Night Walk in Kyoto: Food and Booze in Hidden Gion Alleys

@Japan by Food

Japan by Foodyoutubethe post

Join Shizuka and guide Kevin on a unique night tour of Kyoto's Gion district, exploring lit-up shrines and savoring delicious local foods and drinks away from the crowds.

3 places

1
Yasaka Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (33,681)Closed
Creator's voice
A beautiful Shinto shrine in Gion, known for its lanterns. It's free admission and at night, there are very few people, making it a peaceful experience. The lanterns bear the names of donors.
Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
- Miso dango — Grilled rice balls with a savory miso glaze. It's a perfect hangry killer, with a distinct savory flavor and a slight hint of sweetness. The mochi is hearty and chewy, different from what you might find in Tokyo.
2
Kokoro Tachinomi Restaurant
Izakaya restaurant · Kyoto
4.1 (1,454)Open · until 11:30 PM
Creator's voice
A very retro standing bar in the food zone of Gion. The name 'Kokoro' means 'heart' in the feeling sense. It's a great spot to try indicative dishes of the area.
Kokoro, セザンヌビル 1F 455-5 Shincho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8001, Japan
- Chicken heart — A common Izakaya food, grilled and very tender. You might not even know it was heart. It's the mouthfeel that really drives it home.
- Yuba tofu skin — The skin of tofu, served sashimi-style. It's really creamy and delicate, allowing you to enjoy the milkiness of the tofu. The Wasabi gives it a nice kick and the soy sauce adds umami.
- Shigureni skipjack tuna · ¥200 — This tataki-style dish is only 200 yen, which is a great deal. The flavor of the soy sauce-based sauce is milder than what you would get in Tokyo, not too rich, salty, or sweet, reflecting Kyoto's known milder flavors.
3
Revolution Books Tachinomi Restaurant
Stand bar · Kyoto
3.6 (167)Open · until 11 PM
Creator's voice
A hipster enclave that is neither a bookstore nor a place of revolution, but it does have books and great Kyoto food. It's very spacious and has a different vibe, with bookshelves filled with food-related books.
Revolution Books, 集まりＣ号２３５番地 Sendocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8019, Japan
- Shio lemon highball — A summer limited edition drink that is mostly salty and lemony. It's great for someone who doesn't like sweet drinks, as it's not sweet at all.
- Tofu with La-Yu chili oil — A modern, spicier tofu dish with dry chili on top. It has a nice crunch from crunchy deep-fried garlic, which gives it a fresh flavor.
- Pork belly — A fatty bit of pork belly, where the fat means flavor in Japan. You taste the richness but also get clean flavors from the mint leaf, umami, and a kick from scallions and shichimi spice on top.