Guidebook for Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi
Parks & Nature
"Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto"
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
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Arashiyama
Sagatenryuji Tateishicho Ukyo Ward"Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto"
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
"Atmospheric temple mountain"
Mount Koya (高野山, Kōyasan) is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kobo Daishi built on Koyasan's wooded mountaintop. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
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Koya-san
"Atmospheric temple mountain"
Mount Koya (高野山, Kōyasan) is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kobo Daishi built on Koyasan's wooded mountaintop. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
The largest freshwater lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture (west-central Honshu)
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Lake Biwa
The largest freshwater lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture (west-central Honshu)
The park is on Mt Arashiyama, on the same side of the Oi River as the train station. It is inhabited by a troop of over 170 Japanese macaque monkeys. The animals are wild but can be fed food purchased at the site.
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Nakanoshima-området i Arashiyama Park
Saganakanoshimachō Ukyo WardThe park is on Mt Arashiyama, on the same side of the Oi River as the train station. It is inhabited by a troop of over 170 Japanese macaque monkeys. The animals are wild but can be fed food purchased at the site.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.
If you’ve been planning a trip to Kyoto, you’ve probably seen pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – along with the torii tunnels of Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple, it’s one of the most photographed sights in the city. But no picture can capture the feeling of standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove – the whole thing has a palpable sense of otherness that is quite unlike that of any normal forest we know of.
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Yojiya Cafe
2-13 Sagatenryūji TateishichōThe Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.
If you’ve been planning a trip to Kyoto, you’ve probably seen pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – along with the torii tunnels of Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple, it’s one of the most photographed sights in the city. But no picture can capture the feeling of standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove – the whole thing has a palpable sense of otherness that is quite unlike that of any normal forest we know of.
Often overlooked by visitors, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of the city's hidden treasures. It's great for picnics, strolling or cherry blossom viewing.
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Kyoto Botaniske Have
Shimogamo Hangichō Sakyo WardOften overlooked by visitors, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of the city's hidden treasures. It's great for picnics, strolling or cherry blossom viewing.
Kurama's main attraction, Kurama-dera, is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside above the town.
Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest past several other temple structures to Kibune, a small town in the neighboring valley. The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour and is steep at times.
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Mount Kurama
Kurama's main attraction, Kurama-dera, is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside above the town.
Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest past several other temple structures to Kibune, a small town in the neighboring valley. The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour and is steep at times.
Arts & Culture
Kyoto City Kyocera Kunstmuseum
124 Okazaki EnshōjichōOne of the oldest art museums in Japan.
Kyoto National Museum
527 ChayachōWell presented exhibitions on history and art.
The National institution devoted to the collection and preservation of artworks.
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Nationalmuseum for moderne kunst, Kyoto
26-1 Okazaki EnshōjichōThe National institution devoted to the collection and preservation of artworks.
"The Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム, Kyōto Kokusai Manga Museum)" was opened in November of 2006. It consists of three floors and a basement, and most of its walls are lined with shelves of manga. Browsing this massive collection of manga is one of the museum's main attractions. A small section of the books is dedicated to foreign and translated manga, but the vast majority is in Japanese.
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Kyoto International Manga Museum
452 Kinbukichō"The Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム, Kyōto Kokusai Manga Museum)" was opened in November of 2006. It consists of three floors and a basement, and most of its walls are lined with shelves of manga. Browsing this massive collection of manga is one of the museum's main attractions. A small section of the books is dedicated to foreign and translated manga, but the vast majority is in Japanese.
Kyoto Railway Museum
Kankijicho Shimogyo WardLarge, excellent museum about trains in Japan.
Shopping
Nishiki Market Shopping District
Nishidaimonjichō Nakagyo WardFresh food market street in central Kyoto.
One of Kyoto's two largest and most opulent department stores, with everything from elite international brands to one of Japan's best food floors.
