Local Recs

North Kyoto

Hidden Gems near Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji Temple（金閣寺） ▶

Detail

Name: Kinkaku-ji Temple（金閣寺）
Hours: 9:00〜17:00
Tel: 075-461-0013
URL: shokoku-ji.jp
Map: Google Map

Secret Spots

上賀茂 (Kamigamo)▶

Detail

Name: Kamigamo（上賀茂）
Access: Bus: 25 min (No.46) from Kinkaku-ji
Map: Google Map

Features

Kamigamo Shake-machi is a hidden gem in Kyoto, known for its well-preserved wooden townhouses and peaceful streets. This historic neighborhood showcases Japan's traditional architecture and the lifestyle of local shrine families. Walk along quiet streets under ancient trees and experience a side of Kyoto untouched by tourists.

建勲神社 (Kenkun Shrine)▶

Detail

Name: Kenkun Shrine（建勲神社）
Access: Walk 21 min / Bus 15 min (No.204,205) from Kinkaku-ji
Tel: 075-451-0170
URL: kenkun-jinja.org
Map: Google Map

Features

Dedicated to Oda Nobunaga, located atop Mt. Funaoka with stunning city views, peaceful grounds, and beautiful autumn foliage. Perfect for history enthusiasts.

大徳寺 (Daitoku-ji Temple)▶

Detail

Name: Daitoku-ji Temple（大徳寺）
Access: Walk 19 min / Bus 9 min (No.12,204,205) from Kinkaku-ji
Tel: 075-491-0019
Map: Google Map

Features

A large Zen temple complex featuring over 20 sub-temples. Daisen-in, Zuihō-in, and Ryōgen-in are open year-round. Each sub-temple offers tranquil gardens and unique atmosphere—a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Restaurants

炭焼鰻土井活鰻金閣寺店▶

Detail

Access: Walk 3 min from Kinkaku-ji
Map: Google Map

らぁ麺きむら（Ramen Kimura）▶

Detail

Name: らぁ麺きむら
Type: Ramen
Access: Walk 6 min from Kinkaku-ji
Address: 42 クラスカ衣笠, Kinugasahigashi Goshonouchicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 〒603-8371
Tel: 075-467-0010
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:30〜14:30 / 18:00〜22:00（Closed: Tuesday）
Recommended: Special fish stock soy sauce ramen（特製魚だし醤油らぁ麺）
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

ORO ESPRESSO（Cafe）▶

Detail

Name: ORO ESPRESSO
Type: Cafe (Take-out only)
Access: Walk 1 min from Kinkaku-ji
Tel: 080-8118-6718
Cost: 〜¥1,000
Hours: 8:00〜17:00（Irregular closes）
Recommended: Coffee
Map: Google Map
English: English speaking staff available

和風かふぇ金皓庵（Matcha Cafe）▶

Detail

Name: 和風かふぇ金皓庵
Type: Matcha Cafe
Access: Walk 4 min from Kinkaku-ji
Tel: 075-468-7666
Cost: 〜¥1,000
Hours: 10:00〜18:00 (L.O. 17:30)
Recommended: Matcha Tiramisu, Kinkakuji Soft Serve
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Kinkouan Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

京都ジンギスカン桜こまち（Yakiniku）▶

Detail

Name: 京都ジンギスカン桜こまち
Type: Yakiniku (Lamb BBQ)
Access: Walk 3 min from Kinkaku-ji
Tel: 075-406-1930
Cost: ¥2,000〜¥3,000
Hours: 12:00〜15:00 / 18:00〜23:00（Closed: Monday, 1st Thursday）
Recommended: 特製味付ジンギスカン, ラムチョップ, 和牛ステーキ重
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Sakura Komachi Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

Central Kyoto

Hidden Gems near Nijo-jo Castle

二条城（Nijo-jo Castle）▶

Detail

Name: Nijo-jo Castle（二条城）
Hours: 8:45〜16:00（Gate closes 17:00）
Tel: 075-841-0096
URL: nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp
Map: Google Map

Secret Spots

神泉苑（Shinsen-en）▶

Detail

Name: Shinsen-en（神泉苑）
Access: Walk 8 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Hours: 7:00〜20:00
Tel: 075-821-1466
URL: shinsenen.org
Map: Google Map

Features

A Place Where 1,200 Years of History Guide Your Wishes. Just a short walk from Nijo Castle, Shinsen-en is a tranquil garden and historic temple site once reserved for emperors.

