Gion Shijo: Top 15 Izakayas Under ¥10,000
Planning a trip to Kyoto? Don’t miss the culinary delights in Gion Shijo! Famous for its diverse cuisine, this area boasts numerous izakayas where you can savor local flavors.
With many high-end spots in Kyoto, budget-savvy travelers will appreciate this guide to the best 15 izakayas in Gion Shijo, all under ¥10,000. Experience the best of Kyoto’s food scene with dishes ranging from fresh sashimi and succulent grilled items to aromatic barbecues and rich sushi.
Immerse yourself in the authentic izakaya atmosphere, enjoy conversations over drinks, and marvel at the unique interiors that echo ancient Kyoto streets. Whether you’re a gourmet seeking premium ingredients or a traveler craving local specialties, Gion Shijo’s izakayas cater to all. Ready to explore? Let’s uncover the best izakayas in Gion Shijo!
Gourmet List
1. Tachi-nomi Sha-pu
2. Yanagikoji TAKA
3. Gojukken
4. Onikai
5. Kushiage Senmonten Kotetsu
6. Sakaba Nishikawa Yanagikoji Branch
7. Sakaba Bankara
8. Agotsuyu Shabu-shabu Yamafuku
9. Designer’s Private Room Meat Bar W
10. Kijinrai
11. Le Refuge
12. Yujo Gion Store
13. Sakitomiya Masuda
14. Sumiyaki Yanauno
15. Motsunabe Toshimitsu
Practical Japanese for Travel
Practical Japanese for Travel
여행 실용 일본어
여행 실용 일본어
你好 안녕하세요
Hello
不好意思 실례합니다
Excuse me
非常感謝你 감사합니다
Thank you very much
再見 안녕히 계세요
Goodbye
廁所在哪裡？ 화장실이 어디에 있습니까?
Where is the toilet?
旅遊咨詢處在哪裡？ 관광 안내소가 어디에 있습니까?
Where is the tourist information center?
有宣傳冊子嗎？ 팸플릿이 있나요?
Do you have a brochure?
我可以拍照嗎？ 사진을 찍어도 될까요?
May I take a photo?
可以幫我拍照嗎？ 사진 좀 찍어주시겠어요?
Could you take a photo for me?
計程車站在哪裡？ 택시 승강장이 어디에 있습니까?
Where is the taxi stand?
請去這裡 여기로 가주세요
Please go here
請展示這個 이것 좀 보여주세요
Please show this
我想去這裡。 여기에 가고 싶습니다.
I would like to go here.
我不會說日語 일본어를 할 줄 모릅니다
I don't speak Japanese
你會說英語嗎？ 영어 할 줄 아세요?
Do you speak English?
請說慢一點。 좀 더 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Please speak more slowly.
請再說一遍 다시 말씀해 주세요
Please say it again
有店員會說中文嗎？ 직원은 중국어를 할 수 있나요?
Can the staff speak Chinese?
打擾了 실례합니다
Excuse me
請給我菜單！ 메뉴판을 주세요!
Can I have the menu, please?
我要點餐 할게요
I'd like to order.
我點這個 이거 주세요
I'll have this.
謝謝招待 감사합니다
Thank you for the hospitality.
請給我水 물 좀 주세요
Can I have some water, please?
這個要怎麼吃呢？ 이거 어떻게 먹죠?
How do I eat this?
請給我一個小盤子 작은 접시 하나 주세요
Can I have a small plate, please?
可以幫我拍照嗎？ 사진 좀 찍어 주실래요?
Could you take a photo for me, please?
麻煩幫我換烤網 구이망을 바꿔 주시겠어요?
Could you change the grill net for me, please?
麻煩結帳 계산서 주세요
Can I have the bill, please?
我在哪裡付款？ 어디에서 결제하나요?
Where do I pay?
多少錢？ 얼마입니까?
How much is it?
可以用信用卡嗎？ 신용카드 사용 가능한가요?
