Kyoto is the heart of Japanese history, a city where numerous traditions and cultures have remained vibrant for over 1200 years. While the historical charm of the city itself is undeniable, what further solidifies Kyoto's popularity is its rich food culture.
In Kyoto, you can experience various genres and purposes of Japanese cuisine, from the everyday "obanzai" made in Kyoto households, to "kaiseki ryori" served before tea ceremonies to entertain guests, and "shojin ryori" that uses no animal products at all.
Moreover, not limited to Japanese cuisine, many renowned French and Italian restaurants have also gathered here, taking advantage of the bountiful produce from Kyoto's fertile lands.
In this article, we'd like to introduce restaurants where you can enjoy meals in the traditional summer style called "Noryo Yuka."
Let's start by answering the question, "What is Noryo Yuka?"
If you are interested in summer in Kyoto, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy summer in Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
What is "Noryo Yuka," the Summer Tradition of Kamogawa River?
Kyoto, a basin surrounded by mountains, is famous for its heat. Even a female poet 1200 years ago sang about its severe summer heat. The elegant wisdom to spend Kyoto's harsh summers is Noryo Yuka.
Noryo Yuka services are popular in the Kamogawa and Kibune areas. In Kamogawa, which flows through central Kyoto, it's called "Yuka," while in the mountainous Kibune area, it's called "Kawadoko." Surprisingly, many Japanese people are unfamiliar with this distinction.
For this article, we'll focus on the easily accessible Kamogawa area. During a specific period in summer, various establishments from ryokans to restaurants, cafes, and bars set up elevated terraces extending towards the Kamogawa River.
The highlight of Noryo Yuka is enjoying meals and drinks while staying cool. The history of Kamogawa Noryo Yuka is ancient, reportedly starting as early as the 1500s. As stone walls and embankments were developed, the Kamogawa riverbank became a major entertainment district from the 1700s onwards.
Experience the Kamogawa Noryo Yuka, which still bustles with the same energy as it did back then.
If you are interested in Noryoyuka & Kawadoko, check the article below! I summarized Noryoyuka & Kawadoko I recommend and how I felt each Noryoyuka & Kawadoko Restaurants.
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Four Areas Along Kamogawa River to Enjoy Noryo Yuka
Over 90 establishments offering Noryo Yuka are concentrated along the Kamogawa River, which flows north to south through Kyoto city. From Nijo Street in the north to Gojo Street in the south, the area is divided into four sections:
■ Kami Kiyamachi Area
From south of Kiyamachi Nijo to the north side of Sanjo Ohashi Bridge. You can enjoy the Noryo Yuka of "Morita-ya," famous for sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, and the view from Starbucks Coffee.
■ Pontocho Area
From the south side of Sanjo Ohashi Bridge to the north side of Shijo Ohashi Bridge. This area has the most Noryo Yuka establishments among the four areas, with a wide variety of genres including Western restaurants and bars.
■ Saiseki Area
From the south side of Shijo Ohashi Bridge to the north side of Donguri Bridge. Although there are fewer Noryo Yuka establishments, unique restaurants offering Beijing and Thai cuisines are gathered here.
■ Shimokiyamachi Area
From the south side of Donguri Bridge to Matsubara Bridge. Long-established stores and magnificent restaurants repurposing historical buildings are concentrated here. The Takase River flows on the west side of Saiseki Street, known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees.
If you are interested in Pontocho, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Pontocho as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
8 Recommended Restaurants to Enjoy Exquisite Cuisine and Noryo Yuka
LE UN
source：Official website
LE UN Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort is a restaurant that originated from "Funatsuru," a ryokan established in 1870. The historical and artistic value of this building, which has over 100 years of history, is close to that of fine art. The elegant space beautifully fuses the old and new, Japanese and Western styles, making it a popular venue for weddings.
In summer, the addition of Noryo Yuka allows for an even more refined experience. You can fully appreciate the poetic summer atmosphere of Kyoto, sung about in waka poems, with the gentle murmur of the Kamogawa River right before your eyes, the sparkle on the water's surface, and the clear blue sky.
The cuisine uses abundant local ingredients from around Kyoto, such as freshly harvested Kyoto vegetables and the highest grade of Omi beef. Enjoy the authentic French cuisine where every drop of sauce is meticulously prepared.
