The area around Kinkakuji Temple, the symbol of Kyoto, is a treasure trove of gourmet spots where history and delicious food come together.
In this article, we will introduce a food walking map of 10 carefully selected restaurants that you should definitely visit when visiting Kinkakuji Temple.
Enjoy an exciting time in a city where sightseeing and delicious discoveries come together.
1. Pheasant Soba | Kinkaku Restaurant
Pheasant meat, which has been considered the highest quality edible meat in Japan since ancient times, is attractive for its healthiness, being high in protein, low in fat and low in calories compared to chicken meat.
The “golden dashi” made by Japanese cuisine artisans carefully extracts from pheasant meat is made with an abundance of natural ingredients, bringing out the flavor of the salt and soy sauce.
The pheasant soba in particular is a masterpiece that allows you to enjoy the contrast of deep flavors and textures, thanks to the toppings such as seared pheasant meat, soft-boiled eggs pickled in kelp, white leeks, and yuba dressed with Japanese pepper .
In addition, the dashi chazuke set comes with a seafood broth jelly made from scallops and dried shrimp, which is added halfway through the meal to change the flavor and allow you to enjoy an even richer taste.
When you visit Kinkakuji Temple, be sure to try the pheasant soba, which combines delicate cooking techniques with the delicious flavor of the ingredients.
| Recommended Menu | Pheasant soba |
|---|---|
| address | 43 Kinugasa Babacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | 3 minutes walk from Kinkakuji Temple’s Sanmon Gate |
| Opening times | 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-21:00 (irregular holidays) |
| telephone number | 075-462-4949 |
2. Kinkakuji Fudogama Teahouse
Kinkakuji Fudogama Teahouse is a teahouse located in a tranquil environment that evokes the atmosphere of Kinkakuji Temple.
In a space that harmonizes with the nature and historical buildings on the premises, you can enjoy authentic tea made with carefully selected tea leaves and seasonal Japanese sweets.
It’s the perfect place for those looking for a moment of rest between sightseeing, and is known for its relaxing atmosphere and traditional flavor.
This is a shop that offers a valuable experience where you can reaffirm the history and natural beauty of Kinkakuji Temple every time you visit.
| Recommended Menu | Matcha (with sweets): 500 yen |
|---|---|
| address | Kinkakuji Temple, 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus “Kinkakuji-michi” stop, then walk for 5 minutes |
| Opening times | 11:00-17:00 (irregular holidays) |
| telephone number | 075-461-0013 |
3. Kinkaku-an Teahouse
Sabo Kinkakuan is a teahouse where you can spend a relaxing time near Kinkakuji Temple.
The restaurant’s relaxing interior is a fusion of Japanese and Western styles, and the restaurant’s appeal is that it offers a menu that changes with the seasons.
The handmade Japanese sweets, which are perfectly matched with the carefully selected Japanese tea, all have a delicate flavor and are highly praised by many customers.
While enjoying the atmosphere of the historic Kinkaku-ji Temple, the hotel offers modern, sophisticated service and space, providing a relaxing moment to soothe the fatigue of sightseeing.
| Recommended Menu | Yudofu set meal: 4,400 yen |
|---|---|
| address | 36-1 Nishigoshonouchicho, Kinugasa, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus “Kinkakuji-michi” stop, then walk for 2 minutes |
| Opening times | 11:00-17:00 (irregular holidays) |
| telephone number | 075-888-1567 |
4. Gontaro Kinkakuji Branch
Gontaro Kinkakuji is a popular lunch spot that is easy to stop by between sightseeing at Kinkakuji Temple.
The menu, which focuses on Japanese cuisine, includes many dishes that make use of fresh local ingredients, providing visitors with a sense of security and satisfaction.
The restaurant has a calming Japanese-modern interior, and with its warm service and cozy atmosphere, even first-time customers can relax and enjoy their meal.
It is a restaurant loved by tourists and locals alike, and has received high praise in many word-of-mouth reviews.
| Recommended Menu | Oyakodon: 1,400 yen |
|---|---|
| address | 26 Hiranomiyashikicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus stop “Wara Tenjin-mae” and walk for 6 minutes |
| Opening times | 11:00-20:00 (closed Wednesdays) *Open until 21:00 on weekends |
| telephone number | 075-463-1039 |
5. Kyoto Shin
Kyoto Shin is a gourmet spot located near Kinkakuji Temple, offering unique cuisine that blends tradition and modernity.
The interior of the restaurant is simple yet elegant, and you can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients in a relaxing space.
The food is known for being both beautiful to look at and delicious, and is recommended for those who want to have a hearty meal between sightseeing.
