Two Proposals for a Summer Night Stroll in Kyoto: Kamogawa Riverside Dining and Night Drinks & Tea at Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, feat. JINS Glasses

📍 Kyoto · 👁 1281 reads

In the ancient capital Kyoto in summer, there is the Gion Matsuri, there is kawadoko cuisine and emerald bamboo groves and moss, there are indoor venues like Kyoto Aquarium to explore. If you can't stop sightseeing during the day but don't know where to go at night, this time JAPANKURU, in collaboration with the special JINS 30min Night Walk project, shares two great ways to enjoy Kyoto at night!

"JINS 30min Night Walk" is a popular special project launched by JINS in Japan in recent years. The theme is that when you go to JINS to get glasses, you will need to wait at least about 30 minutes. JINS understands that every minute is precious for travelers to Japan, so through this special project, they offer proposals for a short stroll around each store to enrich the waiting time.

Visitors from overseas who make a purchase and complete tax-free procedures at the store can receive a limited-edition "coupon illustration lens cloth" for the area where the store is located. This lens cloth not only has cute illustrations but can also be used as a coupon! When you visit partner stores or restaurants of JINS and show the lens cloth, you can get a discount. (*For applicable stores and event details, check the official event website.)

If you have followed us before, you know we have already recommended the Shibuya version in Tokyo, and now it's Kyoto's turn! The store joining the project in Kyoto is JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store, so our nightlife proposal starts from here!

Visiting JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store in the afternoon, located in the Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, we were first impressed by its modern Japanese-style design, especially loving the white lanterns beside the wooden door frame.

The store, designed by professional architects, uses modern minimalist concrete to create the image of the main house and secondary house often seen in traditional Japanese row houses, along with many Kyoto-specific mural designs, creating an impressive store atmosphere.

The products displayed in the store include the well-known anti-blue light glasses "JINS SCREEN" series, the convenient "JINS Switch" series with a retro clip-on sunglass concept, the lightweight "Airframe" series, the classic popular "JINS CLASSIC" series, sunglasses series, and various collaboration items. Interestingly, we also discovered some series we hadn't paid much attention to before. Let's take a quick look below.

▎★ JINS HOME®︎ Relax at Home Series

Changing into comfortable clothes when you get home is relaxing, and changing glasses is the same. This series of home frames from JINS features thin sheet-like temple designs to reduce the burden of wearing glasses, incorporates curvature in the temples based on head shape, and uses highly elastic materials, so there's no discomfort even when lying down. At the same time, the integrated silicone nose pads are comfortable and won't leave marks even after long wear. Although these are glasses for relaxing at home, their design and color scheme are meticulous, so they won't be disrespectful even during video meetings while working from home. If combined with anti-blue light lenses, they are a great helper for those who have to look at 3C products before bed to improve sleep quality.

In fact, JINS HOME®︎ has been around for a while, but recently the main visual of this series has changed to super cute cats, easily catching everyone's attention instantly.

▎★ JINS Glasses That Don't Make Your Eyes Look Smaller Series (目が小さくならないメガネ)

If you are highly myopic like me, did your ears perk up when you heard the name of this series? (laugh) This newly developed series by JINS precisely hits the pain points of the highly myopic group. It uses the principle of optical illusion, making corresponding adjustments in frame design, including reducing the lens area, designing a covering that matches the thickness of concave lenses, and strengthening the temple angle, providing solutions to various small life troubles for highly myopic people.

This series of frames also has four different basic designs and was just released in July 2024. If interested, you can try them on at the store when in Japan.

▎★ JINS SCREEN for SLEEP Good Sleep Glasses Series

When introducing the JINS HOME series earlier, we mentioned improving sleep quality with anti-blue light. At JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store, we were attracted by a series of glasses with cute animal sleeping posture boxes – it is the JINS SCREEN for SLEEP series aimed at improving sleep quality. Although there are many discussions about the effects of blue light on the human body, and everyone's situation may differ, if you have some sleep issues, maybe trying to reduce blue light exposure before bed is a good attempt. And in this regard, JINS SCREEN for SLEEP can be your little helper.

Through joint research and development with academic institutions, JINS anti-blue light lenses use an anti-blue light rate mainly indicated by the European standard EN, reducing 40% of blue light (old British standard BS is 51%), lowering the impact of blue light on the human body. This series comes in adult and children's sizes, with two different designs for adults. The cute outer packaging is particularly eye-catching, making it great for personal use or as a gift.

After choosing a favorite frame and deciding on the lenses, you can register at the machine next to the counter. Since vision measurement may require waiting in line, if you want to have your vision re-measured, it is recommended to register at the counter before starting to choose glasses for a smoother overall experience. Wait for your number to be called, then staff will assist with eye exams, checkout, etc.

