Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha: Recommendation for a Tasty Break

One of the Kyoto famous attraction:Fushimi Inari Taisha Otowa Saryo is just around the corner of Kiyomizu-zaka, evoking a sense of serene discovery.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is not only Kyoto’s oldest temple, renowned for its romantic wishes, but also sits atop a small hill in the city, offering stunning views. It’s a prime spot for cherry blossom and autumn leaf viewing, attracting visitors all year round. This small hill is called Otowa Mountain, and the restaurant we are introducing today is also named "Otowa Saryo".

Kyoto cuisine paired with Kyoto views is sure to lift your spirits.

A Quiet, Elegant Hideaway at the Corner

Although the entrance is on the busy Kiyomizu-zaka, you have to walk another minute inside to reach the restaurant, making it a retreat away from the crowds. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for plenty of natural light. The wood-toned decor enhances the gentle sunlight, creating a cozy ambiance. If you don’t mind the sun, you can choose a window seat, or, during the cooler spring and autumn months, sit on the terrace to enjoy expansive views of Kyoto, leaving you feeling refreshed.

Otowa Saryo is surrounded by a couple of small shops and a charming private garden. The terrace offers a great spot to enjoy the autumn leaves or cherry blossoms while dining in the spring and fall. Inside, the tableware and ingredients are equally exquisite, mainly sourced from Kyoto. The menu includes dishes like sukiyaki, grilled eel over rice, and tempura rice bowls, all served in Kyoto's traditional handcrafted ceramics, offering diners a taste of the city's essence. For a highly Instagrammable dish, the "stage soba noodles" is a must-try. Modeled after Kiyomizu-dera's iconic stage, the meal is served with nine small bowls of accompaniments, including fresh tofu skin and eel, along with cold soba noodles and seasonal tempura – a truly satisfying feast! Available for purchase to take home.

Kyoto traditional crafts are used for serving the dishes, with some available for purchase to take home.

Otowa Saryo - Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 5 pm - Address: 1-287-1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto - Website: https://www.asahizaka.kyoto/en/asahizaka_intro/tea_cottage_otowa/

Matcha Gelato Lovers, Take Note!

When you visit Kyoto, you must try matcha, whether as a drink or as ice cream! If you're a fan of matcha or ice cream, before hopping back on the train after visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, take a few extra steps to enjoy matcha ice cream at Nishimura Bancha-ya Main Store Gelato Factory.

The rich matcha paired with roasted tea is my bold flavour choice! If you like the matcha ice cream, you can even buy some tea leaves to take home. Nishimura Bancha-ya itself has a 101-year history in tea leaf wholesaling in Uji City. Now, they’re expanding beyond Uji, offering a unique gelato experience. Matcha is, of course, the star flavour, but since they specialize in tea leaf wholesaling, the matcha offerings rotate regularly, keeping the flavours fresh and exciting. They also offer a rich version, roasted tea flavours, and seasonal fruits. A single-flavour cup is 600 yen, while a two-flavour cup is 700 yen, with options for a cone or cup. Definitely worth a try!

As a tea wholesaler, they offer ice cream made from different types of matcha. Aside from ice cream, they also serve matcha lattes – lots of variety!

Nishimura Bancha-ya Main Store Gelato Factory - Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed irregularly) - Address: 38-8 Fukakusa Ichinotsubo-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto - Website: https://www.facebook.com/nishimura.gelato.factory/