The "Sky Terrace" on the top floor is a premium seat limited to four groups per day, recommended for those seeking an extraordinary experience.
While there's no strict dress code, men should avoid shorts and sandals.
Store Information:
- Address: 180 Minoya-cho, Kiyamachi-dori, Matsubara-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 11:30-15:30 (Last order 14:00), 17:30-22:00 (Last order 21:00)
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 075-351-8541
- Official website
Ryokan Tsuruse
source：Official website
Ryokan Tsuruse is a long-established ryokan with a striking three-story wooden building made entirely of hinoki cypress. Its magnificent pavilion stands out even in the Shimokiyamachi area, where traditional Kyoto townhouses line the streets.
The interior retains stunning architectural designs by early 1900s master carpenters, making it worth visiting just to see. The Kawayuka cuisine served here is authentic, inheriting the tradition and essence of Kyoto cuisine through generations, with elaborate yet strict presentations that have impressed many food connoisseurs.
Ryokan Tsuruse offers top-notch architecture, cuisine, and Noryo Yuka experience. It's a must-visit establishment for foreign travelers who want to fully experience Japanese traditions.
Store Information:
- Address: Kiyamachi Gojo-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 12:00-15:00 (Last entry 13:30), 17:00-21:30 (Last entry 20:00)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-351-8518
- Official website
Pontocho Idumoya
source：Official website
Pontocho Idumoya is a restaurant where you can enjoy eel and Kyoto cuisine. Idumoya's eel is prepared using the Edo-yaki method, where it's grilled once, steamed, and then grilled again slowly over charcoal. The steaming process removes excess fat, resulting in a plump and juicy flavor.
The eel, grilled with a secret sauce passed down since the restaurant's establishment in 1916, is exquisite. I love the eel rice bowl topped with a generous portion of dashi-maki tamago (egg roll with dashi).
They also offer a wide range of traditional Kyoto cuisine incorporating the seasonal sensibilities of Japan. One pleasing point about their Noryo Yuka is that there's no seat charge (however, you need to order Yuka cuisine when using the terrace).
While many restaurants end their Noryo Yuka service at the end of September, Idumoya continues until the end of October. It might be interesting to experience the beginning of Kyoto's winter on Idumoya's Noryo Yuka.
Store Information:
- Address: 173-2 Kashiwaya-cho, Pontocho-dori, Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 11:30-22:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 075-211-2501
- Official website
Kyoto Pontocho Fumiya
source：Tabelog
Pontocho Fumiya is a Japanese restaurant offering Kyoto kaiseki, yudofu, shabu-shabu, and small hot pots like duck hot pot. Kaiseki ryori is a cuisine designed to accompany sake. It originated from the practice of haiku poets holding sake gatherings after their haiku meetings.
While the Noryo Yuka overlooking the serene Kamogawa River right next to Sanjo Bridge is recommended, the luxurious interior is also a must-see. Behind the counter chefs, there's a bold and elegant painting of seasonal flowers by Japanese painter Tetsuei Nakamura, creating a refined atmosphere.
Even when it's not Noryo Yuka season, it's worth visiting as you can enjoy the view of Kamogawa from the counter seats on the second floor.
The restaurant is also well-equipped with facilities and menus suitable for babies and children, showing the establishment's thoughtful consideration.
Store Information:
- Address: 2nd building south of Kaburenjo, Pontocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:00-23:00 (Food L.O. 22:00 / Drink L.O. 22:30)
* Hours may vary depending on the season
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-211-5054
- Official website
Manzara Donguri-bashi
source：Kyoto yuka.com
Manzara Donguri-bashi is a restaurant offering creative Japanese cuisine. Its specialties are obanzai and kushiyaki, and I love that it's casual enough for everyday use.
Obanzai refers to everyday side dishes popular in Kyoto households. Though simple, they are flavorful and pair well with alcohol. At the counter inside, large plates of colorfully arranged daily obanzai are displayed, and it's fun to choose various dishes based on your mood.
Kushiyaki allows you to directly enjoy the deliciousness of the ingredients themselves, with the simplest grilled chicken skewer being the most popular. Don't forget to try the beef tendon skewer, which is simmered slowly for a long time.
The Noryo Yuka feels so close to Kamogawa that you could almost touch the water, creating a fantastic location where you feel one with the river's murmur.