Can I use a credit card?
我要用現金付款。 현금으로 결제하겠습니다.
I'll pay in cash.
請給我收據。 영수증 부탁드립니다.
Could I have a receipt, please?
立飲吧 俐快
Standing Bar Sharp
서서 마시는 술집 샤프
立饮吧 利快
Tabelog
3.7
||
GoogleMap
4.5
Reservation
1
Tucked away in the backstreets of Kyoto’s Shijo Kawaramachi district is a fascinating standing-bar called 「Tachinomi Cha-pu」. This isn’t your average pub where you can just walk in; it’s a unique little spot where you stand, drink, and chat. The place is so small that it’s packed with just five people, but that’s part of its charm!
Under the dim lighting, the wooden counter exudes a classic Japanese vibe. The aroma of grilled fish and sake fills the air, instantly transporting you to “Ah, this is Kyoto” mode. The owner, Mr. Inoue, personally prepares the dishes, and the quality is surprisingly high for a standing bar.
What’s the signature dish? Definitely the 「Otsukuri Moriawase」(assorted sashimi)! The fish is so fresh it’s like it jumped straight from the sea onto your plate. Paired with the homemade soy sauce, the moment it hits your mouth is pure bliss. Also, try the 「Dachou no Tataki」(ostrich tataki).
It might sound strange, but one bite will change your mind—tender with a slight chewiness, perfect with a touch of wasabi! Sake lovers, don’t miss out. The sake menu is extensive, and they offer small servings of 60cc or 90cc, ideal for trying a variety. The prices are reasonable, but the quality is exceptional. No wonder it quickly became popular after opening; people are even willing to stand and wait!
Tucked away near Kyoto’s Shijo Kawaramachi in Kiyamachi Alley, you’ll find the amazing ‘Kiyamachi TAKA.’ This isn’t your average spot; it’s a yakitori haven created by Chef TAKA, who spent a decade at Michelin-starred NOBU.
The narrow stone path leads to a stylish, modern restaurant with wooden decor and warm lighting, giving off a cool, Kyoto-style late-night diner vibe. The moment you step inside, the aroma of grilled meat hits you, instantly melting away the outside noise.
The must-try here is the yakitori, especially the ‘Reba’ (chicken liver). Grilled to perfection, it’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. Each bite brings an explosion of happiness, especially when paired with the restaurant’s exclusive ‘Kinmugi’ sake, offering seven types from精米步合 40 to 100, each with a unique flavor profile that makes you want to embark on a sake adventure.
Also, don’t miss the ‘Beef Tataki’ (seared beef), which is tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth – even meat-haters will be converted. Besides these, they offer creative small dishes like ‘Funa Sushi’ (fermented fish from Lake Biwa), with a unique sourness that will make your taste buds dance!
五十棲
Itsukushi
이츠쿠시
五十栖
Tabelog
3.6
||
GoogleMap
4.6
Reservation
3
In Kyoto’s Shijo Kawaramachi area, there’s a hidden gem down a discreet alley: Isozumi, marked by its inviting red lanterns. More than just a regular izakaya, it’s a cozy spot even girls will love.
Fresh Kyoto veggies from their own Isozumi Farm arrive daily, becoming stars on your plate alongside grilled skewers and oden (Kanto-style stew). You’ll be surprised how delicious veggies can be! The atmosphere feels like chilling in a friend’s living room, with wooden decor and lively chatter making you lose track of time.
Must-tries are the oden and kushiyaki (grilled skewers). The oden simmers in a big pot, with fresh seaweed and kombu broth infusing every bite. The grilled skewers highlight seasonal veggies, bursting with flavor – proving meat isn’t the only grilling king!
Their Kyoto veggies come from their own farm and local growers, using minimal pesticides for maximum freshness and happiness. Prices are reasonable, service is friendly, and the staff’s smiles are like a bonus hidden dish, making you want to return again and again.
