October 2022: Please note Sanmikouan Ginkakuji has now permanently closed. Please see our Northern Higashiyama page for other places to eat in the region.
If you’re looking for a tasty bowl of soba in peaceful surroundings, just steps from Ginkaku-ji Temple, you’ll definitely like Sanmikouan – it’s head and shoulders above the usual fare in this neighborhood.
Sanmikouan lunch set – image © Chris Rowthorn
Sanmikouan is a soba specialist, but they also serve udon and rice dishes, as well as a variety of a la carte dishes like tempura and smoked fish. There’s an English menu and it’s all quite tasty.
Sanmikouan interior – image © Chris Rowthorn
The restaurant is simple, elegant and vaguely rustic inside. Some of the tables have views down to the Path of Philosophy. And, despite being so close to major Kyoto sights, Sanmikouan feels like an island of tranquility.
Sanmikouan exterior – image © Chris Rowthorn
Look for the red brick wall and the menu stand outside.
Note that there is another branch of Sanmikouan on Sanjo-dori, near Okazaki.
Name in English:
Sanmikouan Ginkakuji
Name in Japanese:
三味洪庵 銀閣寺店
English address:
14-12 Ginkakujimae-cho, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区銀閣寺前町14-12
Opening hours:
11am-6pm
Closed Tuesday or the following Wednesday when Tuesday is a national holiday
Price: cheap to moderate
Non-smoking area: Completely Non-Smoking
Nearest Transport:
3min walk from Ginkakuji-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 100 from Kyoto Station
Reservations:
Possible
Telephone: 751-7698
Website:
Official site (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Sanmikouan Ginkakuji is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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
