October 2022: Please note Ootoya Gohan-dokoro has now permanently closed, however there is another branch at 601 Nishiuoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, 604-8142. Please see our Best Restaurants In Kyoto for more eating inspiration. For more Kyoto child friendly restaurant choices, see our Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto page.
The Ootoya chain is a great new addition to the Japanese eating scene. They feature smart, clean interiors, English/picture menus, fast kitchens and they serve all the standard dishes you’d expect from an old-school shokudo (all around eatery). This branch on Sanjo makes a very convenient lunch stop.
Ootoya © Nelo Hotsuma
Up a flight of stairs on the north side of Sanjo, just a few steps west from Starbucks, you’ll find a clean, well-lit place called Ootoya. This is what you might call a “neo-shokudo” (new version of a classic Japanese eatery). It’s popular with local workers and students. The English/picture menu makes ordering a breeze and the kitchen reliably turns out all the standard favorites you’d expect from this sort of place, some with a few modern twists. It’s a great place for a quick lunch or dinner while downtown, and you won’t break the bank.
For more Kyoto child friendly restaurant choices, see our Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto page.
Name in English:
Ootoya Gohan-dokoro
Name in Japanese:
大戸屋ごはん処
English address:
2F Goshoame Building, 98 Nakajima-cho, Kawaramachi-Higashi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区三条通河原町東入ル中島町98 御所飴ビル2F
Opening hours:
11am-11pm (last order 10:30pm)
Price: Budget
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
2min walk from Sanjo Station, Keihan line or Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Tozai subway line
Telephone: 255-4811
Website:
Official site (Japanese)
More Restaurant Suggestions: See my list of Kyoto’s Best Restaurants for more eating inspiration. The list covers all cuisines and price ranges.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- 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
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- 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
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help