At checkout, you need to present your passport and proof of entry within the last 6 months (airline ticket or travel voucher). After completing the purchase and tax-free process, you will receive the special Kyoto map lens cloth and coupon for this "JINS 30min Night Walk," along with a pickup slip.

Keep the pickup slip safe, bring the lens cloth coupon, and before your glasses are ready, head out to the next stop!

JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store Address: 406-4 Sakura-cho, Teramachi-dori Sanjo Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 2nd Teramachi Rokkaku Building 1F

Business Hours: 11:00～20:00

From JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store, a walk of less than 10 minutes takes you to Pontocho, one of Kyoto's five major flower quarters along the Kamogawa riverbank. In summer in Kyoto, enjoying delicious food on the kawadoko (riverside platforms) by the Kamogawa is a summer tradition of Kyoto. Plus, with July coinciding with the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals, even if you miss the yamaboko float processions, you'll want to visit Yasaka Shrine.

▎① Pontocho Shiki YOSHINA – Enjoying Sea Eel Cuisine on the Kawadoko

Earlier mentioned Kyoto summer traditions: kawadoko and Gion Matsuri are probably well known to those who love Japanese culture. But have you ever heard of sea eel (hamo) cuisine? It is also one of Kyoto's summer traditions, a limited summer delicacy in Kyoto cuisine. We made a reservation at the ryotei "Pontocho Shiki YOSHINA (よし菜)," a famous Kyoto restaurant known for its seasonal cuisine that perfectly blends traditional Japanese and Western styles, and you can also reserve a maiko banquet.

Kyoto's summer delicacy – sea eel cuisine – can be enjoyed here, including sea eel sashimi, sea eel tempura, and nanban-zuke (marinated and fried sea eel). Relaxing on the kawadoko, gazing at the evening scenery of the Kamogawa, and savoring the taste of Kyoto summer is exceptionally pleasant.

Pontocho Shiki YOSHINA (Pontocho Shiki Yoshina) Address: 141-1 Wakamatsu-cho, Sanjo Sagaru, Pontocho-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Business Hours: 17:00～22:30 (L.O. 22:00)

▪ Get off at "Sanjo Keihan" Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, about a 5-minute walk.

▪ Get off at "Kyoto Kawaramachi" Station on the Hankyu Line, about a 10-minute walk.

Official Website ｜ Reservation

▎② Evening Stroll by Sanjo Bridge and Kamogawa

After dinner, as the sky darkens, Sanjo Bridge and the Kamogawa are lit up, creating a special atmosphere for an evening stroll. Along the Kamogawa, you can see many people leisurely cooling off and jogging, which is a classic scene of Kyoto summer nights.

Crossing Sanjo Bridge, head towards Gion Shirakawa, another classic historic district of Kyoto. Gaze at the brilliantly lit kawadoko restaurants on the opposite bank, capturing another classic Kyoto summer night scene.

Sanjo Bridge (Sanjo Ohashi) Address: Ohashi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

▎③ Gion Shirakawa – The Old-Fashioned Charm of an Ancient Hanamachi

Gion is a representative hanamachi (geisha district) of Kyoto, and the Shirakawa area is also a famous cherry blossom spot. The banks of the Shirakawa River preserve well-preserved traditional machiya townhouses and stone-paved paths, full of antique charm. In spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, it is a beautiful, Japanese-style scene. Although there are no cherry blossoms in summer, strolling through it under the lights at night feels like traveling back in time, very romantic.

Gion Shirakawa (Gion Shirakawa) Address: Shirakawasuji, Motoyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

▎④ Yasaka Shrine – Lanterns and Gion Matsuri

Leaving Gion Shirakawa, we arrive at Yasaka Shrine – the representative shrine of the Kyoto Gion Matsuri. Inside Yasaka Shrine, you can see many lantern decorations, lighting up the Kyoto summer night with a lively, festive atmosphere.

Even if you can't see the classic yamaboko float procession of Gion Matsuri, visiting Yasaka Shrine lets you feel the atmosphere of the festival.

Yasaka Shrine Address: Gion-cho Kita-gawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

▪ Get off at "Gion Shijo Station" on the Keihan Electric Railway, about a 5-minute walk.

▪ Get off at "Kawaramachi Station" on the Hankyu Electric Railway, about an 8-minute walk.

The area around JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store, the Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, is a slightly retro, local-feeling neighborhood that's great for strolling. Not only can you find many vintage clothing stores, but it also hides a variety of Kyoto-style restaurants. We picked three to share with you. Whether you want to browse the shopping street and choose one, or visit all three in one night, it's up to you.

