Japanese in Pontocho

Kikunoi Roan

• ★ 4.7
• 2 MICHELIN stars
• Kaiseki
• ¥¥¥¥

Murata's casual-counter spinoff on Kiyamachi, opened for Kikunoi's 60th anniversary. Two stars, easier reservations than Honten, river views in season.

Tousuiro Kiyamachi

• ★ 4.4
• Japanese Tofu
• ¥¥¥

Order Eight-course tofu kaiseki with yuba sashimi and warmed soy-milk pots

Tofu-kaiseki on a Kamogawa riverside terrace, hidden down a narrow Kiyamachi alley in a preserved Taisho-era townhouse just steps from Pontocho.

Pontocho Izumoya

• ★ 4.3
• Japanese Unagi
• ¥¥¥

Order Unaju with white-grilled shirayaki appetiser

A Pontocho unagi room above the Kamogawa in Kyoto, founded 1916. Edomae-style grill-then-steam, with a kawayuka deck May to September. Priced at ¥¥¥.

Robin Pontocho

• ★ 4.2
• Japanese Kappo
• ¥¥¥

Order Premium kaiseki with seasonal seafood and wagyu

A modern kappo on Pontocho serving 10-course kaiseki anchored by Maizuru seafood and Tamba wagyu. Counter seats face the river through sliding shoji.