THE OLDEST RESTAURANT IN ALL OF KYOTO

Honke Owariya is the oldest restaurant in all of Kyoto (and quite possibly Japan itself). Founded in 1465, its humble origins began as a local sweets/confectionary shop & one of the main soba manufacturers. With the end of WW2 - it became known more as a soba restaurant.  The original confectionery store is located on Karasuma-dori, the next street over from the restaurant.

It is also from where Japan’s Imperial royal family receives their soba over their years.. The restaurant also has strong ties to several famed temples in Kyoto from the Edo Period, such as Kennin-ji, Shokoku-ji and Myoshin-ji.

Honke Owariya is the main flagship store (ie. the honten) still housed in a stunningly beautiful traditional Japanese home where the first floor has the main table-seating area and a tea room. The second floor has tatami dining areas with low tables, and cozy little alcoves for those who wish a more private meal.

TIPS:

• it is only open for lunch from 11AM - 3PM, Tuesdays are closed. NO RESERVATIONS, just show up and try your luck, however I found each time I’ve gone - either when it just opens, or later in the afternoon, at the most I’ve only waited 15mins. People do move through quite quickly.

• If the main branch is too far for you, they have opened up locations in Shijo area & Takashimaya department store (but I’ve always gone to the main original store - it’s just soooo pretty!)

NEARBY KYOTO ACCOMMODATION (places I’ve stayed within ~30mins walk)

• Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto (~8mins)

• Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto (~9mins)

• Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku (~10mins)

• Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo (~18mins)

• Kyoisuke Hokomachi (~16min)

• Kyoisuke Otonari (~16min)

• Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo (~21mins)

• Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi (~22mins)

• Wayfarer Kyoto Shijo (~25mins)

• Kyo no Ie: Noboru House (~25mins)

WEBSITE: HONKE OWARIYA SOBA | INSTAGRAM: @HONKEOWARIYA