Nakashimaya
- Getting there
- In a narrow lane off Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, a short walk from Kyoto Station
Why it’s in the log
Nakashimaya is a home-style obanzai restaurant tucked into a narrow machiya lane in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, cooking the kind of everyday Kyoto food — simmered vegetables, tofu, small fish dishes — that's been served here since 1958.
The format is trays of small dishes rather than a set menu ordered from individually, closer to eating at someone's table than dining out. Nothing is elaborate; the point is seasonal ingredients cooked plainly and well, the way Kyoto households have eaten for generations.
It's a short walk from Kyoto Station but feels like a different city once you're in the lane — worth building an evening around rather than fitting in between temple visits.
“Feels like eating in someone's kitchen rather than a restaurant — the trays of small dishes keep coming and nothing is showing off.”