Starting lightly with rice, udon, or sandwiches before moving far outside the station
On the day I arrive in Kyoto, there are times when a dining table is a more welcome sight than any tourist attraction. Navigating around while wheeling luggage to search for a restaurant makes it easy to feel worn out right from the first meal. Right after arriving, it is better to fill your stomach near the station before deciding on the next move.
Rather than assuming in advance that a place will store luggage or offer plenty of space for bags, I prefer to check the exits and the restaurant locations first. Here are three spots where you can choose among warm rice, brothy udon, or coffee and sandwiches depending on your hunger at that moment.
Kamado Takitate Gohan Doi Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Branch竈炊き立てごはん 土井 京都駅八条口店
A table where you can satisfy your initial hunger in Kyoto with warm white rice and side dishes.
Making choices easier by placing white rice at the center
The rice had a glossy sheen, and a subtle sweetness lingered the more I chewed. There are times when white rice and miso soup are more welcome than fancy dishes, and that simplicity was wonderful for a meal right after arriving.
During a meal I had after arriving in Kyoto on a morning Shinkansen, I received warm rice and soup at the table, then chose the side dishes. What remained with me was both the comfort of the food and the memory of how convenient it was to begin my first meal close to the station.
The fun of picking small side dishes bite by bite
I enjoyed the style of eating small portions of seasoned burdock, simmered root vegetables, and pickles along with the rice. Even without picking one large main dish, each small side dish offered a different flavor that kept my chopsticks busy.
Some of the pickles had distinct, robust seasoning. Rather than taking a large portion of side dishes right from the start, tasting them little by little suited me better. The neat simplicity of being able to head straight into the next schedule after filling up was also great.
Location Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi East Side, Asty Road Kyoto 1F.
Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan · Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi East Side, Asty Road Kyoto 1F · Search on Map
Mimiu Kyoto Isetan Branch美々卯 京都伊勢丹店
After a long journey, comfortable seating and warm udon broth are truly welcome.
Warm udon enjoyed after putting down my luggage
The seating felt spacious, and having a meal where I could set down my bulky luggage left an impression. Rather than rushing through a bite around the station, it was wonderful to sit down and enjoy hot broth first.
The yuba and udon came together tenderly, with a delicate scent of yuzu lingering in the broth. It was a flavor well suited for days when broth and noodles appeal more than heavy seasoning after a long trip.
No need to insist on a hot pot from day one
While udon-suki (udon hot pot) here offers the fun of adding various ingredients as you eat, a single bowl of udon proved simpler on a day when more travel lay ahead. The udon with plenty of yuba felt satisfying enough on its own.
I do not assume that having space for luggage applies to every single table. On the first day, your travel route is just as crucial as the food, so when being guided to a table, I like to see if sitting comfortably alongside my luggage is feasible.
Location JR Kyoto Isetan 11F Restaurant Floor, connected to Kyoto Station.
Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan · JR Kyoto Isetan 11F Restaurant Floor, connected to Kyoto Station · Search on Map
Inoda Coffee Hachijoguchi Branchイノダコーヒ 八条口支店
A cafe inside the station that comes to mind when you want to take care of both a meal and coffee at once.
Light because it is a sandwich, yet genuinely filling
The mixed sandwich alternates between ham, egg, and vegetables, so eating just a few pieces felt like a proper meal. In particular, the asparagus in the vegetable sandwich and the thick-cut ham stood out in my memory.
It was a great fit when I needed a proper bite but did not feel like having a heavy dish. It was more substantial than it appeared, so taking your time to eat according to your hunger felt best.
Time to decide on the next move over coffee
Sipping deeply roasted, fragrant coffee slowed the pace of my travels a bit. The acidity and bitterness were nicely balanced, and taking a brief rest in the sofa seating left a pleasant, comfortable memory.
Since there are times when people wait even in the afternoon, I do not think of it as a spot where you can always sit down immediately upon arriving. On days when you want both a meal and coffee near the station, I like to decide after checking the remaining time and the entrance situation.
Location Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi side, Asty Road Kyoto 1F. Found outside the Shinkansen ticket gates.
Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan · Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi side, Asty Road Kyoto 1F · Search on Map
If you want to start with warm rice, Doi is great; if broth and noodles appeal after traveling, Mimiu is ideal; and if you wish to relax with coffee as well, Inoda fits nicely. Rather than accomplishing too much right from the first meal, it is enough to fill your stomach and easily decide on the road ahead.