Guide to the Kyoto Imperial Palace & Teramachi Area – A Half-day Plan for Sightseeing, Shopping & Cafés in the Heart of Kyoto

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In our first half-day plan aimed at first-timers to the imperial palace area, Shin takes us through spots brimming with the history and traditions of Kyoto.

As this course focuses on experiencing the culture and history of the area, it’s a good idea to give it a good read before following it yourself.  

12 p.m.: Lunch at Honke Owariya

Honke OwariyaThe area around the Kyoto Imperial Palace is full of historical restaurants, however, the one we recommend is long-standing Kyoto soba restaurant, Honke Owariya. With over 550 years of history, Honke Owariya has not only supplied its noodles to high profile temples but to the imperial palace itself as well. Calling central Kyoto home for centuries, Honke Owariya is one of the most beloved restaurants in the entire city.  

Soba NoodlesThe dish to try at Honke Owariya is the “Horai Soba.” This huge set consists of a five-tiered tower of soba noodles and an assortment of toppings that include scallions, sesame seeds, seaweed and tempura. The numerous toppings allow you to enjoy a different flavor for each plate of soba. This set allows you to delve deep into the world of soba and is a definite must-try.

Soba-gashiSomething that can’t be left out of any mention of Honke Owariya is their buckwheat sweets known as soba-gashi. Originally, Honke Owariya was a sweets maker and, with time, came to be known for their noodles instead. However, this renowned soba restaurant still bears its heritage with the likes of its soba mochi and buckwheat-based baked goods.

Experience the unique flavors that only a sweets maker turned noodle shop can offer.

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1 p.m.: A Sake Brewery Using Kyoto’s Famed Water

Kinshi Masamune Horino Memorial MuseumBlending into the surroundings of the imperial palace neighborhood, Kinshi Masamune is a sake brewery with a history of over 200 years. Since its establishment, Kinshi Masamune has been using the clean water that flows through Kyoto to produce and sell everything from sake to beer. In addition to its shop, Kinshi Masamune also houses a memorial museum where you can find exhibitions on the brewery's history, a traditional sake warehouse and learn about the path that led Kinshi Masamune to where it is today.

A Glass of Well WaterInside Kinshi Masamune, you will find the “momo-no-i,” a well that, even now, spouts Kyoto’s famed water. The water that comes from the well is both refreshing and clean, so feel free to grab a glass if you’re so inclined.

Local Beer/SakeThe brewery houses a shop where you can buy Kishin Masamune’s beer and sake too. You can try any bottles that catch your eye, so take your time browsing and trying the various sake.

Anything purchased inside the store can be enjoyed right there, so why not enjoy the oddly bougie feeling of sitting down with a glass of sake right in front of a well spurting the same water used to make it.

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2 p.m.: The Kyoto Imperial Palace – The Former Residence of the Imperial Family

By 2 p.m., you should have made your way to the main attraction of this half-day plan, the Kyoto Imperial Palace. From 794 to 1869, the Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the Japanese emperor, meaning that these grounds sat at the center of Japanese politics and culture for centuries.

The Palace GroundsBefore heading inside the imperial palace itself, you’ll need to pass through the surrounding Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. These grounds used to house a small village of noble and imperial residences. Nowadays, the grounds are maintained as a national garden that is 1300 meters long and 700 meters wide. The garden also features a good amount of greenery and in spring and autumn comes alive with beautiful cherry blossoms and maple leaves respectively. In addition to the beautiful seasonal sights, the grounds are also loved by locals as a sort of park.

The Imperial Palace 

Located in the north-west of the Gyoen National Garden sits the Kyoto Imperial Palace itself.

You will find the entrance on the western side of the palace walls. Inside is a plethora of things to see that provide you a sense of the palace’s rich history, including the palace pond, design of the buildings and fusuma sliding doors. You will need at least an hour to see everything.

