The Best Kyoto Restaurant with a View in 2024!

For over 1,000 years, Kyoto has flourished as a political center, and its rich natural environment has also contributed to the development of its food culture. Even now, it is known as one of Japan's premier gourmet cities, with many traditional dishes being handed down.

You can experience a wide range of Japanese cuisine, from the everyday "obanzai" dishes prepared in Kyoto homes, to the "kaiseki ryori" served before tea ceremonies to welcome guests, to the entirely plant-based "shojin ryori". 

Moreover, the number of restaurants in Kyoto selected by the Michelin Guide is the third highest in the world (after Paris and Tokyo)! Not only Japanese cuisine, but also a variety of talented and distinctive restaurants gather here, further enhancing the quality of Kyoto's food culture.

This time, we have carefully selected some special, renowned establishments where you can enjoy exquisite cuisine in the midst of elegant scenery and an extraordinary atmosphere, out of the many restaurants in Kyoto.

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The characteristic of Kyoto's townscape is the traditional machiya townhouses and the orderly grid

The townscape of Kyoto is characterized by streets running north-south and east-west, forming a regular grid pattern. This is a traditional urban planning method that has continued since the 8th century, with the purpose of managing the populace and military command.

As you walk through Kyoto, you can see the traditional wooden townhouses called "machiya" remaining in every area. These have not decayed, but have been reborn with new interpretations, transformed into hotels, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

The desires of the people of Kyoto to "inherit tradition and preserve culture" while incorporating new elements while still maintaining the old-world ambiance seem to further enhance the charm of this city.

3 Kyoto restaurants that allow you to enjoy the traditional townscape

K36 The Bar & Rooftop

source： Official website

Located on the promenade of the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple, "The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu" houses "K36 The Bar & Rooftop" on its rooftop.

The biggest appeal of this place is the unparalleled view that takes advantage of its excellent location. There are surprisingly few spots in Kyoto where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the city.

My recommended highlight is being able to look down at the Yasaka Pagoda, one of the oldest five-story pagodas in Japan. This evocative Kyoto scenery instantly creates a sense of extraordinary experience.

As the bar is supervised by a legendary bartender who has been active in Kyoto for over 30 years, the drink selection and quality are also highly acclaimed.

In addition to snacks and appetizers that pair well with alcohol, the menu also features main dishes using Kyoto Tamba beef from Hirai Gyu. K36 The Bar & Rooftop is an attractive spot that can be used for various purposes, including as a memorable part of a Japan trip.

<Store Information>
- Address: 4F, The Hotel Seiryu, 2-204-2 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Last order for food 11:00 pm / Last order for drinks 11:30 pm)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-541-3636
- Official website

Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji

source：Google Maps

With the Yasaka Pagoda as a borrowed scenery (shakkei), "Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji" allows you to indulge in authentic French cuisine.

The building, which quietly stands behind the bustling Ninenzaka street, near the historically significant Kiyomizudera temple that was beloved by Japan's past shoguns, further enhances the luxurious atmosphere.

The approach from the entrance to the main dining room is also beautiful, filling you with a sense of elegance like an art museum. The artistically beautiful dishes are almost too beautiful to eat.

Staying true to Kyoto's local ingredients and seasonal produce, each dish exudes a delicate refinement while also conveying a vibrant life force. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka 2024, so please experience the charm of this renowned establishment for yourself.

<Store Information>
- Address: 353 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (Last order 1:00 pm), 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (Last order 7:30 pm)
- Closed: Mondays (If a holiday, the following day)
- Phone: 075-533-6063
- Official website

Signature Restaurant "Yasaka"

source：WORLD OF HYATT

Enjoying superb teppan (iron plate) cuisine while gazing at the distant Yasaka Pagoda over the chef's shoulder is the allure of the signature restaurant "Yasaka".

The dishes presented by the newly appointed Chef Koyama blend French cooking techniques that he learned with a newfound value, creating Kyoto-style teppan cuisine. You are sure to be captivated by these dishes that dynamically showcase the ingredients themselves, infused with the delicacy of French cuisine.

The changing colors of the sky from dusk to night, and the mystical Yasaka Pagoda that emerges, further enhance the deliciousness of the food. 

The live cooking performance of the teppan cuisine, combined with the hotel's smart hospitality, provides a fulfilling sense of theatrical entertainment. This is a restaurant I would recommend for a cherished occasion with a special person.

<Store Information>
- Address: 4F, PARK HYATT KYOTO, 360 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: 2 seatings - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm, 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-531-1234
- Official website

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For summer visits, restaurants with "Kawayuka" (floating river terraces) are also recommended

Kyoto has a long-standing tradition of enjoying cooling respite and dining in the summer, known as "kawayuka" or "nouryouyuka". This Kyoto-exclusive summer tradition has been passed down since the 17th century.

Basically, during the period from May to September, about 100 restaurants and ryokans (traditional inns) along the Kamogawa River set up raised wooden terraces extending over the river, creating these "kawayuka" spaces. Enjoying the breeze off the river can significantly lower the perceived temperature, providing some relief from the summer heat.

Reservations are often required, so be sure to check ahead if you're interested.

If you are interested in Kyoto in summer, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto in summer as much as possible.

