October 2022: Please note Ramen Santouka has now permanently closed. Please see our Downtown Kyoto page for other places to eat in this district. See my list of Kyoto’s Best Restaurants for more eating inspiration. The list covers all cuisines and price ranges.
If you fancy a damn good bowl of ramen in Downtown Kyoto, look no further than Ramen Santouka, a branch of a famous Hokkaido ramen shop.
Located inside the Kyoen Restaurant Complex, right at the corner of Sanjo and Kawabata streets (above Sanjo-Keihan Station), this Hokkaido Ramen specialist is one of my favorite ramen joints in Kyoto. The atmosphere is cool, there’s a picture/English menu, the chefs rock just the right “ramen attitude” and the bowls of noodles they hand you across the counter are superb. The mild pork broth and the chewy noodles always hit the spot. I highly recommend this joint!
Name in English:
Ramen Santouka
Name in Japanese:
らーめん山頭火
English address:
137 Daikoku-cho, Sanjo-sagaru higashi-gawa, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区大和大路通三条下ル東側大黒町137
Opening hours:
11am-2am
11am-12pm Sunday, national holiday
No fixed holiday
Price: Budget
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Sanjo Station, Keihan line or Sanjo Keihan Station, Tozai subway line
Telephone: 532-1335
Website:
Official site (English)
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
- 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.
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- Best Ramen in Kyoto
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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
- 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
