Leisure Concierge｜Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station

Explore the neighborhood with our staff recommendations

Our recommended attractions in the hotel vicinity include great restaurants you won’t find in any guide books, fantastic but unknown tourist spots, popular souvenir shops and more.

Enjoy a meal

Gion Mametora

Visit this elegant, contemporary restaurant located in the traditional cobbled Hanamikoji Street. The restaurant is a renovated traditional residence, and needless to say, the cuisine matches the elegant Japanese aesthetic. Offering authentic Kyoto dishes such as Mamesushi, a bite-sized sushi, delicately proportioned so that even maiko with daintily painted lips could eat with grace, and mamezara, various small plates, design to allow guests to taste a wide range of delicacies. These specialties are meticulously prepared based on the traditions of Kyoto cuisine, this restaurant is sure to fullfill any travelers fantasys of beautiful, refined and authentic Japanese cuisine.

Access: About 20 minutes by bus and foot from the hotel
Address: South side, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 570-235
Phone: 075-532-3955

Enjoy a meal

Carré de Cannelle in "nikiniki à la gare"

Launched by the long-established Yatsuhashi, a brand of sweet cinnamon rice confectionary, Shogoin Yatsuhashi Souhouten is a popular new brand designed to introduce customers to a new and exciting way to enjoy Yatsuhashi. In addition to the five types of colorful dough flavoured with cinnamon, green tea, and so on, they also prepare seasonal fillings such as red bean paste, peanut butter, fruit confit, and other kinds of sweet goodies--of course, the shop encourages you to combine ingredients to design your own original yatsuhashi! The skilled staff will whip up your creation in no time, and you can tuck in at the in-house seating area.

Access: About 10 minutes from the hotel
Address: nikiniki à la gare
8-3, Higashishiokouji Takakura-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-662-8284

Enjoy a meal

Toffee sweets at "Tsuruya Yoshinobu Irodori"

Enjoy a unique Japanese toffee at Tsuruya Yoshinobu, this Kyoto-style sweet maker was established in 1803! Made by reducing high quality sugar, this candy boasts a mild sweet taste that melts in your mouth. Futhermore, its designs are inspired by famous locations in Kyoto such as Uji and Kamogawa, making these sweet treats a fantastic souvenir of your journey through Kyoto. The shop is easily accessible, with an easy to understand photo menu, and a dining area for you to sit back and indulge.

Access: About 10 minutes from the hotel
Address: Tsuruya Yoshinobu Irodori:
ASTY Kyoto 8-3, Higashishiokouji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-574-7627

Pick up the best souvenirs

Fresh tea jelly in "Nakamura Tokichi"

Come taste a special matcha jelly made with freshly ground green tea powder at a 160 year old specialty tea shop in Uji, Kyoto! This jelly offers an iconic Japanese flavor that is definately worth trying during your trip. Combining refreshing astringency and delicate sweetness, the matcha melts in the mouth. The firm, and fresh texture makes this jelly one of the most popular, attracting visitors from across the world. The shop also offers a roasted green tea (hoji cha) flavour, which has a more earthy rich flavour, great to cool down on a hot day.

Access: About 10 minutes by foot from the hotel
Address: Nakamura Tokichi Main Store Kyoto store:
JR Kyoto ISETAN. B1F Higashishiokouji-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto.
EAT PARADISE in front of JR west exit wicket 3F
Phone: 075-352-1111

Enjoy a fancy café

Kaikado Café

Discover the chic atmosphere of Kaikado Café, established by a historic company specializing in tea canisters. This café, located in a rennovated train line garage, offers a unique experience surrounded by classic Kaikado products. Kaikado focuses on high quality cuisine, using carefully selected ingredients from across the globe, including Toyko's 'Nakagawa Wani Coffee', English tea from 'Postcard Teas', and bread from Kyoto's 'Hanakago' bakery.

Access: About 10 minutes by foot from the hotel
Address: 352, Sumiyoshi-cho, Shichijo-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-353-5668

Experience craftsmanship

Denim Kyoto Yuzen dyeing experience taught by a Kyoto Denim craftsperson

Experience yuzen dyeing with brushed and denim fabrics, you can create your own "yatsuhashi purse" or "charm purse".
◎ 5,400 yen (tax included) ◎ 30 to 45 minutes ◎ 2 to 5 participants per session *Please check our website for further details ◎ no need to bring anything along! ◎ Children over elementary-school age are welcome ◎ English language support available

Access: About 5 minutes by foot from the hotel
Address: Kyoto Denim:
79-3, Koinari-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-352-1053