very clearly irritated by the question and very begrudgingly gave us a minuscule sample of just one wine. He told Ethan, in Japanese, that he does what he feels like (which presumably doesn’t include treating gay westerners fairly). He said he doesn’t speak English at the start of the meal. It’s really a shame that he thinks this double standard is ok. After we spent well over USD$400 on our dinner, I left feeling quite disturbed by this. I’ve visited Japan more than 30 times and I’ve NEVER felt like that. If you’re going to serve high class food for high prices and get a Michelin star, treat your customers equally and fairly. While the food was good and the rest of the staff worked well, I cannot recommend this restaurant because of the arrogance and smallness of the proprietor. There’s plenty of decent high-end restaurants in Kyoto. If he doesn’t want western business, don’t give it to him. A real shame. Disappointing.

Our hotel made a reservation at this wonderful michelin star restaurant. It did not disappoint. It was an incredible multi-course (14? I lost track) Kaiseki experience. Every dish was exotic and incredible. The staff was incredible. The chef was out in front much talking to us much of the meal. It has only 9 seats at a counter top. There were 7 guests. There appeared to be only one seating. That gives you an idea of how exclusive and intimate the setting is. There is a kitchen in the back, but there were generally two people that rotated preparing food in front of us. The chef literally walked us out to our cab. It was an unbelievable experience and I highly recommend it.

Mind blowing meal that got us so full and satisfied. Every dish was special on its own and so delish! Premium ingredients that were executed perfectly and mostly prepared right before us. The restaurant is small and sits lesser than 10 so the whole dining experience was very peaceful and comfortable.

Perfect execution with authentic foods. Even simple dishes are quite sophisticated with great attention to details. They even use museum quality antique dishes to show their respect to every customers. This should be two stars Michelin and not one. We will come back for sure to meet Miyazawa-san again. Highly recommend.

Best meal in our 10 days trip. Even marginally Michelin 2 star. Perfect service, along with exceptional food. Challenge both my palette and perception of Japanese food. The fusion approach of this restaurant has taken the best of Japanese food culture along with French techniques. Will definitely come back given only 7000 yen for a lunch menu. Wouldn’t mind dining here every day.

Highly recommend the sake pairing (around 12-15,000, changes on how you drink). All the dishes are highly creative. Will definitely go again!

Delicious Japanese food 🥟🍣🍤🍥🍡

Lots of Japanese Restaurant serving different type of food at a reasonable price.

Lots of options for food and shopping. The Porta is an underground shopping and food hall that you can take to avoid crossing the busy street where all the buses come to the train station. You can find just about anything here!

I tried their American styled plates and it was very good. There's a ton of restaurants at this underground area so try not to miss this place.

Plenty of selection, you can choose from for lunch or diner. Prices are ok even for a central place like Kyoto station.

Plenty of restaurants and cafes at this underground food street, next to the Kyoto Station. Quality of food were good with reasonable price.

Delicious soups!! Really great on a cold, wintry night in Kyoto...