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Kawadoko and Garden View: 10 Best Kyoto Restaurants with Scenic Views

Update-Date: Aug 26, 2025

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Kawadoko and Garden View: 10 Best Kyoto Restaurants with Scenic Views

Restaurants featuring Kyoto-style riverbed seating (kawadoko: seating areas set up over a river), terraces, and Japanese gardens create special moments during your journey. Ten restaurants have been carefully selected where one can enjoy the seasonal landscapes along with their meals.

Pontocho Koshian

Located just a 3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station, Pontocho Hojoan is a Kyoto cuisine restaurant nestled in the scenic streets of Pontocho, overlooking the Kamo River. The restaurant features a selection of premium wagyu beef teppanyaki and offers a variety of dishes that allow diners to experience the allure of Japanese food culture. Dining on the riverbed seating from spring to early autumn is particularly popular.

Top 10 Kyoto Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy a Meal Overlooking Riverbeds and Gardens

The restaurant features a calm Japanese ambiance with soft lighting that leaves a lasting impression. In addition to riverside seating along the Kamo River, there are also table seats and private rooms available, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while relaxing and taking in the changing scenery of the seasons. The establishment is also well-equipped to cater to foreign tourists, which is a notable characteristic.

Pontocho HOUSHOAN

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, 3-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
Address: 1F, Shiko-kaikan, 227, Nabeya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Pontocho Togara

Located just a 2-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Pontocho Taka is a historic Kyoto cuisine restaurant that has been in operation for over 120 years. The restaurant specializes in kaiseki meals that utilize seasonal ingredients, offering dishes that balance the traditional Kyoto broth and ingredients. Guests can also enjoy dining on the seasonal riverside seating, where they can experience the breeze while eating.

The restaurant retains the ambiance of a traditional townhouse, featuring both table seating and private rooms. The riverside cooling seats, where one can view the Kamo River, are particularly popular. Located close to the river surface, these seats offer a refreshing experience, allowing for a leisurely dining experience.

Pontochotakara

Open: [Tuesdays - Sundays, days before national holidays, and national holidays] Lunch 12:00 - 14:30 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:00 - 22:30 (last order 22:00)
Closed: Mondays
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Kawaramachi Station. Take Exit 1, follow along the Kamo River towards Sanjo and it will be on your right.
Address: 173-2 Pontocho-dori Shijo Agaru Kashiwaya-cho , Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
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Kyoto Cuisine Takeshima ICHIGO

Located just a 3-minute walk from the City Hall Station, Kyoto Cuisine Takeshima ICHIGO is a Japanese restaurant that offers Kaiseki meals utilizing seasonal ingredients. The dishes, creatively arranged, feature appetizing appetizers and bowl dishes crafted with tranquil Japanese techniques. Seats overlooking the tatami rooms and garden are available, allowing guests to enjoy the seasonal flavors along with the view.

The space, imbued with a Japanese aesthetic, includes counter seats as well as private rooms, and there are seats where one can closely observe the chef's movements. The seating arrangement incorporates views of the garden and the outdoors, allowing for a quiet meal while enjoying the seasonal scenery.

Kyoto Cuisine Takeshima Ichigo

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on City Subway
Address: 1F, Airu Takeshima Bldg., 496, Kamikoriki-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Kifune WHAT’S

Located a 30-minute walk from Kibuneguchi Station, Kibune WHAT’S is a Japanese restaurant that offers course meals featuring Wagyu and seasonal ingredients on a riverside dining platform. The restaurant is known for its steaks, primarily from branded cattle, enjoyed against the backdrop of the sound of a clear stream, making it a popular destination as a summer tradition.

In addition to riverside seating, the restaurant also offers a calm indoor seating area, creating an atmosphere in harmony with nature. Located near the river, the restaurant provides a sense of openness, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of the flowing river.

Kibune WHAT'S

Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute by Kyoto Bus from Kibuneguchi Station of Eizan Electric Railway
Address: 78, Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Seiwaso

Located just a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Station, Seiwaso is a traditional Japanese restaurant built in the sukiya-style architecture, offering a view of its garden while serving Kyoto kaiseki cuisine. The dishes, made with seasonal ingredients, are crafted with attention to both appearance and taste, providing a refined Japanese dining experience.

