Shokudo are all-round restaurants, and they’re a good way to have lots of different food choices in a single place. Here’s our list of the best shokudo in Kyoto.
Daigin restaurant in Kyoto – image © Chris Rowthorn
Whether it’s tempura, sushi, sukiyaki, or unagi, after spending a little time in Japan, you’ll notice that a disproportionate number of restaurants here tend to specialise in a single dish, or particular genre, of food. The quality of meals at these places is usually high, but the drawback of dining there is the lack of choice. This can make dining out rather tricky if you’re eating with other people in groups, when a variety of dietary preferences might have to be taken into consideration.
Enter the shokudo. This literally translates as ‘canteen,’ but an easier way to understand this would be like an all-round restaurant serving a wide variety of food. The shokudo is an ideal place to visit when you want more choices at mealtime. It’s especially true when you have young children to cater to! Don’t expect gourmet food, but most shokudo dish out serviceable to decent food.
Here are some shokudo we like in Kyoto.
- Ganko Sushi
Ganko Sushi is known for its sushi, but they also serve just about every other kind of Japanese food. It’s touristy and often crowded, but the food is pretty good. - Ootoya
The Ootoya chain is a great new addition to the Kyoto eating scene. It’s casual and healthy and there’s a great picture/English menu. - Asuka (Southern Higashiyama; budget to mid-range)
A homey shokudo (think Japanese diner) on the main Higashiyama tourist trail, with an English menu and a friendly staff. - Hisago (Southern Higashiyama)
Hisago is a good restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple and Ishibei-koji. It’s not much to look at, but the noodles and rice dishes are tasty. - Daigin Shokudo (Northern Higashiyama)
Daigin Shokudo is a great shokudo near Ginkaku-ji Temple. It serves the standard noodle and rice favorites. It’s a good choice for a meal when exploring Northern Higashiyama. - Goya (Northern Higashiyama)
A great place to eat near Ginkaku-ji Temple, Goya is an Okinawan-themed restaurant with excellent food, cool music and comfortable seating.
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.