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Daimaru Kyoto
立売西町-79 下京区One of Kyoto's two largest and most opulent department stores, with everything from elite international brands to one of Japan's best food floors.
The grande dame of Kyoto department stores, Takashimaya is almost a tourist attraction in its own right, from the mind-boggling riches of the basement food floor to the wonderful selection of lacquerware and ceramics on the 6th floor. And don’t miss the kimono display.
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Takashimaya Kyoto Store
真町-52 下京区The grande dame of Kyoto department stores, Takashimaya is almost a tourist attraction in its own right, from the mind-boggling riches of the basement food floor to the wonderful selection of lacquerware and ceramics on the 6th floor. And don’t miss the kimono display.
Shijō Street runs center of Kyoto, Japan east to west through the commercial center of the city.
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Ukyo Ward
Shijō Street runs center of Kyoto, Japan east to west through the commercial center of the city.
Entertainment & Activities
Kyōto Minami-za
198 NakanochōThe oldest kabuki theater in Japan is the Minami-za in Gion.
There is no better way to engage in a new culture than by dressing like the natives! Wander the streets of Kyoto in elaborate, spectacular kimonos. Take a glimpse of the elegant, flowing silhouette of your shadow as it paints the sidewalk.
Make your pick from the top-rated rental stores below. Leave your day clothes at the store and wrap yourself up in stunning
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Yumeyakata
353 Shiogamachō There is no better way to engage in a new culture than by dressing like the natives! Wander the streets of Kyoto in elaborate, spectacular kimonos. Take a glimpse of the elegant, flowing silhouette of your shadow as it paints the sidewalk.
Make your pick from the top-rated rental stores below. Leave your day clothes at the store and wrap yourself up in stunning
Gionshijo - Kyotokimono Rental
大和町 東山区"Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo"
Sightseeing
"Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver"
Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. It is enjoyed by walking along a circular route around its grounds, from which the gardens and buildings can be viewed.
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Higashiyama Jisho-ji
Ginkakujichō"Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver"
Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. It is enjoyed by walking along a circular route around its grounds, from which the gardens and buildings can be viewed.
"Former Kyoto residence of the shogun"
Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.
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Nijo Slot
541 Nijōjōchō"Former Kyoto residence of the shogun"
Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.
"Temple building covered in gold"
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.
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Kinkaku-ji
Kinkakujichō"Temple building covered in gold"
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.
"The ultimate torii gate experience"
Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.
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Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō"The ultimate torii gate experience"
Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.
"Temple famous for its large wooden terrace"
Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.
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Kiyomizu-dera-templet
"Temple famous for its large wooden terrace"
Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.
One of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family.
Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a free tour. Tours last about one hour and are in Japanese only; however, audio guides in several foreign languages are available. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots.
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Katsura-kejserlige villa
Katsuramisono Nishikyo WardOne of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family.
Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a free tour. Tours last about one hour and are in Japanese only; however, audio guides in several foreign languages are available. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions.
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Kejserlige Palads i Kyoto
3 KyōtogyoenThe Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions.
Historic Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of dieties from the 8th century.
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Toji
KujōchōHistoric Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of dieties from the 8th century.
Large Buddhist temple established in 1236 on scenic grounds with gardens known for fall foliage.
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臨済宗大本山東福寺
15-chōme-778 HonmachiLarge Buddhist temple established in 1236 on scenic grounds with gardens known for fall foliage.
Standing 131 meters tall just across from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower (京都タワー) is Kyoto's tallest structure and a rare modern iconic landmark in the city famous for its ancient temples and shrines. The tower was completed in 1964, the same year as the opening of the shinkansen and the Tokyo Olympics.
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Kyoto Tower
721-1 HigashishiokōjichōStanding 131 meters tall just across from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower (京都タワー) is Kyoto's tallest structure and a rare modern iconic landmark in the city famous for its ancient temples and shrines. The tower was completed in 1964, the same year as the opening of the shinkansen and the Tokyo Olympics.
