Resutoran-gai or shokudo-gai are the Japanese equivalent of food courts. They’re a great way to have lots of different food choices. Here’s our list of the best resutoran-gai in Kyoto.
Takashimaya Resutoran-gai in Kyoto – image © InsideKyoto.com
Resutoran-gai or shokudo-gai are like little culinary enclaves or food streets – a cluster or entire row of restaurants conveniently located all together in a particular building or area in town. Sometimes they take the form of whole floors in department stores dedicated to restaurants and cafes; at other times they might be a street in a district of a city lined with bars and pubs. These kinds of places can be found all over the country in major cities.
While resutoran-gai are incredibly convenient for most people, the only downside is that they do tend to induce a certain paralysis of choice, especially if you haven’t decided beforehand exactly which restaurant to eat at! On the other hand, this encourages a certain adventure in trying new places – perhaps even several in a night.
The following is a list of major resutoran-gai inKyoto. They’re convenient for visitors and have a great selection of food at each of them.
- Takashimaya (Downtown Kyoto; budget to mid-range)
The elegant seventh floor Takashimiya Resutoran-gai (restaurant floor) is a great place to eat while exploring downtown Kyoto. - Daimaru (Downtown Kyoto; budget to mid-range)
The Daimaru Department Store Resutoran-gai (restaurant floor) is a good collection of Japanese and international restaurants in the heart of downtown Kyoto. - Eat Paradise (Kyoto Station Area; budget to mid-range)
The best collection of restaurants in Kyoto Station, Eat Paradise is our favorite place for a sit-down meal before getting on a train or exploring the area. - Cube Food Court (Kyoto Station Area; budget to mid-range)
The Cube Food Court, a collection of excellent restaurants on the 11th floor of the Kyoto Station Building, is one of the best places to eat in the station. - Porta (Kyoto Station Area; budget to mid-range)
Amongst a vast array of shops and casual restaurants beneath Kyoto Station, Porta is the place to fill-up on the cheap before a long train journey. - Kyoto Ramen Koji (Kyoto Station Area; budget)
Ramen lovers of the world unite! Kyoto Ramen Koji offers has eight regional styles of ramen restaurants under one roof. It’s Kyoto Station’s ramen Mecca.
Best Kyoto Restaurant Recommendations
- Best Restaurants In Kyoto
- Best Affordable Sushi in Kyoto
- Best Cafes in Kyoto
- Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
- Best Gyoza in Kyoto
- Best Izakaya in Kyoto
- Best Japanese Tea and Sweet Shops in Kyoto
- Best Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) in Kyoto
- Best Kissaten in Kyoto
- Best Okonomiyaki in Kyoto
- Best Ramen in Kyoto
- Best Resutoran-gai in Kyoto
- Best Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
- Best Shokudo (All Round Restaurants) in Kyoto
- Best Soba and Udon in Kyoto
- Best Sukiyaki in Kyoto
- Best Tempura in Kyoto
- Best Tofu Cuisine in Kyoto
- Best Tonkatsu in Kyoto
- Best Unagi in Kyoto
- Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Kyoto
- Best Yakitori in Kyoto
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