▎① Kyogoku STAND – Izakaya with Local Flavors

In the Shinkyogoku Shopping Street next to Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, there is a nearly century-old izakaya – Kyogoku STAND. Both its exterior and interior have a Showa retro feel. Besides independent round tables, it also features a unique "oval ring counter seat," making it easier for solo diners to strike up a conversation if they want to. (laugh)

Kyogoku STAND opens from 12:00 noon. The menu ranges from a variety of appetizers to ramen or Western-style Japanese dishes that can serve as a full meal. So whether you want to go for lunch with a drink, find a place to sit while waiting for someone, or enjoy a hearty evening of drinking, this place works. Their classic dishes include age-soba (fried noodles), ramen, oden, and omu-demi glace sauce rice. The drink selection is also abundant, making it well worth a visit.

Kyogoku STAND (Kyogoku Stand) Address: 546 Nakano-cho, Shinkyogoku-dori Shijo Agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City

Business Hours: 12:00～21:00

▪ Exit 9 of "Kawaramachi Station" on the Hankyu Electric Railway, immediately accessible.

▪ Get off at "Shijo Station" on the Keihan Main Line, head west, about a 7-minute walk.

▪ Get off at "Karasuma Station" on the Municipal Subway Karasuma Line, head east, about a 10-minute walk.

▪ Bus stop "Shijo Kawaramachi" on Kyoto City Bus, a short walk.

▎② SALA OBANZAI & GRILL Shijo Kawaramachi – When Teppanyaki Meets Kyoto Flavors

When eating in Kyoto, obanzai (おばんざい) is a very authentic option. It is actually common home-style cooking in Kyoto, consisting of various dishes prepared in different ways. Located in a small alley not far from the Kyogoku shopping street, SALA OBANZAI & Grill is a restaurant specializing in obanzai and teppanyaki. On the second floor, the spacious and stylish restaurant has an open teppanyaki counter where you can see the chefs grilling. Of course, if you want more privacy, there are also private rooms.

As the name suggests, the fusion of Japanese and Western styles in SALA OBANZAI & GRILL's cuisine is very distinctive. We visited during lunchtime, and they offered a variety of obanzai teppanyaki set meals. The meat dishes were delicious, and they were particularly generous with vegetables, perfect for those who value a balanced diet. Dinner is mainly à la carte, but there are also chef's special courses available.

It is worth mentioning that the restaurant is particular about tableware. From the beautiful ceramic washbasin in the restroom to the bowls and plates used for serving food, many are works by Kyoto craftsmen, embodying an aesthetic that lingers in your mind. Also, if you show the JINS Kyoto coupon lens cloth when paying, you can get a free drink.

SALA OBANZAI & GRILL Shijo Kawaramachi (Obanzai to Grill SALA Shijo Kawaramachi) Address: 329 Tabiyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Ayagokko Building 2F

● Tuesday to Friday: Lunch 11:00～14:30 (Last order food 14:00, drinks 14:00); Dinner 18:00～22:00 (Last order food 21:30, drinks 21:30)

● Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays: Lunch 11:00～14:30 (Last order food 14:00, drinks 14:00); Dinner 17:00～22:00 (Last order food 21:30, drinks 21:30)

Closed: Mondays; if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day.

▪ Exit 10 of "Kyoto Kawaramachi Station" on the Hankyu Electric Railway, about a 2-minute walk.

▪ Exit 13 of "Karasuma Station" on the Hankyu Electric Railway, about a 5-minute walk.

▪ Exit 3 of "Gion Shijo Station" on the Keihan Electric Railway, about an 8-minute walk.

▎③ Kissaten le GABOR

For those who love Japanese-style kissaten (tea/coffee shops), you may have seen the popular kissaten "Kissaten la madrague (マドラグ)" in Kyoto's Nijo area in Japanese travel media or KOL channels. The kissaten we visited, le GABOR, is its sister shop and stays open until 23:00 at night, making it a night kissaten. From the north exit of Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, it's less than a 10-minute walk toward the river, making it a good choice for Kyoto nightlife.

Kissaten le GABOR is on the basement floor, with an entrance that has a LIVE HOUSE vibe, a bit mysterious. The interior is very unique – several wooden chairs hang from the ceiling as decoration, and the walls are covered with old movie posters.

The shop's signature item is the "KORONA's Egg Sandwich・Original Flavor (コロナの玉子サンドイッチ・元味)." At first glance, it looks the same as the signature egg sandwich at Kissaten la madrague, both inheriting the recipe from the now-closed Kyoto Western-style restaurant "KORONA (コロナ)." However, compared to Kissaten la madrague, which has made more of its own adjustments, Kissaten le GABOR's version is closer to the original KORONA flavor in terms of the softness of the egg and the taste of the red wine sauce and mustard, hence the "Original Flavor" added to the name.