Tōdai-ji
406-1 ZōshichōLarge temple with a big Buddha statue.
Kennin-ji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, near Gion, at the end of Hanami Lane. It is considered to be one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan or "five most important Zen temples of Kyoto
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Kennin-ji Temple Hatto
584 KomatsuchōKennin-ji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, near Gion, at the end of Hanami Lane. It is considered to be one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan or "five most important Zen temples of Kyoto
Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style.
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Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Shūgakuin Yabusoe Sakyo WardShugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style.
Heian Shrine 平安神宮
Although it dates only from 1895, Kyoto's most famous shrine was built in commemoration of the 1,100th anniversary of founding of Kyoto and is a replica of the main administration building of the Heian captial(鳴くよウグイス平安京の平安京です).
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Heian-helligdommen
Okazaki Nishitennocho Sakyo WardHeian Shrine 平安神宮
Although it dates only from 1895, Kyoto's most famous shrine was built in commemoration of the 1,100th anniversary of founding of Kyoto and is a replica of the main administration building of the Heian captial(鳴くよウグイス平安京の平安京です).
Sanjusangendo Hall 三十三間堂
It was originally founded in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266. In Sanjusangendo Hall, there are 1001 wooden statues of the thousand-handed Kannon (千手観音).
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Rengeoin Sanjusangendo
657 SanjūsangendōmawariSanjusangendo Hall 三十三間堂
It was originally founded in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266. In Sanjusangendo Hall, there are 1001 wooden statues of the thousand-handed Kannon (千手観音).
Ryoanji 龍安寺
Ryoanji is famous for Zen rock garden laid out at the end of the 15 the century during the Muromachi Period. Fifteen rocks have the individual interpretation. Why don't you sit down here and contemplate what the artist was trying to communicate?
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Ryōan-ji
Ryōanji GoryōnoshitachōRyoanji 龍安寺
Ryoanji is famous for Zen rock garden laid out at the end of the 15 the century during the Muromachi Period. Fifteen rocks have the individual interpretation. Why don't you sit down here and contemplate what the artist was trying to communicate?
Getting Around
Gion station
Gionmachi Kitagawa Higashiyama WardThe train station with a approximately 600 meters walk.
The nearest train station with a approximately 250 meters walk.
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Kiyomizu-Gojō Station
Miyagawasuji-8-chōme Higashiyama WardThe nearest train station with a approximately 250 meters walk.
Kyoto Station is the city's transportation hub, served by Japan Railways (including the Tokaido Shinkansen), Kintetsu Railways and the Karasuma Subway Line. It is also the site of a large bus terminal for city buses and long distance and overnight highway buses.
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Kyoto Station
Higashishiokōji Kamadonochō Shimogyo WardKyoto Station is the city's transportation hub, served by Japan Railways (including the Tokaido Shinkansen), Kintetsu Railways and the Karasuma Subway Line. It is also the site of a large bus terminal for city buses and long distance and overnight highway buses.