Multilingual ToolsThe incredible Kyoto Imperial Palace is also outfitted with a number of multilingual tools aid visitors from overseas in fully understanding the history of the palace’s many buildings. In addition to pamphlets including a map of the palace and the route around it, there are also audio guides provided by the Japanese government.    

ToursAlthough only offered in English and (simplified) Chinese, the palace also holds two free tours a day (10 a.m. & 2 p.m.).

These tours require no prior reservations, so if you wait in the rest area just inside the entrance, you will be able to join when it comes time to start. Each tour takes about 50 minutes.

For more info on the Kyoto Imperial Palace, see our article below!

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3:30 p.m.: Take a Break at the Long-standing Japanese Sweets Maker Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo

Your legs will probably be tired by this time, so take a break at long-standing Kyoto Japanese sweets maker Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo, situated just outside of the palace’s Nakadachiuri-Gomon Gate.

Toraya Karyo Kyoto IchijoToraya is a historied store that has sold traditional Japanese sweets in this area of Kyoto in five separate centuries. In the second half of the 16th century, Toraya worked for the imperial palace and even today, that undeniable quality remains apparent.

If you’re looking to experience what such delicious traditional Japanese sweets might taste like, then Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo is the place to go.

Charyo CafeToraya also houses a spacious café where you can sit back and relax while enjoying their delicious sweets.

One of the highlights of the café is the incredible garden that can be seen through the huge windows. 

This part of the plan gives you the opportunity to relax with some traditional Japanese sweets against a picturesque traditional Japanese backdrop.

Namagashi SweetsOne item that is a must-try at Toraya Karyo are their namagashi. Namagashi are moist traditional Japanese sweets made largely of sweet red bean paste. All of the namagashi offered at Toraya are not only incredible in taste but appearance too. 

The exact namagashi offered changes twice a month, meaning that you’re always sure to get something that’s both brilliantly colorful and seasonally appropriate.

YokanToraya’s most famous sweets, however, are their yokan. Yokan are jelly-like Japanese sweets that are made with red bean paste and solidified with agar. Yokan can keep for a long time, so they are the perfect souvenir. We recommend enjoying the other sweets at Toraya’s café and getting the yokan as souvenirs.   

Between the Nakadachiuri-Gomon Gate and Toraya Karyo, there is a separate Toraya shop, so if you’re looking to get some souvenirs, make sure to check it out too.

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Conclusion:

This was Shin’s history-based half-day tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace area. If this is your first time in the area, then try to absorb everything suggested so you can have the best time possible! 

In addition to the places shown above, there are a ton of other amazing spots to check out around the imperial palace, so if you’d like to see more, then click here!

Request Private & Custom tour like this from Sharing Kyoto Local Guide

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In this part, I, Sakurako, a self-confessed lover of the street, will let you in on my half-day plan of Teramachi Street.

Packed with century-old shops, Teramachi has been known by locals as a shopping hub for generations. I live right by Teramachi so often find myself doing a bit of shopping there when I go out for a walk.

In this half-day plan, you'll be visiting my personally recommended Teramachi shops and cafes.

This plan is for those looking to grab a bite to eat for lunch and do a bit of relaxed shopping in the afternoon. 

Alright, let's get going then!

1 p.m.: Arrive at the Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station

Our day is gonna start from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae. This area is serviced by both the Tozai subway line and a bunch of different buses, so it’s super easy to get to.

If you’ve taken the subway to the Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, then head through the underground mall, Zest Oike, and out exit 5 or 6 for the closest exit to Teramachi Street.

If you’re taking the bus, then simply hop off at the Kyoto Shikyakusho-mae bus stop.

See here for a map to exit 5 of Zest Oike.

1:30 p.m.: Kumagai Dougusyo – A Veritable Gallery of Pottery, Tea Cups and Antiques

Kumagai DougusyoKumagai Dougusyo is an over 100-year-old antique store that sells everything from ornaments and pottery to lacquerware and utensils for tea ceremonies.

The more you browse the more you come across things that leave you in confused amazement.