Isozumi’s charm lies not only in its food but also in its commitment to the “Farm to Table” concept. With ingredients going from field to table in hours, it’s no wonder locals adore it. Looking for a place to relax, eat well, and stay healthy? This is your next go-to spot!
鬼樓
Onikai (Demon Floor)
오니카이 (귀신 층)
鬼楼
Tabelog
3.6
||
GoogleMap
4.4
Reservation
4
Hidden near Kyoto’s Gion Shijo, Niyasai Onikai transforms veggies into stars! Managed by Fifty Group, they champion seasonal Kyoto veggies, simmering them to perfection. The simmering pots create a cozy, down-to-earth vibe, like a veggie spa. It’s a secret Kyoto eatery experience.
Their signature dish is simmered Kyoto veggies, sourced daily from 50 local farms. Simple yet flavorful broth enhances the fresh water vegetables and mizuna, a taste of heaven! Seasonal rice bowls and farm-fresh salads are also available, even veggie haters will be converted. The simple counter seating lets you watch the chefs work their magic in a relaxed Kyoto atmosphere. Dinner sets are budget-friendly at around ¥2000-3000, making it a daily must-visit!
Perfect for solo veggie adventures or catching up with friends while enjoying Kyoto’s charm. Onikai will make you fall in love with veggies and Kyoto. Come try it!
串炸專門店 小鐵
Kushikatsu Specialty Shop Kotetsu
꼬치튀김 전문점 코테츠
串炸专门店 小铁
Tabelog
3.6
||
GoogleMap
4.3
Reservation
5
Hidden near Kyoto’s Gion Shijo, “Kushiage Senmon Ten Kotetsu” is like a foodie secret tucked away in a wooden backstreet. Don’t let its small size fool you—with only a dozen counter seats, this spot is a hidden gem from the “Chabuya” series!
Step inside and you’re greeted by a warm, wooden ambiance mixed with the tempting aroma of fried skewers. It instantly feels like, “Ah, this is the Kyoto night vibe.” Just a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, tucked away by the Takase River, you’ll find this low-key yet charming kushikatsu paradise.
The must-try? Definitely their creative kushiage! From seasonal delights like Pacific saury and crab to classic beef sagari (hanging tender), each skewer is delicately coated and perfectly fried to a crispy, non-greasy perfection.
Highly recommend the “Sea Old Man’s Tartar” (shirako tartar); its unique tangy flavor will have you wanting to buy a jar from the chef to take home! The kushikatsu here is reasonably priced from 200 yen, but the dedication is top-notch. Pair it with a refreshing lemon sour while watching the chef work his magic, and you’ll feel pure bliss as the skewers sizzle and dance before you!
Stay near your hotel, so you can enjoy drinks without worrying about getting drunk.
Stay at a hotel nearby, no worries about getting drunk.
Staying at a hotel nearby means you can drink without worrying about getting drunk.
Stay at a hotel nearby, so you can enjoy drinks without worrying about getting drunk.
酒吞川 柳小路店
Sakenomi Nishikawa Yanagikoji Branch
사케노미 니시카와 야나기코지 지점
酒吞川 柳小路店
Tabelog
3.6
||
GoogleMap
4.7
Reservation
6
Located near Gion Shijo in Kyoto, “Sake Dining Nishikawa Yanagikoji Store” is a popular izakaya famous for its extensive selection of over 40 types of carefully chosen sake. It offers an excellent range of side dishes, including smoked items and oden, perfect for pairing with drinks.
- Signature Dishes: Don’t miss the “Smoked Duck Breast,” known for its tender, juicy meat and unique smoky flavor. The “Homemade Smoked Mousse,” a crispy, rich fish cake, is also highly recommended.
- Kyoto Essence: The daily changing “Seasonal Side Dishes” fully showcase the freshness and quality of Kyoto cuisine.