From the tatami-matted private rooms, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the well-maintained garden, offering a glimpse of the changing seasons. The serene atmosphere provides a sense of privacy, while the traditional architecture of the building and the harmony of the garden support a relaxed dining experience.

Seiwasou

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:15 pm) Last entry 1:30 pm / Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) Last entry 7:00 pm
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: 15-minute drive from JR Kyoto Station/ 5-minute walk from the city bus stop, Nishi-Sumizomedori
Address: 8, Fukakusa-Echigoyashiki-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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6.Nouvelle Epoque

Located a 14-minute walk from Keage Station, Nouvelle Epoque is a restaurant that blends the charm of Kyoto with traditional French cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its innovative French courses centered around Kyoto ingredients and their pairing with wines. It offers a collection of dishes that balance the beauty of the space with innovative flavors.

The restaurant features sophisticated interiors where one can enjoy a tranquil time, with views of a courtyard and the serene surroundings through large windows. Personalized service accompanies visually pleasing seating arrangements, enhancing the experience of a special meal.

Nouvelle Epoque

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: 14-minute walk from Keage Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line / 1-minute walk from Okazaki Jinja-mae bus stop
Address: 26-6, Okazaki Tenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Benoit Kyoto

Benoit Kyoto, located a 20-minute walk from Shimizu Gojo Station, is a restaurant that offers traditional French bistro cuisine amidst the scenic views of Kyoto. The menu features courses that utilize seasonal ingredients, presenting classic cooking techniques with a modern twist.

The restaurant boasts an elegant and serene atmosphere, with large windows offering views of the garden and the iconic 'Yasaka Tower' of Kyoto. It also features terrace seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while feeling the seasonal breezes.

Benoit Kyoto

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Afternoon Tea 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm) *Afternoon Tea Course Only / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 15-minute drive from Kyoto Station, 5-minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
Address: Inside The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, 2-204-2, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Kibune Kiraku

Located a 25-minute walk from Kibune-guchi Station, Kibune Kiraku is a traditional Japanese restaurant with a history of over 100 years. From May to September, guests can enjoy dining on the riverbed. The restaurant offers kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, allowing diners to savor the tastes of Kyoto while enjoying the natural coolness.

The restaurant, utilizing traditional wooden architecture, offers a calm space with views of the abundant nature, and provides smooth access to the riverside dining area. Guests can enjoy their meals close to the river surface, feeling the breeze, while experiencing a traditional landscape and a relaxed passage of time.

KIBUNE KIRAKU

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (last order 6:30 pm) / Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 12,100 JPY / [Lunch] 6,600 JPY
Access:
Address: 47 Kurama Kifune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Map
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Arashinotei

Located just a 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station, Aranoya-tei is a restaurant that offers Kyoto cuisine in an ideal location with views of the Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge. The chef's selection of Kyoto vegetables and Wagyu beef teppanyaki, as well as seasonal tempura, are highly acclaimed. Guests can enjoy their meals alongside the changing faces of the mountains and river.

The restaurant offers a calm space with a Japanese ambiance. From the large windows and terrace seats, depending on the season, from the large windows and terrace seats, depending on the season, beautiful beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves can be viewed. cherry blossoms and autumn leaves can be viewed. The restaurant features a variety of seating arrangements, including tatami mat areas, each designed to enhance the scenic views from every seat.

ARASHINO TEI

Open: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm (last order 6:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access:
Address: 31, Saga Tenryuji Zorocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Map
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Restaurant Hiramatstu Kodaiji

Restaurant Hiramatstu Koudaiji, located a 20-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, is a grand maison that offers authentic French cuisine incorporating the scenic views of Kyoto. Situated with a view of landmarks such as Yasaka Tower, the restaurant beautifully prepares course meals using seasonal ingredients.

From the glass-walled main dining area, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto's cityscape, while the calm interior and high-quality service create a special ambiance. The building is an elegant mansion, with a spatial arrangement that impressively harmonizes with the views that come into sight.

Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji

Open: [Sunday,Tuesday - Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (last order 7:30 pm) / Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (last order 1:00 pm)
Closed: If it falls on a public holiday, it will be transferred to the next day.
Average price: [Dinner] 31,000 JPY / [Lunch] 14,000 JPY
Access:
Address: 353 Masuyacho, Kodaiji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Map
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This article was written by AI Translation.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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