御金神社（Mikane-jinja Shrine）▶

Detail

Name: Mikane-jinja Shrine（御金神社）
Access: Walk 10 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Tel: 075-222-2062
URL: mikane-jinja.or.jp
Map: Google Map

Features

💰 Famous as a fortune and wealth shrine! The golden torii gate and money-shaped charms are unique highlights. Bring your wallet and make a wish!

三条商店街（Sanjo Shopping District）▶

Detail

Name: Sanjo Shopping District（三条商店街）
Access: Walk 8 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Map: Google Map

Features

A vibrant hub where tradition meets modern life. Lined with charming shops, local eateries, and cozy cafes—perfect for strolling, shopping, and tasting authentic Kyoto flavors.

だるま寺（Horin-ji Temple）▶

Detail

Name: Horin-ji Temple — Daruma Temple（だるま寺）
Access: Bus 20 min (No.204) from Nijo-jo Castle
Hours: 9:00〜16:30
Cost: Adult ¥300
Tel: 075-841-7878
URL: darumadera.kyoto.jp
Map: Google Map

Features

Famous for its collection of Daruma dolls—symbols of perseverance and good luck. Hundreds of colorful Darumas, each carrying hopes and wishes. Beautiful traditional architecture with meticulously maintained gardens.

Restaurants

京都式まぜそば専門店脳天喜（Mazesoba）▶

Detail

Name: 京都式まぜそば専門店脳天喜
Type: Mazesoba (Soupless Ramen)
Access: Walk 20 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Tel: 075-600-9842
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: Weekday: 11:00〜14:30 / 18:00〜21:30
Sat, Sun, Hol: 11:00〜21:30
Recommended: 京都醤油まぜそば
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

Havana（Acai Bowl Cafe）▶

Detail

Name: Havana
Type: Acai Bowl Cafe
Access: Walk 9 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Tel: 075-741-7426
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:00〜25:00
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map

肉バルdiningあげらたむ（Meat Bar）▶

Detail

Name: 肉バルdiningあげらたむ
Type: Meat Bar
Access: Walk 14 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Tel: 075-384-4489
Cost: ¥2,000〜¥3,000
Hours: 11:30〜15:00 / 18:00〜24:00（Closed: Sun dinner, Sat lunch）
Recommended: 和牛サーロインの冷しゃぶ ¥1,980 / 100%和牛チーズバーガー ¥1,380
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Ageratamu Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

おかんの海鮮ちらし（Sushi）▶

Detail

Name: おかんの海鮮ちらし
Type: Seafood Chirashi
Access: Walk 6 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Tel: 075-822-3727
Cost: ¥2,000〜¥3,000
Hours: 11:30〜14:00（Sat & Sun only）
Recommended: 海鮮ちらし
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

京料理立神（Kyoto Cuisine）▶

Detail

Name: 京料理立神
Type: Kyoto Cuisine
Access: Walk 9 min from Nijo-jo Castle
Tel: 075-256-8733
Cost: ¥4,000〜¥15,000
Hours: 12:00〜14:30 / 17:30〜21:00（Closed: Monday & irregular）
Recommended: Omakase Course ¥16,500
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Kyo Ryori Tategami Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

肉バル牛兵衛（Wagyu Restaurant）▶

Detail

Name: 肉バル牛兵衛
Type: Wagyu Restaurant
Access: Walk 3 min from Shijō-Ōmiya Station
Tel: 075-802-8929
Cost: ¥4,000〜¥5,000
Hours: 17:00〜23:30（Closed: Tuesday）
Recommended: Wagyu / Wagyu Sushi / Wagyu Steak
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Gyuubei Shijo Omiya Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

