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Kyoto · Japan · To eat

Ito Okashi

Location & practical

Kyoto’s thick-cut breakfast ritual

  • Silver salmon cut more than 3 cm thick, charcoal-grilled to order
  • Clay-pot rice, shellfish broth and seasonal Japanese sides
  • A lively breakfast counter in a 150-year-old machiya
  • €14–32 / person
  • Shimogyō, near Takatsuji and Aburakōji
  • Japanese

Breakfast at Kyoto Itookashi starts with the smell of charcoal. In a 150-year-old machiya on a side street in Shimogyō, the chefs work around an open grill while clay pots of rice steam nearby. There is old timber, morning light and a fair amount of bustle.

The dish that brings people here is silver salmon cut more than three centimetres thick. Grilled over charcoal, its skin takes on a savoury edge while the flesh stays soft, rich and generous. It arrives as a proper Japanese set meal, with hot rice, shellfish broth, seasonal vegetable dishes and pickles. You can keep things simple with salted fish or choose the Kyoto-style soy glaze for a touch of sweetness. Save a little rice for dashi chazuke at the end.

This is a lively, carefully orchestrated breakfast rather than a place to linger over coffee. The sittings are short, and booking ahead is essential. The salmon, quite rightly, gets most of the attention; the rice and setting make the visit feel complete.

  • Urban setting Shimogyō, near Takatsuji and Aburakōji
  • Former residential building Historic setting

Good to know.

Location
224 Eiyōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8463, Japan
Open map & directions
Parking
No dedicated on-site parking. Travelling by subway or on foot is easier.
Getting around
Approximately a 9-minute walk from Shijō Station on the Karasuma subway line; Ōmiya Station is also within walking distance.
Arriving
Breakfast is reservation-only through TableCheck. Arrive at your allocated time rather than expecting walk-in seating; sittings are approximately 50 minutes. Confirm the latest opening days and reservation slots when booking.
Accessibility
The dining space occupies a historic, two-storey machiya. Step-free access, an accessible toilet and access to the upper floor have not been verified; contact the restaurant before booking if these are essential.

Worth knowing

  • Reservation is required and popular morning slots can sell out; the published booking system is TableCheck.
  • The experience is time-limited (typically around 50 minutes), so it is less suitable for anyone wanting a long, unhurried breakfast.
  • Expect smoke and cooking aromas around the charcoal grill; avoid clothing that easily retains smells.
  • Salmon may contain bones. The set meal includes fish and shellfish broth; ask directly about allergies and dietary modifications.
  • Indicative budget: €14–€32 per person for the main breakfast set options, corresponding to roughly ¥2,500–¥5,500; extras and drinks can increase the bill. Euro equivalents use the ECB reference rate of €1 = ¥176.77 on 6 November 2026.
  • Opening times and the seating available on each floor vary between listings; rely on the current TableCheck slot and confirm any accessibility needs beforehand.

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