Kyoto is not only famous for its historical tourist spots but also for its traditional Japanese atmosphere, which is popular and always crowded with tourists. As one of Japan's representative cities, it has many restaurants and is famous as a gourmet city. It ranks third in the world for the number of famous Michelin-listed restaurants.
Among these, traditional obanzai (everyday side dishes eaten in typical Kyoto households), kaiseki cuisine (dishes served to guests at tea ceremonies), and shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine made with plant-based ingredients like vegetables and tofu) are highly regarded as Kyoto cuisine.
In addition to Kyoto cuisine, there are many restaurants offering a wide range of genres, including French and Italian. In summer, the Kamogawa, Kifune, and Takao areas offer the attraction of enjoying exquisite cuisine while viewing the river in a traditional style called noryo-yuka or kawadoko.
This time, we'll spotlight restaurants along the Takao area where you can enjoy noryo-yuka dining.
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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What is Kawadoko/Noryo-yuka, Kyoto's Summer Tradition?
Kawadoko/Noryo-yuka refers to the style of dining where restaurants set up seating areas on or right next to the river, allowing guests to enjoy meals with a good view of the water. This tradition dates back to the Edo period, with a history of over 400 years.
As it's only available from May to around September, it has become famous as a summer tradition in Kyoto. It's popular among tourists because they can enjoy delicious food while viewing the cool, flowing river.
Recently, in addition to traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki meals using yuba and yudofu, more casual options like Italian restaurants, kushiage, and bars have been increasing. Choose one that suits your preferences.
The names differ between the Kamogawa and Kifune/Takao areas. Noryo-yuka in Kamogawa is called "yuka," while kawadoko in Kifune/Takao is called "kawadoko."
Takao is Famous for Kawadoko (Noryo-yuka) Along with Kamogawa and Kifune
Takao's kawadoko is characterized by its nature-rich views. It takes about 30 minutes by bus from central Kyoto. Surrounded by nature, the temperature is lower, and it's rich in greenery, often called "Kyo no Oku-zashiki" (Kyoto's inner room). Depending on the restaurant, you can enjoy delicious meals while viewing the fantastical scenery of gently glowing fireflies.
The Kamogawa area is in central Kyoto, easily accessible from tourist spots, and offers a variety of cuisine genres. In contrast, the Kifune area, like Takao, is far from the center but rich in nature and coolly relaxing. They each have different charms, so why not experience both if you have time?
In this article, we'll introduce Kyoto Takao restaurants.
5 Kawadoko Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Takao's Nature and Exquisite Cuisine
Takao Kinsuitei
Source: Official Website
Takao Kinsuitei's kawadoko is open from May 1st to the end of September. For about a month from around June 10th, you can observe fireflies flying over the Kiyotaki River. It's popular because you can enjoy a luxurious meal in an atmosphere not usually experienced.
You can choose from the following three menus:
- "Seasonal Bento" for a light enjoyment of Kyoto cuisine (with grilled ayu, 5,500 yen)
- "Lunchtime Noryo Kaiseki" using Kyoto vegetables (with grilled ayu, 8,800 yen / with hamo no otoshi and grilled ayu, 12,100 yen)
- "Noryo Kaiseki" using seasonal ingredients centered on Kyoto vegetables (with seasonal delicacies, hamo no otoshi, and grilled ayu, 12,100 yen / with hamo shabu, hamo no otoshi, and grilled ayu, 16,500 yen)
The Noryo Kaiseki I ordered was voluminous, packed with Kyoto vegetables, and overall a healthy course. You can finish it without feeling overly full, so even those with small appetites can order with confidence. The salt-grilled ayu with its sharp saltiness was especially delicious.
<Store Information>
- Address: 40 Umegahata-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-212-7829
- Hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:30
- Official website
Kyoto Takao Momijiya
Source: Official Website
Kyoto Takao Momijiya's kawadoko is open from June 1st to September 22nd. During this period, maiko (apprentice geisha who entertain guests at banquets with songs and dances) appear in the dining area on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You can converse with them, watch Kyomai (a dance developed in Kyoto) up close, and take photos together.
After dark, around 8 PM, the lights on the kawadoko are dimmed, and you can observe Genji fireflies, designated as a natural monument, dancing over the Kiyotaki River for about 10 minutes. This magical atmosphere is part of Momijiya's charm.
There are five menu options:
- Summer Kitayama [Bamboo] (6,600 yen)
- Kawadoko Gozen (11,000 yen)
- Special Wagyu Shabu-shabu (14,300 yen)
- Seiryo no Sato [Moon] (14,300 yen)
- Seiryo no Sato [Snow] (16,830 yen)
When I went with my family, I ordered the Seiryo no Sato [Moon]. It included small dishes of grilled ayu, simmered dishes, meat, tempura, and more. Not only was the seasoning delicious, but the colorful presentation was also visually appealing.
<Store Information>
- Address: Umegahata Nishi-no-hata-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 075-871-1005
- Hours: 11:00-15:00, 18:00-21:00
- Official website
Takao Kanko Hotel
Source: Official Website
Takao Kanko Hotel's kawadoko is available for dinner from mid-June to mid-September, and for lunch from April to November, which is a long period. From mid-June to early July, after dark around 8 PM, all lights are turned off, and you can observe natural Genji fireflies while seated. With up to 200 seats on the kawadoko, it's spacious. You can enjoy exquisite Kyoto cuisine with a sense of openness.
Lunch menu options are Kawakaze (5,500 yen), Sensu (6,800 yen), and Furin (8,200 yen). Dinner menu options are Hotaru no Zen (9,000 yen), Kajika no Zen (11,500 yen), and Maiko no Zen (14,000 yen).