The restaurant features 10 counter seats, fostering a warm, intimate atmosphere ideal for solo dining or small groups. It operates daily from 15:00 to 23:00 and accepts various payment methods, offering great convenience. With its rich sake list and exquisite food, Nishikawa is a prime choice for Kyoto gourmets and sake enthusiasts alike.
酒亭 放肆
Saketei Bankara
주정뱅이 주점
酒亭 放肆
Tabelog
3.6
||
GoogleMap
4.2
Reservation
7
Located in Gion Shijo, Kyoto, 酒亭ばんからis a top gourmet choice offering refined Kyoto cuisine and carefully selected local sake.
The restaurant emphasizes unique and seasonal flavors:
- The signature無花果白和え (Fig and Tofu Salad) offers a delicate, unique taste.
- 海老芋蟹餡かけ (Sea Shrimp Taro with Crab Sauce) presents a rich layering of flavors.
- 鱧と梅紫蘇天婦羅 (Pike Conger Eel and Plum Perilla Tempura) is crispy and tender with a tangy, appetizing aroma.
The sashimi platter features seasonal fresh fish with exquisite knife skills. Noteworthy are the aromatic and flavorful grilled 穴子(Conger Eel) and grilled のどぐろ(Blackthroat Seaperch). The restaurant also provides a rich selection of Japanese sake.
The elegant environment, featuring counter and table seats, is perfect for socializing. Due to its popularity, advance reservation is highly recommended for this must-visit Gion Shijo spot.
飛魚高湯涮涮鍋 山福
Flying Fish Broth Shabu Shabu Yamafuku
아고 육수 샤부샤부 야마후쿠
飞鱼高汤涮涮锅 山福
Tabelog
3.6
||
GoogleMap
4.6
“Agotsuyu Shabu-shabu Yamafuku” is a secret paradise for meat lovers! This restaurant is famous for its golden broth made from Nagasaki’s high-class fish “ago” (flying fish), paired with Kyoto’s specialty “Mochi pork”, creating a luxurious feast of flavor.
Stepping into the restaurant, you’re greeted by the warm, wooden atmosphere of a Kyoto-style house. Under the dim lamplight, the bubbling sound of the pot seems to be saying, “Come and eat!” Not only is the food delicious here, but the very air is filled with an artistic atmosphere, suitable for dates or small gatherings.
The signature “Agotsuyu Pork Shabu-shabu Set” is a must-order! The Mochi pork is tender and melts in your mouth, and the sweetness of the ago broth creates an explosion of happiness. The broth is made from flying fish grilled over Binchotan charcoal, clear and bright yet rich, and paired with whole-wheat noodles made by a long-established noodle shop, perfectly completing each satisfying bite.
The price is reasonable, yet you can enjoy a high-class restaurant experience, with a CP value that makes you want to visit again immediately!
設計師包廂 肉酒吧 W
Designer Private Room Meat Bar W
디자이너 개인실 고기 바 W
设计师包厢 肉酒吧 W
Tabelog
3.7
||
GoogleMap
3.6
“Designer’s Private Room Meat Bar W” is a restaurant specializing in exquisite meat dishes, offering a unique dining experience. The restaurant’s design blends retro and modern elements, creating a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere, suitable for various gatherings.
The restaurant’s signature dishes include “Stewed Wagyu Beef Shoulder,” made with high-quality Wagyu beef shoulder, stewed for a long time, resulting in tender meat and rich gravy. In addition, the “Three Kinds of Meat Platter” presents beef, pork, and chicken in different cooking styles, satisfying the tastes of different diners. “Seared Wagyu Sushi” lightly sears fresh Wagyu beef and pairs it with vinegared rice for a unique flavor.
To complement the cuisine, the restaurant offers a variety of beverage options, including selected wines and special cocktails. Among them, “Stewed Wagyu Beef Red Wine” combines stewed Wagyu beef with red wine for a richer flavor. In addition, “Meat-Specific Beer” is specially brewed to complement meat dishes.