One of the attractions of this reliable restaurant is not only the quality of the food, but also the attentive service of the staff, and you will discover something new every time you visit.
| Recommended Menu | Course only: 8,800 yen |
|---|---|
| address | 37 Kinugasa Nishigoshonouchicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus “Kinkakuji-michi” stop, then walk for 2 minutes |
| Opening times | 11:30-15:30/17:30-22:00 (irregular holidays) |
| telephone number | 075-432-7734 |
6. Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Itadaki is a popular spot in the area around Kinkakuji Temple where you can enjoy a casual lunch or light meal.
They have a wide variety of well-balanced dishes using fresh local ingredients, and they are proud of their strong flavors while still being reasonably priced.
The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and you can eat casually in a short amount of time, making it the perfect place to take a break during your sightseeing trip.
This is a restaurant with many repeat customers who experience simple yet memorable deliciousness every time they visit.
| Recommended Menu | Hamburg steak with special demi-glace sauce: 1,000 yen |
|---|---|
| address | Kinkakuji Temple, 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus “Kinkakuji-michi” stop, then walk for 4 minutes |
| Opening times | 11:30-15:30/17:30-21:00 (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) *Until 20:00 on Mondays only |
| telephone number | 075-465-9102 |
7. Ramen Kimura
Ramen Kimura is a popular ramen restaurant in the Kinkakuji area, known for its unique soup and homemade noodles.
The rich soup, yet with a refreshing aftertaste, is popular with many ramen fans.
The restaurant is lively and bustling with customers, especially during lunchtime.
The ramen, made with carefully selected ingredients, is known for invigorating the body after a day of sightseeing, and is a charming restaurant where you can discover new flavors every time you visit.
| Recommended Menu | Fish broth soy sauce ramen: 850 yen |
|---|---|
| address | Tenant A Classka Kinugasa, 42 Higashigoshonouchicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus stop “Senbon Kitaoji” and walk for 3 minutes |
| Opening times | 11:30-14:30/18:00-22:00 (irregular holidays) |
| telephone number | 075-467-0010 |
8. BRCAFE KYOTO
BRCAFE KYOTO is a modern cafe recommended for those who want to enjoy some cafe time around Kinkakuji Temple.
Enjoy carefully selected coffee, desserts and light meals in a sophisticated interior and relaxing atmosphere.
It is an attractive space where you can spend some leisurely time in between sightseeing strolls, and is well-known for being a place where you can spend a relaxing and luxurious time.
The attentive service and stylish atmosphere are the reasons why it is loved by many customers.
| Recommended Menu | Today’s Zenzai Shop Set: 1,200 yen |
|---|---|
| address | Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kita Ward, Kinugasa Goshonouchicho 1-4 |
| access | Get off at the city bus “Kinkakuji-michi” stop, then walk for 2 minutes |
| Opening times | 11:00-16:00 (irregular holidays) |
| telephone number | 075-201-9607 |
9. Mamemasa Kinkakuji Temple Shop
Mamemasa Kinkakuji Temple Grounds Shop is located within the grounds of Kinkakuji Temple and sells sweets, snacks, and souvenirs that are easily available to tourists.
The store’s appeal lies in its combination of traditional Japanese taste and modern products, which pique the curiosity of all visitors.
The menu, which can also be enjoyed as a light meal, is perfect for taking a break between sightseeing.
This popular shop has a calm space that blends in with the atmosphere of the historic Kinkakuji Temple, and you’ll find something new every time you visit.
| Recommended Menu | Uji matcha soft serve: 700 yen |
|---|---|
| address | 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus “Kinkakuji-michi” stop, then walk for 4 minutes |
| Opening times | 9:00-16:25 (irregular holidays) |
| telephone number | 075-211-5211 |
10. Mangetsu Kinkakuji
Mangetsu Kinkakuji is a popular Japanese confectionery shop that has been in business for a long time around Kinkakuji Temple.
They continue to offer the same long-loved menu items as ever, such as Ajari Mochi and Mangetsu Monaka.
This shop is popular with many people as a souvenir for tourists or a snack to eat on the go.
| Recommended Menu | Ajarimochi: 141 yen |
|---|---|
| address | 30-1 Kinugasa Goshonouchicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| access | Get off at the city bus “Kinkakuji-michi” stop, then walk for 2 minutes |
| Opening times | 10:00-17:00 (Closed on Wednesdays) |
| telephone number | 075-461-7600 |
summary
The 10 restaurants around Kinkakuji Temple introduced here are all unique and stand out for their carefully crafted flavors.
You can fully enjoy the charm of food as you stroll through the town, which combines historic atmosphere with modern gourmet food.
When you visit Kinkakuji Temple, be sure to use this food map as a reference and sample some of the delicious gourmet food to create unforgettable memories of your trip.
