Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center - T8 — Local services in Kyoto

My recent visit to the restaurant floor at Kyoto Takashimaya was a delightful experience that beautifully captured the elegance and precision one expects from Japanese dining. Located in the heart of Kyoto’s bustling Shijo district, the setting offers a perfect blend of modern sophistication and traditional charm. The interior was spotless, tastefully decorated, and surprisingly calm considering the department store’s busy atmosphere below.

The service was warm and polite from the moment I entered. The host guided me to my table with grace, and my server was attentive without being intrusive. I ordered the seasonal kaiseki lunch set, which came beautifully arranged with delicate portions of sashimi, grilled fish, tempura, and miso soup. Each dish showcased fresh ingredients and balanced flavors — subtle, refined, and clearly prepared with care.

The highlight was the matcha dessert, served with a small piece of wagashi. It was perfectly bittersweet and paired wonderfully with the accompanying green tea. The presentation was exquisite — every plate looked like a small work of art.

The only drawback was the pacing of service; there was a noticeable gap between courses, which slightly disrupted the flow of the meal. Additionally, while the food quality was exceptional, the prices were a bit steep compared to other fine dining spots in Kyoto.

Still, Kyoto Takashimaya’s restaurant area is a fantastic choice for those seeking a refined yet accessible culinary experience. Whether you’re a local enjoying a quiet lunch or a visitor exploring Kyoto’s food scene, it offers a memorable taste of Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship. With just a few small improvements, it could easily earn a...

Around 8:00 PM: Street Closures on Shijō-dōri and Child Horse Riders

Nighttime Festivities in Front of Takashimaya

At approximately 8:00 PM, Shijō-dōri, one of Kyoto's busiest commercial streets, is closed to traffic—particularly in front of Takashimaya Department Store—to host the evening's festive climax.

Chigo (Child Riders) on Horseback

One of the most visually striking moments is the chigo horseback parade, where young boys between the ages of 5 and 12, dressed in ornate garments and traditional headdresses, ride decorated horses through the streets. These children are considered divine emissaries or sacred messengers and hold an elite role in the Gion Festival.

Reappearance of Religious Groups

At this stage, members of Seikōsha reappear, leading chanting processions through the illuminated streets. Drums, bells, and ritual dances accompany them, turning the urban space into a spiritual theater. Occasionally, golden floats also appear briefly, symbolizing the deities’ grandeur and radiance.

Cultural Significance: Ritual Purification and Historical Continuity

At its core, Shinkō-sai is more than just a parade—it is a sacred ritual aimed at purifying the city and warding off plagues and misfortune. Since the 9th century, the event has been closely tied to the health and protection of Kyoto’s citizens.

The presence of Seikōsha, onmyōji figures, and chigo horse riders is a powerful continuation of ancient traditions that combine Shinto, Buddhist, and courtly ceremonial elements. Each ritual gesture reflects a longstanding belief in invoking divine protection and maintaining cosmic balance within the...

BEWARE! We purchased approximately $20 (3000 Yen) worth of Shine Muscat green grapes yesterday on level B1 from there supermarket. These grapes are expensive but typically well worth it. They were packaged such that we could not even attempt to try them, even if we had wanted to, until we got home. When we did, we were terribly disappointed in their quality. They tasted sour, were too chewy and had seeds in them. In my opinion they were not even worth 500 Yen, much less 3,000 Yen!! We brought them back in the same package with receipts evidenced on our phone from the day before for a full refund or at least a store credit but the assistant manager, Mr Kajiwara told us that all sales were final. We left the bad grapes there at the store and walked out. We will never shop...