Kissaten le GABOR (Kissaten Gabōru) Address: Fujita Building B1F, 103 Nakajima-cho, Sanjo Kiyamachi Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City

Monday to Friday: 15:00～23:00 (Last order 22:30)

Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays: 12:00～22:00 (Last order 21:30)

Public transport: Get off at "Sanjo Station" on the Municipal Subway Tozai Line or "Sanjo Station" on the Keihan Electric Railway, about a 4-minute walk.

We have organized two proposals above. Which one do you prefer? Or would you like to mix and match yourself? (laugh) Whether you go for a stroll and shrine visit, or enjoy good food and a few drinks, don't forget to return to JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store before it closes (20:00) to pick up your glasses.

After visiting Yasaka Shrine and picking up your glasses, we returned to our accommodation, the Oriental Hotel Kyoto Roku-jo. It has a classic atmosphere with a path to the tea pavilion and lanterns as its theme. The lobby offers complimentary welcome drinks and snacks for guests. The double room we stayed in was spacious, with two extra-long single beds and a sofa area for relaxation!

The buffet breakfast at Oriental Hotel Kyoto Roku-jo is also hearty. You can make your own Japanese sweet "monaka" and enjoy delicious udon noodles and curry rice, as well as various small dishes made with local Kyoto vegetables. After eating, you're sure to have a full day's energy.

Oriental Hotel Kyoto Roku-jo (Oriental Hotel Kyoto Roku-jo) Address: 181 Tonokinkobutsu-cho, Aburanokoji-dori Roku-jo Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City

Check in / Check out: 15:00～ / ～11:00

Official Website ｜ Book a Room

When traveling to Kyoto, visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes is a classic itinerary for many, and we certainly didn't miss them this time. The area around Kiyomizudera and Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka has returned to its bustling state with many tourists. Even though we had been there before, visiting again with different companions always brings new discoveries and memories.

Of course, new glasses too, haha.

However, the summer heat in Kyoto is quite a test for travelers. If you can't stand the outdoor heat, then cooling off at Kyoto Aquarium is a wise choice. Located near Kyoto Station, Kyoto Aquarium is a sister facility of Sumida Aquarium beside Tokyo Skytree. During the pandemic, the aquarium renovated its jellyfish space, creating a 360-degree giant circular jellyfish tank that is very dreamy.

Additionally, in summer, the aquarium has a special jellyfish wind chime display – "Jellyfish, Umbrellas, and Wind Chimes." You can see many beautifully different jellyfish wind chimes making pleasant sounds in the breeze, as well as special washi paper umbrellas made by Kyoto craftsmen, painted with elegant ink-style jellyfish poses, full of Kyoto summer atmosphere. In the evening, this display space is lit up, creating a unique Kyoto summer night feel. This special exhibition runs until 9/30, so if interested, take advantage of the summer opportunity.

But speaking of Kyoto Aquarium, one of the most popular and unique "stars" is the adorable amphibian that also inhabits the Kamogawa – the giant salamander (Ōsanshōuo)! We mentioned in a previous article about other Kyoto accommodations that the aquarium cooperated with hotels to create a giant salamander suite, which became a hot topic online. At Kyoto Aquarium, you can not only see the giant salamander itself but also find many cute merchandise items – a must for aquarium or animal lovers!

Besides giant salamanders and jellyfish, the dolphin interaction program at Kyoto Aquarium is also popular. The dolphins look very energetic, perfect for summer, a season that needs vitality.

Kyoto Aquarium (Kyoto Suizokukan) Address: 35-1 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Umekoji Park)

Weekdays: usually 10:00～18:00, holidays 9:00～19:00, but there might be extended hours until 20:00 on special occasions. Please check the official website for specific dates.

▪ From Kyoto Station Central Exit, walk west about 15 minutes.

▪ From JR Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station, walk about 7 minutes.

Kyoto is a favorite travel destination for many, and there is so much to appreciate and enjoy. This time, in collaboration with JINS Glasses, we recommended two evening stroll plans in Kyoto and shared other daytime sightseeing info. We welcome everyone to actually visit the spots and share your experiences with us. Or if you have better plans, please don't hesitate to share!

Lastly, a reminder: when traveling to Kyoto in summer, remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen, and be careful of heatstroke!

Table of Contents

1. Foreword: What is the JINS 30min Night Walk Special Project?

2. Start of Kyoto Stroll: JINS Kyoto Teramachi-dori Store – Modern Kyoto-style Architecture

3. Kyoto Summer Night Travel Proposal 1: Kamogawa Riverside Dining and Stroll

4. Kyoto Summer Night Travel Proposal 2: Drinking and Snacking in the Shopping Street

5. Special Accommodation Recommendation: Oriental Hotel Kyoto Roku-jo

6. With New Glasses, Explore Other Kyoto Sights

7. Summer Fun in Kyoto – Any Good Suggestions?