凛惺餃子（Gyoza）▶

Detail

Name: 凛惺餃子
Type: Gyoza
Access: Walk 1 min from Saiin Station
Tel: 075-801-0088
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:30〜22:00（Closed: Monday）
Recommended: Gyoza Tenshin（餃子点心）
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map

Central Kyoto

Hidden Gems near Kawaramachi

Secret Spots

大文字山（Daimonji Mountain）▶

Detail

Name: Daimonji-yama（大文字山）
Access: Bus 35 min (No.5, 32, 105) from Kawaramachi
Map: Daimonji Entrance

Features

Famous for the giant "大" character lit during the Gozan no Okuribi festival. Easy hiking trails through lush forests with stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. Sunrise or sunset visits are especially memorable.

鴨川デルタ（Kamogawa Delta）▶

Detail

Name: Kamogawa Delta（鴨川デルタ）
Access: Walk 2 min from Demachiyanagi Station
Map: Google Map

Features

A peaceful riverside spot loved by locals and visitors. Perfect for jogging, picnics, or simply relaxing by the flowing river. A calm escape from the busy streets of Kyoto.

Restaurants

京やきにく弘先斗町別邸▶

Detail

Map: Google Map

個室焼肉京・黒桜京都河原町▶

Detail

Map: Google Map

銀座おのでら京都▶

Detail

Map: Google Map

近又▶

Detail

Map: Google Map

京懐石美濃吉烏丸四条店▶

Detail

Map: Google Map

Feliz- 團斗 malto▶

Detail

Map: Google Map

板前焼肉一笑四条木屋町店▶

Detail

Map: Google Map

焼肉リン（Yakiniku）▶

Detail

Name: 焼肉リン
Type: Yakiniku
Access: Walk 5 min from Karasuma Station
Cost: ¥3,000〜¥5,000
Hours: Weekday 17:00〜23:30 / Sat&Sun 16:00〜23:30（Closed: Wednesday）
Recommended: リンのお得セット
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen to get 5% OFF ※Cannot be combined
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Store Details Quick Reservation

おにぎり屋悟空（Rice Ball）▶

Detail

Name: おにぎり屋悟空
Type: Rice Ball
Access: Walk 8 min from Kawaramachi Station
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:00〜20:00（Irregular closes）
Recommended: White fish fry, Shrimp fry, Salmon cream cheese, Tuna, Teriyaki
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

河原町焼肉ホルモン安東（Yakiniku）▶

Detail

Name: 河原町焼肉ホルモン安東
Type: Yakiniku
Access: Walk 7 min from Kawaramachi Station
Tel: 075-255-0829
Cost: ¥3,000〜¥4,000
Hours: 17:00〜24:00（Closed: Wednesday）
Recommended: 和牛盛り合わせ / 地酒 / 特上デカ肉
Special Offer: Weekdays 17:00〜19:00: Draft beer & Kaku Highball ¥190
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen: Free ice cream OR free drink
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Store Details Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

BAR 市（Bar）▶

Detail

Name: BAR 市
Type: Bar
Access: Walk 4 min from Kawaramachi Station
Tel: 075-600-9114
Cost: ¥3,000〜¥4,000
Hours: 19:00〜27:00
Recommended: Setouchi Lemon Gin Tonic / Espresso Martini
Coupon: Show this screen: Free cover charge + special price domestic whiskey
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Store Details Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

CLAY POT CURRY OHMIYA（Curry）▶

Detail

Name: CLAY POT CURRY OHMIYA
Type: Curry
Access: Walk 5 min from Kawaramachi Station
Tel: 075-254-0038
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: Weekday: 11:30〜15:00 / 17:30〜20:30
Weekend: 11:30〜15:30 / 17:30〜20:30
Recommended: 牛バラ肉のデミグラス煮込みカレー ¥1,580 / 丹波高原豚のロースカツカレー ¥1,500
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Curry Ohmiya Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