The restaurant’s environmental design pays attention to detail, offering a variety of seating options, including bar seats, sofa seats, and private rooms. Among them, the private rooms are equipped with karaoke facilities, suitable for celebrating birthdays or other special occasions. In addition, the restaurant also has outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kiyamachi while dining.
“Designer’s Private Room Meat Bar W” has become a popular spot for Kyoto gourmet recommendations with its exquisite meat dishes, diverse beverage options, and comfortable dining environment.
喜人來人
Kito Raito
기토 라이토
喜人来人
Tabelog
3.6
||
GoogleMap
4.0
Reservation
10
“Kitokito” (喜人来人) means “fresh” or “lively” in the Hokuriku dialect, symbolizing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients. The owner, from Kanazawa in the Hokuriku region, delivers fresh fish daily from his hometown, presenting the most authentic Hokuriku flavors to diners.
The restaurant’s signature dish, the “Assorted Sashimi Platter,” features a variety of seasonal fish such as Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), white shrimp, sea snails, and sea bream, allowing diners to savor multiple delicacies at once.
Additionally, charcoal-grilled dishes are a highlight, whether it’s Nodoguro or Black Wagyu beef steak, all grilled over charcoal to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. The restaurant also offers charcoal-grilled Kyo vegetables and Kaga vegetables, allowing people to feel the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
“Kitokito’s” drink menu is equally rich, especially the Japanese sake, mainly from the Hokuriku region such as Ishikawa Prefecture, complementing the seafood dishes perfectly.
The restaurant has a counter and table seats on the first floor, and dig-in seating on the second floor with a view of the beautiful Takamatsu River, providing a comfortable dining environment for gatherings with friends or business banquets.
Le Refuge is a popular French restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike. Specializing in charcoal grilling and smoked cuisine, it offers a diverse menu to satisfy every palate.
For lunch, they have set menus like the ‘Smoked Platter Lunch,’ featuring soup, salad, pasta, fish, and a choice of grilled duck breast or steak—all expertly charred for a crispy, juicy flavor.
Dinner brings an even richer selection, including multi-course options. The ‘A Set’ includes appetizers, a platter of starters, two mains (fish or meat), and two desserts. Main course options like grilled duck breast with plum wine sauce and grilled steak with yuzu pepper showcase the chef’s dedication and creativity.
The cozy interior seats 12, perfect for small gatherings. A wide selection of wines and cocktails are available to complement your meal. They often host special events, like themed menus for Halloween, adding an element of surprise.
遊龜 祇園店
Yuuki Gion Branch
유키 기온 지점
游龟 祇园店
Tabelog
3.5
||
GoogleMap
4.1
Reservation
12
“Asobi Gion branch” is directly managed by the sake brewery “Okamura Honke” from Shiga Prefecture, specializing in their own sake brands “Kin Kame” and “Dai Sei”. You can enjoy high-quality sake at reasonable prices.
They offer a variety of dishes, especially fresh seafood. The “Sashimi platter” features seasonal fish, sliced beautifully with a fresh taste. The “Seared Mackerel Sushi” combines lightly seared mackerel with vinegared rice for a unique flavor. Seasonal dishes such as “Cod Milt” and “Saikyo-yaki Miso Marinated Cod” are also popular.
The restaurant has a traditional and cozy atmosphere, with handwritten menus adding to its charm. Counter seating is available on the first floor for solo diners, while table seating on the second floor is ideal for groups. It’s a popular spot, so reservations are recommended, or arrive before opening time.
“Asobi Gion branch” is open weekdays from 16:00 to 21:30, Saturdays from 15:00 to 22:00, and closed on Sundays and holidays. It’s located at 111-1 Fuyacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, about a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, making it easily accessible.
先斗町 增田
Pontocho Masuda
폰토초 마스다
先斗町 增田
Tabelog
3.5
||
GoogleMap
4.1
Reservation
13
Located in Kyoto’s Pontocho, “Pontocho Masuda” is a traditional Japanese restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike, offering exquisite “Obanzai” (Kyoto home-style cuisine).