For an additional 3,000 yen, you can call for a maiko during dinner time.
I ordered the Furin for lunch, which generously used fish like ayu, hamo, eel, and tuna, giving a sense of luxury. If you want to enjoy kawadoko even in autumn, try lunch at Takao Kanko Hotel.
<Store Information>
- Address: 5 Umegahata Takao-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 075-871-2991
- Hours: 11:00-15:30, 17:00-20:30
- Official website
Toga no Chaya
Source: Tabelog
Toga no Chaya's kawadoko is open from mid-June to the end of August. Toga no Chaya is a long-established teahouse founded in the Taisho era by the first generation to entertain visitors to Kogenji Temple. The shop is built jutting out over the clear river, allowing you to view the lush green scenery and the flow of the Kiyotaki River from any seat.
On days with good weather, seats without a roof are recommended. You can enjoy your meal while fully immersing yourself in nature.
The menu includes seasonal ayu cuisine (7,000 yen), which allows you to enjoy ayu, known as the queen of river fish, Suzumi Gozen (2,500 yen) which changes content depending on the season, as well as year-round menu items like Yudofu Set (2,500 yen), Tororo Set (1,800 yen), and light meals like Nishin Soba (1,300 yen).
I had the Yudofu Set, and the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth tofu was exquisite. It's recommended for those who want a light meal.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3 Umegahata Toga-o-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Thursdays
- Phone: 075-861-4206
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (may vary by season)
Kawara Soba Showemon
Source: Official Website
Kawara Soba Showemon's kawadoko is renowned for allowing you to relax while looking down at the clear river, surrounded by trees that change with the seasons.
The menu mainly consists of light meals, including the signature Kawara Soba (1,400 yen) served on a hot roof tile, homemade red bean soup Zenzai (600 yen), various shaved ice desserts (from 100 yen), and ice cream (200 yen).
I also tried the famous Kawara Soba. The green tea flavor of the soba noodles was stronger than I expected, and the crispy texture became addictive. The spiciness of the Kujou green onion, a famous Kyoto vegetable used as a topping, paired well with the slightly sweet sauce.
If you want to visit, I recommend checking the calendar on their homepage for business days.
<Store Information>
- Address: 35 Umegahata Tono-hata-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Phone: 075-863-1177
- Hours: 11:00-15:00
- Official website
3 Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy the Autumn Leaves, a Must-See in Takao
Takaoji Yamazaki
Source: Official Website
At Takaoji Yamazaki, you can view an atmospheric Japanese garden from the Japanese-style dining room. You can enjoy the changing seasons: the fleeting cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant fresh greenery in summer, fiery red autumn leaves, and pure white snow scenery in winter. I visited during the autumn foliage season, and I was able to enjoy the dynamic scenery of the proud Japanese garden dyed in deep red.
The menu includes the small kaiseki Yamazaki (4,400 yen) using carefully selected ingredients, sushi kaiseki (4,500 yen) with fresh fish delivered from the market every morning, as well as casual options like karaage set (1,200 yen), oyakodon (870 yen), katsudon (1,050 yen), and a children's set (850 yen), allowing you to choose based on your purpose.
I had the katsudon, and the crispy freshly-fried pork cutlet combined perfectly with the creamy egg. It's voluminous, so I recommend it for those who want to enjoy a full meal.
<Store Information>
- Address: 13 Umegahata Takahana-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 075-881-2303
- Hours: 11:00-21:00
- Official website
Shigetsutei
Source: Tabelog
Shigetsutei is located right next to Saimyoji Temple, and its charm point is the superb location where you can view the flow of the Kiyotaki River and autumn leaves in fall from the dining area. The combination of the gentle sound of the river flow and the vivid autumn colors is said to offer an extraordinary experience.
The menu includes yudofu set (2,500 yen), nishin soba (1,000 yen) for meals, as well as cafe menu items like zenzai (600 yen) and amazake (400 yen), perfect for a break.
Known as a famous spot for autumn leaves and offering kawadoko even in autumn, it gets very crowded. When we visited, there were many tourists from both Japan and abroad, making it lively.
<Store Information>
- Address: 16 Umegahata Tono-hata-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-861-1801
- Hours: 10:00-17:00
Suzuriishitei
Source: Official Website
Suzuriishitei is located near Jingoji Temple, famous for its autumn leaves, and in autumn, you can see a gradation of yellow, orange, and red foliage. On days with good weather, dining outdoors gives a sense of openness, so please try outdoor seating if the weather permits.
The menu offers a variety of options at reasonable prices, including Nabeyaki Udon (1,280 yen), Fresh Yuba Soba (900 yen), Momiji Mochi (680 yen), and Matcha Cappuccino (450 yen).
I stopped by after visiting Jingoji Temple. The meal eaten surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves tasted several times more delicious than usual. The signature Momiji Mochi, with homemade red bean paste generously placed on bite-sized mochi, is perfect for a snack.
<Store Information>
- Address: 5 Umegahata Takao-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 075-872-3636
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Official website
Hiking to Experience Nature is Also Recommended When Visiting Takao
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
When visiting Takao, why not try hiking to experience nature up close? Hiking trails are well-maintained along the Kiyotaki River, making them popular even for beginners. You can closely feel the changes unique to nature, such as the clear river surface changing to green or blue depending on the location, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
I went with my family, and we could see fish swimming in the river and climb rocky areas, experiencing the majestic nature. We enjoyed a different kind of autumn leaf viewing while being soothed by the pleasant sound of the river flow.
Try this experience that you can't usually have, and refresh both your body and mind.
This concludes the translation of the article about Kyoto Takao restaurants and the surrounding area. The content provides valuable information for tourists interested in experiencing traditional dining, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities in the Takao area of Kyoto.