Food Scene
"Jiki Miyazawa (じき 宮ざわ)" Categories: Kaiseki (Traditional Japanese), Kappo (Traditional Japanese)
Website: http://www.jiki-miyazawa.com/
TEL/reservation: 075-213-1326 (+81-75-213-1326)
Nearest Station: Karasuma
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Jiki Miyazawa
553-1 Yaoyachō"Jiki Miyazawa (じき 宮ざわ)" Categories: Kaiseki (Traditional Japanese), Kappo (Traditional Japanese)
Website: http://www.jiki-miyazawa.com/
TEL/reservation: 075-213-1326 (+81-75-213-1326)
Nearest Station: Karasuma
"Kyo-ryori Tategami (京料理 立神)" Categories: Kaiseki (Traditional Japanese)
Website: http://www.tategami.info/english.html
TEL/reservation: 075-256-8733
Nearest Station: Marutamachi, Nijo-jo-mae
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Tategami
24-1 Marutachō"Kyo-ryori Tategami (京料理 立神)" Categories: Kaiseki (Traditional Japanese)
Website: http://www.tategami.info/english.html
TEL/reservation: 075-256-8733
Nearest Station: Marutamachi, Nijo-jo-mae
"Steak Otsuka (おおつか)"
Categories: Beef dishes, Steak, Western Cuisine
Website: http://www.steak-otsuka.com/
TEL/reservation: 075-864-7989
Nearest Station: Saga-Arashiyama
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Otsuka
21-3 Sagatenryūji Wakamiyachō"Steak Otsuka (おおつか)"
Categories: Beef dishes, Steak, Western Cuisine
Website: http://www.steak-otsuka.com/
TEL/reservation: 075-864-7989
Nearest Station: Saga-Arashiyama
"Okonomi-yaki Katsu (お好み焼き 克)" Categories: Okonomiyaki
Website: http://okonomiyakikatsu.wixsite.com/katsu
TEL/reservation: 075-464-8981
Nearest Station: Ryoanji
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克 Okonomi-yaki Katsu
1-4 Ryōanji Saigūchō"Okonomi-yaki Katsu (お好み焼き 克)" Categories: Okonomiyaki
Website: http://okonomiyakikatsu.wixsite.com/katsu
TEL/reservation: 075-464-8981
Nearest Station: Ryoanji
"Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka (スターバックス コーヒー 京都二寧坂ヤサカ茶屋店)" World’s first Starbucks coffee shop with tatami rooms!
Categories: Cafe
Nearest Station: Kiyomizu-Gojo, Gion-Shijo
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Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Nineizaka-Yasaka-Chaya
349 Masuyachō"Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka (スターバックス コーヒー 京都二寧坂ヤサカ茶屋店)" World’s first Starbucks coffee shop with tatami rooms!
Categories: Cafe
Nearest Station: Kiyomizu-Gojo, Gion-Shijo
"Menya Gokkei (麺屋 極鶏)" Categories: Ramen
Website: http://ameblo.jp/jiren7/
TEL/reservation: 075-711-3133
Nearest Station: Ichijoji
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Menya Gokkei
"Menya Gokkei (麺屋 極鶏)" Categories: Ramen
Website: http://ameblo.jp/jiren7/
TEL/reservation: 075-711-3133
Nearest Station: Ichijoji
"Ramen Sen no Kaze Kyoto (らーめん千の風)" Categories: Ramen
Website: http://ramensennokazekyoto.com/?lang=en
TEL/reservation: 090-6677-2306
Nearest Station: Hankyu Kawaramachi
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Ramen Sen-no-Kaze Kyoto
580 Nakanochō"Ramen Sen no Kaze Kyoto (らーめん千の風)" Categories: Ramen
Website: http://ramensennokazekyoto.com/?lang=en
TEL/reservation: 090-6677-2306
Nearest Station: Hankyu Kawaramachi
"Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi (浪花ひとくち餃子 餃々 三条木屋町店)" Categories: Gyoza, Izakaya
Website: http://www.gyozaya.com/chao/shop/info.php?id=360
TEL/reservation: 075-251-0056
Nearest Station: Sanjo
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Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi
Ishiyachō Nakagyo Ward"Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi (浪花ひとくち餃子 餃々 三条木屋町店)" Categories: Gyoza, Izakaya
Website: http://www.gyozaya.com/chao/shop/info.php?id=360
TEL/reservation: 075-251-0056
Nearest Station: Sanjo
"Inoichi (猪一)" Categories: Ramen
Website: http://www.menya-inoichi.com/
Nearest Station: Kawaramachi
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Menya Inoichi
542 Ebisunochō"Inoichi (猪一)" Categories: Ramen
Website: http://www.menya-inoichi.com/
Nearest Station: Kawaramachi