Store Information:
- Address: Donguri-bashi Nishi Takaoka Building 1F, Shijo-dori Kiyamachi-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 16:00-23:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-344-0280
- Official website
Moritaya
source：Official website
Moritaya is a long-established shop that started in 1869, soon after the Meiji Restoration when Japan's politics underwent significant changes. It began as Kyoto's first beef shop amid the rapid influx of Western culture known as "Bunmei Kaika" (civilization and enlightenment).
In Kyoto, known for its progressive spirit of adopting new things, the new food culture of eating beef spread faster than anywhere else in the country.
When visiting Moritaya, you can't miss their sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. The sukiyaki, simmered in a special warishita (sauce) with dashi and soy sauce, is exceptional, with the sweetness and umami of high-quality beef perfectly balanced. If you want to enjoy rich beef more lightly, choose shabu-shabu.
Among their several locations in Kyoto city, I recommend the Kiyamachi store, which quietly stands in a traditional Japanese house on an elegant stone-paved alley. You can relax in various settings, including private rooms overlooking a small garden, rooms along the Kamogawa River, and Noryo Yuka.
Store Information:
- Address: 531 Kamiosaka-cho, Kiyamachi Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours:
Monday-Friday 11:30-15:30 (Food L.O. 14:30 / Drink L.O. 15:00),
17:00-22:00 (Food L.O. 21:00 *Noryo Yuka 20:30 / Drink L.O. 21:30)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 11:30-22:00 (Lunch Food & Drink L.O. 14:30, Dinner Food L.O. 21:00 / Drink L.O. 21:30 *During Noryo Yuka period, Food L.O. 20:30 / Drink L.O. 21:30)
- Closed: New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (12/31, 1/1)
- Phone: 075-231-5118
- Official website
Takara
source：Tabelog
Takara is a long-established Kyoto cuisine restaurant with over 120 years of history. They offer seasonal Kyoto kaiseki, specializing in conger eel dishes in summer and fugu dishes in winter.
The joy of Japanese cuisine lies not only in the deep flavors of each carefully prepared dish but also in the beauty of the combination with the dishware and presentation. At Takara, you can enjoy the essence of Japanese cuisine and the owner's stylish service, which continues to challenge new ideas.
The cakes and desserts personally baked by the owner are especially exquisite, satisfying you thoroughly with both eyes and taste buds until the very end. It's no wonder that it's popular among female customers.
Located right next to Shijo Ohashi Bridge, you can enjoy the gentle scenery of Kamogawa and the mountains beyond, not only from the Noryo Yuka but also from the rooms on the second floor.
Store Information:
- Address: 173-2 Kashiwaya-cho, Pontocho-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 12:00-14:30 (L.O. 14:30), 17:00-22:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 050-5485-4877
- Official website
Tendan Gion Main Store
source：Official website
Lastly, I'd like to introduce a recommended restaurant where you can enjoy BBQ while feeling the nature of Kamogawa on the Noryo Yuka. It's "Tendan," which has developed as a yakiniku restaurant loved by locals since its establishment in Kyoto's Gion area in 1965.
Tendan is known for establishing the current style of "Kyoto Yakiniku," where meat is enjoyed with a dipping sauce similar to the dashi used in Japanese cuisine.
The charm of Tendan lies in its high cost-performance. Their specialties are "Sirloin Loin" and "Spencer Roll," which allow you to taste finely textured, high-quality umami at reasonable prices.
During summer, Tendan holds the "Tendan Sky BBQ Garden" on the rooftop floor. In this open location overlooking Kamogawa, with illuminated facilities on the opposite bank visible at night, groups and families can enjoy themselves without worry. It's a great place to savor high-quality yet casual BBQ.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-225 Miyagawa-suji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Hours:
Monday-Friday 17:00-23:00 (Food L.O. 22:15 / Drink L.O. 22:30)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 11:30-23:00 (Food L.O. 22:15 / Drink L.O. 22:30)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-551-4129
- Official website
If you are interested in Noryo Yuka/Kawadoko in Kyoto, check the article below! I summarized Noryo Yuka/Kawadoko in Kyoto I recommend and how I felt each Noryo Yuka/Kawadoko.
sena kandaIf you are interested in Best Dinner in Kyoto, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Dinner in Kyoto as much as possible.
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If you are interested in Kyoto's Best Restaurants, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto's Best Restaurants as much as possible.
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