Honke Owariya
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About
Established in 1465, Honke Owariya began as a confectionery shop and later became a purveyor of soba noodles to the Imperial Palace. It is one of the oldest operating restaurants in Japan. Housed in a charming traditional wooden building, the atmosphere is thick with history, featuring creaking stairs and low tables on tatami mats. The sensory highlight is the earthy aroma of buckwheat and the delicate, clean flavor of their dashi, made from pure Kyoto well water. Expert recommendation: Try the 'Hourai Soba,' a five-tiered dish served with various toppings like shrimp tempura, shiitake mushrooms, and wasabi. Pro tip: They still sell traditional 'Soba-machi' sweets at the front counter, which make for a great historic souvenir. Expect a wait during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends.
Highlights
- Oldest soba shop
- Signature Hourai Soba
- Traditional machiya building
- Emperor's favorite noodles
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Housed in a converted 1920s elementary school, this museum is a sanctuary for manga enthusiasts, boasting a collection of over 300,000 items. The sensory highlight is the 'Wall of Manga,' featuring 50,000 volumes that visitors can read while lounging on the outdoor grass lawn. Historically, it showcases the evolution of manga from Meiji-period magazines to modern global hits. Expert recommendation: Visit the workshop area to watch professional artists demonstrate their drawing techniques on weekends. Practical Pro Tip: While many books are in Japanese, the 'Manga Around the World' section offers extensive English titles. The building's nostalgic wooden corridors and old classrooms provide a unique, charming atmosphere that contrasts with the high-energy content of the exhibits.
Inoda Coffee Honten
Inoda Coffee is a Kyoto institution, founded in 1940 and serving as the city's premier Western-style 'Kissaten' (coffee shop). The flagship store features a unique architectural blend of a traditional machiya facade and a spacious, elegant European-style interior. Historically, it was the social hub for Kyoto's intellectuals and artists. The sensory experience is defined by the aroma of their signature 'Arabia no Shinju' (Pearl of Arabia) dark roast coffee. Expert recommendation: Order their famous 'Kyoto Breakfast' set, which includes ham, eggs, salad, and a croissant. Pro tip: At Inoda, the default is to serve coffee with sugar and milk already added—if you prefer it black, make sure to specify when ordering. The courtyard garden is a peaceful spot to enjoy your morning brew away from the city noise.
Hafuu Honten
Hafuu Honten is a sanctuary for Wagyu lovers, originating from a long-established meat wholesaler. Historically, it was one of the first places in Kyoto to perfect the art of the Wagyu steak sandwich. The interior is sleek and modern, featuring a long wooden counter where guests can watch chefs masterfully sear premium Kuroge Wagyu over high heat. The sensory experience is defined by the incredible 'melt-in-your-mouth' texture and rich marbling of the beef. Expert recommendation: The Wagyu Fillet Steak is the gold standard, but their lunch bento and steak sandwiches are legendary for their value. Pro tip: The restaurant is located in a quiet residential area, making it a peaceful retreat for a high-end meal. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, while lunch often sees a queue of eager locals.
Ippudo Kyoto
Ippudo is a world-famous ramen chain that originated in Fukuoka, but their Kyoto branch offers a high-quality, consistent experience of their signature Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen. The interior is modern and stylish, often playing jazz music, which was the founder's original vision to change the 'dirty' image of ramen shops. The sensory highlight is the creamy, rich pork bone broth and the thin, firm noodles that can be customized to your preferred texture. Expert recommendation: Order the 'Shiromaru Classic' for the original flavor or the 'Akamaru Modern' for a more complex broth with garlic oil and spicy miso. Pro tip: Don't forget to order a side of their famous bite-sized gyoza. If you finish your noodles but still have broth, call out 'Kaedama' to get a second serving of noodles for a small fee.
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