As the former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto’s historical and cultural elements have played an integral part in the nation’s narrative for centuries. The streets and alleyways of Kyoto harbour thousands of years of history, beguiling visitors to wander in exploration of its charms and secrets. As a bustling metropolis, Kyoto is also complemented by age, wisdom and refinery. 

It then comes as no surprise that Kyoto’s culinary traditions render a wholesome and authentic experience for visitors, enabled by marrying heritage and modern influences. 

Miru Kyoto’s strategic location allows you to explore Kyoto’s flavours; and you know you’ve come to the right place when the local team have put together a comprehensive dining guide for you to embark on a gastronomic adventure.

BREAKFAST

The best way to start your day is to eat like a local! Nothing spells soul food more than obanzai, a type of Japanese cuisine, native to Kyoto. Tuck into a traditional and healthy Obanzai breakfast at Nomura’s Karasuma Main Store, located a more few minutes walk from Miru Kyoto. Nomura’s delightful spread of daily small bowls are typically vegetarian, and for breakfast, choose up to 4 small bowls of accompanying dishes, paired with rice, miso soup and coffee. Obanzai is more than just a type of cuisine – it encapsulates a way of domestic living for the people of Kyoto, inherited and passed on through generations.

*Find on the map: D (Trip Advisor Map)

Situated a stone’s throw away from our property is Inoda Coffee, a shop with a history dating back to 1940s Kyoto. Over the last 80 years, the Inoda brand has clearly grown, evident in the number of branches across Kyoto and the rest of Japan, but the Main Shop; a traditional Machiya-style townhouse, is where it all began. Opening as early as 7:00am, kickstart your morning by stepping into the Main Shop and be greeted with aromatic nostalgia, while you indulge in the rich and artisanally crafted blends, paired with an array of breakfast options. Locals honour the time-tested coffee and tradition, while travelers revel in being a part of Kyoto’s coffee shops’ historic culture.

*Find on the map: C  (Google Maps)

LUNCH

Gohanya Isshin is one of our favourite Japanese restaurants in the area. Using only the freshest in seasonal ingredients and produce, the four seasons in Japan are celebrated in the way the dishes are crafted at this popular local establishment. Diners can fall back on popular classic dishes, but we highly recommend that you also enquire and sample the seasonal items on the menu, which changes from time to time! Gohanya Isshin is a tastefully designed space, and renders warm Japanese hospitality.

If unagi (freshwater eel) is right up your alley, be sure to drop in at Notoyo, famed for serving up one of the best kansai unagi in all of Kyoto. A hidden and inconspicuous gem within the Nishiki market, Notoyo is anything but unassuming. The easiest way to sample the unagi here is to order an una-don; pieces of flavourful chargrilled eel served atop a bowl of fluffy rice. We recommend going in earlier, between the hours of 11 am – 12 noon, and you’ll miss the bustling lunch crowd descending upon this quaint eatery. 

For the days when you’re all “riced-out”, hop into Fumiya for a soulful bowl of udon. Located within the Nishiki market, Fumiya has been serving up bowls of udon for over 70 years, whilst still staying true to its commitment of providing quality food at reasonable prices. The noodles at Fumiya are the perfect texture, while the dashi-based broth is light and sweet. At Fumiya, you’ll find yourself dining amongst locals; a testament to the establishment’s passion for their famed udon.

DINNER

When in Japan, you should never miss an opportunity to pair your meal with sake, a fermented rice wine that goes well with any kind of rice or traditional Japanese dishes. Head on over to Chisou Inaseya, famed for its Tamba free-range chicken and impressive range of quality unprocessed sake. Whilst seafood or fish sashimi is something that many have grown to love, we encourage you to try a platter of free-range chicken sashimi for its exquisite flavours, washed down with Yuiitsu Muni, a sake exclusive to Chisou Inaseya, and sold only in small quantities. There are also a variety of classical Japanese dishes and seasonal items on the menu, and you’ll find something here to suit any palette. 

The Japanese certainly take their seafood seriously, and Anji is no exception.  An establishment that is cozy and casual, Anji is an izakaya that is popular amongst young locals. For the best experience at Anji, order a range of dishes to go with your favourite sake or local beers. You definitely will not go wrong with the sashimi platter, mackerel sushi, and seafood shabu-shabu. Quintessentially Kyoto, obanzai is also available at Anji, and these small bowls are a great substitute as appetizers. 

Nothing warms the belly like a pot of sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese dish with meat and vegetables simmering in an iron hotpot, and you definitely cannot go wrong with Moritaya Kiyamachi.  With about 150 years of history as Kyoto’s first sukiyaki restaurant, the Wagyu sukiyaki is on the top of our must-try list. Diners will be pleased to know that the establishment operates its own cattle farm, ensuring its devotion to quality meats used across their meticulously prepared dishes. 

Kyoto’s food culture is definitely one of the city’s main attractions. For visitors to Kyoto, the excitement of new flavours and gastronomic discoveries abound, but for locals; food is a way of life. Blessed with fertile natural surroundings, Kyoto-ites’ historic relationship to royalty and religion also means that food is deeply rooted in culture. Before you tuck into your meal, remember to give appreciation to the animals and plants served before you and wish your fellow dinners, itadakimasu.

If you would like to taste a different side of Kyoto food tour, please contact us.