Kyoto Machiya Restaurant Guide: Affordable Dining in Townhouse Spaces

Kyoto Machiya Restaurant Guide: Affordable Dining in Traditional Townhouse Spaces is written by Judith Clancy and Photographs by Ben Simmons.

Machiya, or townhouses, are traditional wooden dwellings in Kyoto that evoke the elegance and culture of Japan’s old capital with their architectural details, beautiful gardens, and intimate rooms. Many have been converted into restaurants to create unforgettable dining experiences. Enjoying healthy food in a historic, traditional Kyoto environment is a rare pleasure. Here are 130 restaurant listings (food, decor, hours, addresses, prices, maps, and index) and a photographic guide to machiya architecture, culture, and aesthetics.