When you’ve done your time at the temples and shrines and are craving a day spent lollygagging like a true Kyoto local, you would be hard-pressed to find a more calm and condensed neighborhood of go-tos than Ichijoji, easily accessible from Demachiyanagi Station via the Eizan Line.
Famed as Kyoto’s hallowed Ramen District, you can’t miss the queues of noodle hunters on the main boulevard, but there is so much more to explore than broth in this unassuming north-side Kyoto hamlet.
Here’s how we spent a slow day visiting 6 favorite spots that are all, at most, a short walk apart.
Mayaruka - @mayaruka_kosyo
If you walk toward Ichijoji from downtown, or if you get distracted and get off the train too early, like someone we know, this is the spot you will come across first as you make your way into the neighborhood. This hushed used bookstore is brimming with treasures untold for die-hard collectors and rainy-day browsers alike. Flipping through lesser-known works of literary giants, rare art books, and counter-culture zines, you're certain to come across something that makes you feel like it was put there just for you.
Avril - avril.kyoto
Aside from books and bowls, Ichijoji is something of a DIY mainstay as well. Located just down the street from Ritendo, a stationary store still using antiquated letterpress methods, you will find Avril, for every yarn you could ever want to spin. If you start to feel overwhelmed by the endless colors and possibilities - fear not, they offer some lovely pre-made kits, as well as workshops, to help get you sewing.
Speak Easy - speakeasykyoto
Our personal and unauthorized selection for the quintessential American-style diner in Kyoto. Established in 1987, this greasy spoon meets all of our requirements for the title:
- Bottomless from-the-pot coffee
- Hash Brown options a la the sacred Waffle House
- Burgers, Tuna Melts, Pancakes - oh my
- Log cabin decor, Law & Order on TV
- An off-kilter Mannequin oddly reminiscent of Rob Lowe to greet you haphazardly at the door
- It’s also a bar
Keibunsha - keibunsha_books
Every bookworm with a spine knows about Keibunsha Ichijoji: one of the most celebrated independent bookstores in all of Japan. Get lost in a Tokyo culture magazine from the early 80s, a book of French poetry, a handwritten travelog, or a new bestseller hot off the presses. A shop ‘for all things related to books,’ this warm and old-fashioned space also has its own event cottage and handmade goods section, featuring the crafts and creativity of local artists and artisans.
Pizza Monstar Hidari - pizzamonstar__hidari
After reading up an appetite, slide over for a slice of Pizza Monstar’s finest. NY style with their own special twist, Pizza Monstar entranced us with a very generous slice of Margherita plus jalapenos, a 150 yen add-on that packed a very solid punch. Pizza devoured and sipping spicy Wilkinson’s ginger ale, we could finally take in the infectious atmosphere of the place. Trendy hand-drawn pizza boxes, band stickers, and fashion collabs adorn the walls, while the turntables, R&B records, and playing cards made us want to hide under the table and move right in.
Inkyo Cafe - inkyo_cafe
Cue up Lou Reed’s Perfect Day, order a couple of highballs at Inkyo Cafe, lean back in one of its old leather chairs and sigh, “It doesn’t get much better than this.” Inkyo has got to be one of the friendliest record bars we’ve had the pleasure to find. With an encyclopedic knowledge of all things jazz and delta blues, and the books, posters, and piano to prove it, the owner of this cozy cafe and bar will regale you with his music-fueled travels or leave you to enjoy the music of your own night, as you wish. They’ve got live music coming up on Feb 12th and 18th, so check their IG for more details. And don’t miss Cafe Inkyo’s own neighborhood rec of tacos a la obbli_ichijoji .
Discover the unique charm of Ichijoji and let KABIN Hotels complete your Kansai journey. With prime access to Kyoto and Osaka's eclectic neighborhoods and historic treasures, we’re here to make your stay unforgettable. Reserve your room now!