【Summer Only】3 Spectacular Restaurants Overlooking the Kamogawa River

LE UN

source：PR TIMES

"LE UN Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort" is a restaurant that traces its roots back to the 100-year-old ryokan (traditional inn) "Funatsuru". The historical and artistic value of the building itself, which dates back over a century, was recognized in 2012 when it was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

With Art Deco-style decorations reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright on the windows and lighting, the elegant space beautifully blends Japanese and Western elements. You'll be captivated every time you visit.

And in the summer, the addition of the "kawayuka" terrace is an extra delight. You can fully immerse yourself in Kyoto's summer ambiance, taking in the soothing murmurs of the Kamogawa River, the verdant mountains of Higashiyama, and the sounds of summer insects.

The cuisine features the finest ingredients from Kyoto and its surroundings, such as freshly harvested Kyoto vegetables and top-grade Omi beef. You can savor the perfection of classic French cuisine, with not a single detail compromised.

<Store Information>
- Address: 180 Minoya-cho, Shijo-dori Matsubara-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (Last order 2:00 pm), 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (Last order 9:00 pm)
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 075-351-8541
- Official website

Ryokan Tsuruse

source： Official website

"Ryokan Tsuruse" is a long-established ryokan (traditional inn) with a magnificent three-story wooden building made entirely of cypress (hinoki) wood, prominently situated along the Kamogawa River in the Gojo area.

The impressive architecture, designed by master carpenters (miyadaiki) in the early 1900s, is a sight to behold among the traditional wooden townhouses lining Kiyamachi-dori.

The "kawayuka" cuisine served here is said to embody the essence and traditions of Kyoto cuisine, with a meticulous and elegant presentation that has impressed many food connoisseurs over the generations.

The architecture, cuisine, and riverside setting are all top-notch, making Ryokan Tsuruse a prime choice when looking to provide an authentic Japanese experience, especially for overseas guests.

<Store Information>
- Address: Kiyamachi-dori Gojo-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Last entry 1:30 pm), 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (Last entry 8:00 pm)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-351-8518
- Official website

Tendann Gion Main Store

source：Official website

Since its opening in Gion, Kyoto in 1965, "Tendann" has developed into a beloved yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant among local residents. It is credited with establishing the current "Kyoto-style" of yakinikunurturing the flavor with a dipping sauce reminiscent of Japanese soup stock (dashi).

While Tendann does not have a "kawayuka", during the summer season they operate the "Tendann Sky BBQ Garden" on the 5th floor rooftop. With a view of the Kamogawa River and the various riverside establishments' summer terraces across the water, it provides an open and lively setting for groups and families to enjoy casual yet high-quality barbecue.

Tendann's signature dish is the "loin" - tender, fine-grained, and full of umami flavor. They offer both the sirloin loin and the Spencer roll at an excellent price-to-quality ratio, making it a go-to choice for those who don't want to compromise on quality.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1-225 Miyagawamichi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: Monday - Friday 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Last food order 10:15 pm / Last drink order 10:30 pm)
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (Last food order 10:15 pm / Last drink order 10:30 pm) 
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-551-4129
- Official website

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2 Restaurants Where You Can Fully Enjoy Kyoto's Stunning Nature

THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO

source： Official website

Scattered throughout Kyoto are old estates, some of which are even designated as Important Cultural Properties. One such property is "THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO", which was the private residence of the pioneering modern Japanese painter Takeuchi Seiho, known as "Kacyu Sanbou (Higashiyama Sodo)".

This expansive 5,600 square meter site features a stunning Japanese-style house and a circulating garden that encapsulates the seasonal beauty of Kyoto. The interior, which reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the Japanese painting master, is exquisite, blending nostalgic and modern sensibilities.

Lunch here starts at just 3,800 yen, which is quite reasonable considering the magnificent setting. The creative dishes blend traditional Italian cuisine with a sense of timelessness and seasonality.

Everything is refined, making this one of my favorite spots that I want to visit again and again.

<Store Information>
- Address: 366 Yasaka-kami-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (Last order) / 4:00 pm CLOSE, Cafe 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Last order) / 10:00 pm CLOSE
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays Dinner only 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Last order) / 10:30 pm CLOSE
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-541-3331
- Official website

Shigetsu at Tenryuji

source： Official website

Experiencing "shojin ryori" (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at a temple is a quintessential Kyoto activity.

Shojin ryori, introduced to Japan from China in the 12th century along with Zen Buddhism, is a style of cuisine developed to embody the spirit of "eating" as part of Zen practice, and the harmony with nature.

Using only plant-based ingredients such as vegetables, wild plants, and seaweed, and without any animal products, it is known as a healthy and mindful cuisine.

You can savor this shojin ryori amidst the beautiful scenery at "Shigetsu" in the Tenryuji temple, one of Kyoto's most prominent Zen temples, located in the lush Arashiyama area.

The temple's Sogenchi garden is particularly famous, and as you gaze upon its tranquil landscape, you'll feel your mind and body soothed. Indulging in the healthy shojin cuisine within this refined environment allows you to truly experience a refined, cultured moment.

<Store Information>
- Address: 68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
- Business hours: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Closed: Thursdays
- Phone: 075-882-9725
- Official website

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