Mar. 11, 2023 UPDATE

Top 6 Restaurants Near the Jidai Matsuri – Festival of the Ages

In this article, we’ll introduce 6 of our favorite restaurants we recommend heading to after watching the Jidai Matsuri – Festival of the Ages parade.
sanmi koan

Jidai Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three big festivals. A massive parade of people dressed in traditional garb stretching back to Japan’s Heian period makes its way from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Heian Jingu Shrine.

Every year this famous parade is watched by crowds of both Japanese locals and foreign tourists alike.


In this article, we showcase what we think are some of the most delicious restaurants along the route of the parade. With both Japanese and western restaurants in the list, there’s sure to be something that’ll satisfy your post-parade appetite.


Yamamoto Menzo – Michelin Starred Udon Noodles

Yamamoto MenzoudonLocated close to the Heian Jingu Shrine, Yamamoto Menzo is a Michelin starred udon restaurant that regularly boasts long lines out the door. 

The silky-smooth udon noodles are unbelievably springy and slide down your gullet like no other. 

We recommend the staple dish, “burdock tempura and cold noodles.” 

The crunchy, thin-batter of the freshly fried burdock tempura gives off the most exquisite smell, and when paired with the beautiful homemade udon noodles, makes every minute you waited in line totally worth it.  


Address 34, Okazaki Minamigoshocho, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8334
Open Hours 11am - 6pm (L.O.) * Close at 2:30pm on Wednesdays


Kyoto Nakasei Nikuzuki – A Wagyu Specialist Owned by Popular Butchery Nakasei

Nakasei Nikuzukiwagyu steakLocated 5 minutes from the Higashiyama Tozai Subway Station in the Furukawa Shopping Arcade, Nakasei Nikuzuki is a restaurant specializing in aged beef.

Owned and operated by a historic Kyoto butchery, Nakasei Nikuzuki is thought of as the god-father of Kyoto aged beef specialists. 

Nakasei Nikuzuki uses only Tajima Wagyu and in addition to their steaks, recommend their hardy hamburger steaks.

A selection of wine and Japanese sake is also available.


Address 573 Inari-cho Kitagumi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Open Hours 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Last orders at 2:00 p.m.) 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Last orders at 9:00 p.m.)



Cenci – A Chic Italian Restaurant That Uses Seasonal Ingredients

Cenci The mozzarella cheese appetizerLocated in the peaceful neighborhood next to the Heian Jingu Shrine, Cenci has been called the hottest Italian restaurant in Kyoto. From start to finish, Cenci’s courses treat you to an entire range of unique and exciting dishes. The mozzarella cheese appetizer with its use of fresh mozzarella and silky smooth, creamy textures is a particular winner.

Enjoy a magnificent night out at one of Kyoto’s most talked about restaurants. 


Address 44-7 Shogoin Entomi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Open Hours Lunch: 12:00 - 15:00 ※Last orders at 12:30 Dinner: 18:00 - 21:30 ※Last orders at 19:00



Kyoto Modern Terrace

Kyoto Modern Terracedishes Kyoto Modern Terrace is a spacious café with high ceilings and a lovely interior that sits only a few minutes from the Heian Jingu Shrine. At Kyoto Modern Terrace you can enjoy the taste of some of Kyoto’s best seasonal ingredients in either their À la carte dishes such as pasta and Japanese omurice, or their courses, which contain an appetizer, main, dessert and after-meal coffee.


Address Rohm Theatre Kyoto, Park Plaza 2F, 13 Okazaki Saishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Open Hours 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Last orders at 7:00)



Da Yuki – No-nonsense Authentic Italian Food

Da YukipizzaWith an authentic Italian pizza oven that can be seen through the window, you already know Da Yuki is serious about good pizza. Each morning, after the restaurant sees which ingredients they have on hand, the menu is decided. 

As Da Yuki offers a special menu with unique dishes only found here, it’s the kind of place you never get sick of going to. 

Our recommendation is their smoked water buffalo mozzarella Margherita pizza. 

The combination of the acidic fresh tomatoes and naturally sweet cheese is downright exquisite.


Address 36-3 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344
Open Hours Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Last orders at 2:30 p.m.) Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Last orders at 9:30 p.m.)
Vanessa[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ]
With so many restaurants near the Heian Jingu Shrine, you’ll sure to be able to find something to suit whatever you’re feeling post-Jidai Matsuri parade. All restaurants included above are recommendations of the Sharing Kyoto staff, and we think you’ll have a wonderful time at any and all of them.
Related keywords
All Restaurants Soba Noodles Udon Noodles Wagyu / Steak Italian Cafes All Kyoto Area
Share

Page Top