5 must-try restaurants in Kyoto’s Gion District

Few locations embody the character of Kyoto as well as Gion. The historic geisha district of the ancient capital, Gion, sees its roots all the way back to the Warring States Period of Japan, where it started as a center for entertainment and nightlife. As time passed, it grew to accommodate the needs of travelers visiting the venerable Yasaka Shrine, and into the modern day, it is a predominant locale within the city where practicing geisha can still be seen and the rich history of the city is still very much alive.

Throughout the district are well-beloved historic sites and attractions, such as the aforementioned Yasaka Shrine, Kenninji Temple, and Minamiza Theater. However, the winding streets are also home to some of Kyoto’s most delicious food.

Teppanyaki is a form of Japanese cuisine that entails cooking ingredients on a large, flat steel grill. These grills take center stage at Gion Tanto, with both counter seating and tables having them installed right in front of customers. 

Cooked and served up on these teppan grills are a medley of different dishes, with the shop’s famous okonomiyaki being a particularly popular option. Other staples like yakisoba and meat also sizzle in front of patrons. 

A unique aspect of Gion Tanto’s menu? Its many vegan options that offer a quality dining experience for people with specific dietary needs! This includes things like specialty vegan okonomiyaki made with toppings like soy meat, mochi, and corn, as well as grilled vegetables like yams, potatoes, and corn!

Assorted sashimi plates feature a roster of delicious and fresh fish that vary depending on the season. Locally sourced vegetables are laced throughout the menu and a few signature items, such as the seseri (chicken neck meat) with green onions and tempura, have made the restaurant a neighborhood establishment. Korin is located near Kenninji Temple, making it a great spot to check out while sightseeing in Gion.

In addition to the food, in classic izakaya style, Korin boasts an impressive array of quality sake primarily sourced locally but also from well-beloved breweries from around the country! 

There’s counter seating and table seating with tatami available for both single diners and parties. A private room in the back is adorned with tatami mats with a central wooden table. 

A staple of Japanese cuisine dating back to the Edo Period, Unagi Kabayaki is a unique dish of freshwater eel that has been butterflied, charcoal grilled, and then glazed with a sweet soy sauce blend. At Gion Unagi Kawato, it is the signature dish, and while they take pride in the strong traditions of the dish’s preparation, they aren’t averse to the occasional remix. In particular, their combination Unaju (eel on top of rice within a lacquered box) features accompaniments like uni (sea urchin) or ikura (salmon eggs) for a definitively luxurious Japanese cuisine experience. 

But of course, the unagi itself takes center stage. Smoky charcoal grilling creates a pristinely caramelized outer surface with the tare sauce while the meat stays plump and fluffy. In its purest form, it is best enjoyed as the standard unaju, available as one whole or one-half eel. 

Japan actually has a long history of plant-based diets and veganism. In fact, for around 1,200 years of the country’s history, meat was largely absent from the Japanese diet, with fish being consumed on rare occasions by the most esteemed in society. Kyoto, home to many Buddhist monks who may need to adhere to such a diet as well as host to many tourists with varying food needs, has a fair amount of notable vegan restaurants. 

Traditional ramen is a dish that many with religious, personal, and/or  medical dietary restrictions often need to avoid when coming to Japan, but within Gion, Uno Yokiko boasts a ramen that is 100% plant-based, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free! But of course, it is also delicious, meaning that it is appealing to anyone who just wants a tasty bowl of ramen!

Rutsubo is an izakaya that knows how to set itself apart. Offering quality staples, it stays true to classic Japanese pub cuisine, but what elevates it among others is its use of smoking techniques that are masterfully implemented into the menu. 

Everything from egg dishes to classic chashu gets the high-quality smoke treatment. Not just that, cheeses, nuts, and even chocolate see some time in the smoker! And even down to the sauces, like the soy sauce and mayonnaise, smoky flavors are infused for a truly standout izakaya! In fact, the restaurant's in-house smoked mayonnaise is able to be purchased to bring home! 

Hearty fried dishes and sashimi also are available on the menu, great little bites to contrast the bold flavors of the smoked dishes.