Tsuruyoshi — Local services in Kyoto

An unforgettable meal in Kyoto! Tsuruyoshi (家傳つる芳) is a hidden gem located at 22 Kinugasa Goshonouchicho in Kita Ward, Kyoto. On a hot summer day, I was looking for something comforting and traditional – and this place delivered beyond expectations. I ordered their handmade udon, tempura, and grilled eel rice bowl (unagi-don) – and every single dish was excellent. The udon was chewy yet smooth, served in a delicate, flavorful broth that felt incredibly refreshing in the summer heat. The tempura was perfectly crisp, not oily at all, and came with seasonal vegetables that tasted fresh and sweet. And the unadon was simply divine – tender eel, rich but balanced sauce, and rice that was just the right texture. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into each dish. What truly stood out was the hospitality. Despite the intense heat, the staff greeted us warmly with cold towels and iced tea. They were so attentive and kind, checking in with just the right timing, always with a smile. It made us feel genuinely welcomed and taken care of. The interior has a calm, traditional atmosphere that complements the food perfectly. Prices are fair for the high quality, and I left feeling both full and grateful. If you want authentic Japanese flavors and heartwarming service away from the tourist crowds, I can’t recommend...

After visiting Kinkaku-ji, we took a short walk to Tsuruyoshi, and it turned out to be the perfect retreat from the crowds. The peaceful, air-conditioned interior offered such a refreshing contrast to the bustle outside. On that hot summer day, the calm atmosphere was a welcome change. I had a zaru udon (cold noodles) with tempura and a side of agedashi tofu—everything was fresh, light, and beautifully presented. The service was prompt and friendly, making the experience even better. If you're heading to Kinkaku-ji, make this your sanity stop. It’s a hidden gem just...

Delicious food and kind staff. We stopped by before going to the golden temple on a cold day, and everything about this place warmed us up. The staff was kind despite the language barrier, the seating (tatami mats in parts, standard tables at others) was good, and the food was delicious. We got beef udon (delicious and very flavorful) and tempura udon (lighter flavor with delicious crunchy tempura). Split with my husband the strong meat udon paired perfectly with the lighter tempura broth. We left...