Established in 1951, this restaurant has been passed down for three generations, insisting on using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques to create dishes that are deeply loved by diners.
The restaurant’s interior retains the ambiance of the Showa era, with 12 counter seats and multiple private rooms, accommodating a total of 35 guests. The counter displays various “Obanzai” dishes, such as vinegared mackerel (Kizushi), Kyoto vegetables marinated (Kyo-tsukemono), and simmered herring eggplant (Nishin Nasu), allowing guests to choose freely.
In addition, the restaurant also offers exquisite dishes such as mackerel sashimi (Saba Sashimi) and duck barbecue (Kamo Yaki), satisfying different taste preferences.
“Pontocho Masuda” is conveniently located near Kamogawa Shijo Station, making it easily accessible, ideal for a meal before sightseeing. Business hours are from Monday to Saturday, 17:00 to 22:00, closed on Sundays.
Due to limited seating, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance to ensure availability. Please note that photography is prohibited inside the restaurant; please respect the restaurant’s rules.
“Sumiyaki Yanaino” in Gion Shijo specializes in fresh seafood and pork skewers grilled over Tosa Bincho charcoal, giving them a unique aroma and flavor.
The counter seating allows you to watch the chefs grilling the seafood and prawns up close, adding to the dining experience. There are private rooms on the second floor for 3-8 people, perfect for private gatherings or family meals.
Seafood skewers start from around ¥220. The mackerel skewer, marinated for 24 hours, is juicy and flavorful. Also, the grilled tiger prawns are fragrant and delicious and are a must-try.
The drink selection includes bottled beer, draft beer, special Kinmiya shochu, and selected sake. We especially recommend the hot sake in the cold season, such as “Gyokukon” from Shimane Prefecture, which goes well with seafood skewers.
The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Gion Shijo Station and Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, making it easily accessible. Open from 16:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 15:00 to 23:00 on Sundays. Reservations are recommended, especially for the private rooms on the second floor, which can accommodate up to 5 people.
牛雜鍋 利光
Motsunabe Tokomitsu
곱창 전골 토코미츠
牛杂锅 利光
Tabelog
3.5
||
GoogleMap
4.5
Reservation
15
Located in Gion Shijo, Kyoto, “Motsunabe Riko” specializes in fresh motsunabe (offal hot pot) and various meat dishes. They use high-quality Japanese Black beef, especially carefully selected female cuts, to create unique flavors.
Their signature dish, “Stewed Wagyu Beef Tongue in Japanese Style,” features beef tongue from Kumamoto-raised Japanese Black cattle, seasoned with sake, soy sauce, and other condiments, then simmered until tender. They also offer “Akashi Natural Sea Bream Sashimi” and “Amakusa Conger Eel Sashimi,” sourced directly from well-known suppliers to ensure freshness and quality.
The restaurant has a refined ambiance with 30 seats, including private rooms for 4 to 12 people, suitable for various gatherings. Open from 17:30 to 23:00, closed on Mondays. A table charge of 440 yen per adult is applied, which includes an appetizer. This charge is waived for children under elementary school age.
With its exquisite cuisine and comfortable dining environment, “Motsunabe Riko” is a recommended gourmet spot in Kyoto’s Gion Shijo area. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you can enjoy a high-quality dining experience here.
Motsunabe Riko Restaurant Information
- Budget: Dinner approx. 10,000-14,999 yen
- Category: Motsunabe, BBQ, Izakaya
- Phone: 075-585-4214
- Reservations: Accepted
- Hours: 17:30-23:00 (last order time)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday)
- Address: 236-5 Yamazaki-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from Kyoto Line Sanjo Station, about 6 minutes walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, about 7 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line Gion Shijo Station
- Children: Welcome
- Payment: VISA, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners credit cards accepted
- Smoking: No smoking (designated area outside the entrance)
- Website: tabelog.com
