Itsukichaya Fushimiinari Branch — Restaurant in Kyoto

I visited the Arashiyama location last year and really enjoyed it, so this time I wanted to try something more central. I made an online reservation for 5:15 PM, and when I arrived, the space was quiet with only a few guests—perfect for a relaxed evening.

The upstairs view is beautiful, overlooking a peaceful pond and offering a glimpse of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in the distance. Upon arrival, you're welcomed with a refreshing cold tea and a warm alternative, which sets a lovely tone for the meal.

The food was excellent—flavorful and thoughtfully presented, with clear instructions provided to guide the experience. If you're looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience, this place delivers beautifully.

The staff were generally helpful, though I did feel a bit awkward at times. It wasn’t clear whether that was due to a language barrier or something else, but it’s worth noting. Still, overall, the experience was memorable...

Located about 5-10 minutes from the base of the shrine, is Itsukichaya.

Priced at 4000 yen per person, you get a five course meal which included tempura, a beef rice bowl, various cuts of sashimi which you can prepare shabu shabu style, some sort of tamago rice bowl and a pretty large serving of rice cooked in a pot with various veggies.

There was more than enough food and definitely had some trouble finishing everything. Otherwise flavors were good, although there were definitely some dishes that I enjoyed over others (namely the egg rice bowl).

Definitely worth trying once if you're visiting the shrine already as there is a large variety of food, but priced at 4000 yen, not sure I would come here again just given the large variety of delicious food all across Kyoto.

Service was fine but nothing particularly special given that we pre-ordered online and all the food comes...

DON’T BOTHER - We were late by 8 minutes for lunch reservation made at 1pm in this branch. The staff shown us a sign that we have to finish by 1.50pm. There is only one table occupied, pre-ordered lunch was served around 1.30pm. My husband chose mid-size rice but the portion is same as my small. Bear in mind the set of ¥4000 per person comes with only one cup of tea, no refill. We were reminded at 1.55pm that times up though only 2 other tables were occupied. The temperature in restaurant is rather stuffy, guess that’s the way to stop customer spending too much time so that they can have higher turn around. I will not consider again given the hefty price tag, poor customer service and having to rush to finish their signature set in less...