京都串処東屋 JAPANESE DINING（Kushi・Izakaya）▶

Detail

Type: Kushi / Izakaya
Access: Walk 5 min from Sanjo Station
Tel: 075-212-5668
Cost: ¥2,000〜¥3,000
Hours: 17:00〜24:00（Open all year）
Recommended: 焼鳥・串カツ・天ぷら盛り合わせ
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen and get a free drink
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Azumaya Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

焼肉寅のや（Yakiniku）▶

Detail

Type: Yakiniku
Access: Walk 5 min from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station
Tel: 090-70949205
Cost: ¥5,000〜¥9,000
Hours: 17:00〜22:00（Closed: Thursday）
Recommended: Thickly sliced beef tongue
Coupon: Show this screen: Free drink
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at Yakiniku Toranoya Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

昭和風バーレトロ（Bar RETRO）▶

Detail

Type: Bar
Access: Walk 4 min from Kawaramachi Station
Tel: 075-254-7571
Cost: ¥3,000〜¥4,000
Hours: 19:00〜5:00（Irregular closes）
Recommended: レトロオリジナルバクダン
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen: Free Retro Original Bomb (when ordering 2+ drinks)
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

百年蕎麦壽（Soba）▶

Detail

Type: Soba
Access: Walk 6 min from Kawaramachi Station
Tel: 075-748-1570
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:00〜22:00（Closed: Tuesday）
Recommended: 黒京出汁醤油
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen: Free raw egg（生卵）
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

Karasuma Area

烏丸エリア

朝うどん（Udon）▶

Detail

Type: Udon
Access: Walk 3 min from Karasuma Station
Tel: 075-748-1570
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 7:00〜10:00
Recommended: Kasu Kujo Green Onion Udon / All Star Udon
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen: Free soft-boiled egg（温玉）
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

北風と太陽Kitchen＆Wine（Italian & Spanish）▶

Detail

Type: Italian & Spanish
Access: Walk 3 min from Karasuma Station
Tel: 075-708-8336
Cost: ¥5,000〜¥9,000
Hours: 15:00〜0:00（Closed: Tue, Wed）
Recommended: 平井牛のローストビーフ / ラムチョップの炭火焼き / 10種類以上グラスワイン
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen: Free popular fig butter（いちじくバター）
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at 北風と太陽Kitchen＆Wine Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

BIGOLI京都本店（Pasta）▶

Detail

Type: Pasta
Access: Walk 4 min from Shijo Station
Tel: 075-748-1570
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:00〜22:00（Closed: 1st Tuesday）
Recommended: 熟成チーズのボロネーゼ
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen: Free soft-boiled egg（温玉）
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at BIGOLI Quick Reservation
English: English menu available

ラーメン蔵（Ramen）▶

Detail

Type: Ramen
Access: Walk 4 min from Shijo Station
Tel: 075-748-1570
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:00〜22:00（Closed: 1st Tuesday）
Recommended: 満開ラーメン
SNS: Instagram
Coupon: Show this screen: Free soft-boiled egg（温玉）
Map: Google Map
English: English menu available

海鮮ときどきブタ（Seafood Bowl）▶

Detail

Type: Seafood Bowl
Access: Walk 4 min from Karasuma Station
Tel: 075-708-7508
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:00〜21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
Recommended: 組み合わせ自由な海鮮丼
SNS: Instagram
Map: Google Map
Reservation: Book a seat at 海鮮ときどきブタ Quick Reservation

Tea Lounge ISOLA▶

Detail

Type: Cafe
Access: Walk 8 min from Kawaramachi Station
Tel: 080-2954-2414
Cost: ¥1,000〜¥2,000
Hours: 11:30〜21:00
Map: Google Map
SNS: Instagram
English: English menu available

East Kyoto

Hidden Gems in Gion

Secret Spots

祇園白川（Gion Shirakawa）▶

Detail

Name: Gion Shirakawa（祇園白川）
Access: Walk 7 min from Gion-Shijo Station
Map: Google Map

Features

One of Kyoto's most picturesque neighborhoods, famed for charming canals lined with traditional machiya houses. By night, softly lit lanterns create a magical atmosphere—perfect for romantic walks and unforgettable photos.

Restaurants