Imari Porcelain

One of the most striking aspects of this store is its range of Imari porcelain, a style of pottery famous for its beautiful light blue designs. Each piece is individually handcrafted, making it fun to try and see how each differs from the next.

If you go, make sure to let us know which design you liked the best!  

Kumagai Dougusyo also offers a ton of other awesome finds you don’t often see at antique stores as well, like Kyo-yaki pottery, paintings and calligraphy. While we highly recommend checking this store out, make sure to go when you have time to spare, as you’ll likely spend a lot more time looking around than you thought!  

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2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Murakami Kaishindo

Murakami KaishindoMurakami Kaishindo is an old school Kyoto bakery that first opened back in the Meiji period! It’s known throughout Kyoto and has been beloved by generations of locals! 

Russian Cakes Murakami Kaishindo’s signature sweet is its Russian Cakes. First hitting the display cabinets in 1955, the so-called Russian Cakes are double baked cookies with either chocolate or fruit in the center. These unique Murakai Kaishindo original treats are definitely a must-try!

The Café Sitting at the back of Murakami Kaishindo is a retro café space. Fusing aspects of Japanese interior design, such as tokonoma, with an overall western interior, this café offers a homely, Kyoto-esque vibe and a relaxing place to sit down and catch your breath.

If you’re not looking to sit down, don’t worry, you can always purchase Murakami Kaishindo’s cookies and other treats in their store.

Murakami Kaishindo Shop:

Murakami Kaishindo Cafe:

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3:30 p.m.: Beautiful Lacquerware at Zohiko Kyoto Teramachi 

Zohiko Kyoto Teramachi

After getting your fill of sweets, it’s time to head to Zohiko Kyoto Teramachi.Zohiko is a lacquerware specialty store that first opened in 1661. Inside the stylish interior, you’ll find rows upon rows of magnificent, glossy lacquerware.

Maki-e LacquerwareMaki-e are beautiful, art-like pieces of lacquerware that utilize Japan's world-class traditional techniques. Visiting this store is worth it just to be able to see the Maki-e.

While lacquerware is usually quite expensive, Zohiko offers a range of pieces designed for everyday use as well.

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4 p.m.: Ryushido

RyushidoThe next destination is Ryushido, a 230-year-old calligraphy store located right next door to Zohiko. This store sees its fair share of overseas customers, so offers English explanations on a variety of products.

The Testing Corner

In addition to selling calligraphy tools, Ryushido also offers a corner where you can actually test out its products! You can even test out tools for watercolor paintings as well! This area means that you’ll always know what you’re getting before you buy it. 

Calligraphy ClassesRyushido also holds calligraphy classes. These classes are held on an irregular schedule, so if you’re interested, then check out Ryushido’s website!

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4:30: Ippodo for a Well Deserved Tea Break

Ippodo

Heading to the northern part of Teramachi, we’ll pop inside our final stop, Ippodo Tea, for some delicious, well-deserved Kyoto tea.

Ippodo is a Kyoto tea shop beloved by those of the central city for 300 years.

 

Have Here or Takeaway At Ippodo you can choose to either have your drinks there or get them to go.

Their takeout options include authentic sencha green tea, hojicha roast green tea and genmaicha brown rice green tea. They also come in cups with super cool designs that definitely deserve a mention of their own.

At Ippodo’s café, you can sit down for tea and sweets. Ippodo has an English menu as well, so you’ll have nothing to worry about! 

SouvenirsIppodo also sells tea and various tea-related cups and utensils, so they’re a great place to pick up souvenirs.

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Conclusion:

While Teramachi is a relatively short street that takes only about 10 minutes to walk down, it is absolutely packed with lovely wee, Kyoto-esque shops. This area is home to an exceptional number of old school shops, so just walking down it gives you a real sense of the city’s history.

No matter if it's your first or fiftieth time in Kyoto, Teramachi is always exciting, so if you’re looking to do some shopping in Kyoto, make sure it’s on your list.

Click here for a map of the stores showcased.


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