Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan: A Taste of Kyoto, with a Tokyo Twist
Exploring a Kyoto-Themed Restaurant Hidden in Shinjuku
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Hidden six floors above the fray, near Tokyo’s most chaotic train hub in Shinjuku, there’s a restaurant that takes a sharp left turn from the neon and noise. Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan recreates an entire Kyoto neighborhood indoors, with details such as running streams, cobbled paths, or lantern-lit bridges.
It may look like a gimmick, but this is where Kyoto-style dining meets izakaya culture, wrapped in a theatrical setting designed for modern Tokyoites and adventurous visitors looking to slow down without stepping out of the city. If you’re curious what a nostalgia-fueled Kyoto time capsule looks like with cocktails, you’re in the right place.
And if you need a general overview of Shinjuku, be sure to check out our All-in-One Guide to Shinjuku.
What is Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan?
Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan (京町恋しぐれ 新宿 本館) is a concept izakaya that recreates the atmosphere of Kyoto’s historic streets, except it’s on the sixth floor of a Shinjuku building. The restaurant is part of the DD Holdings portfolio, known for bringing the best of immersive design with crowd-pleasing menus. This isn’t traditional Kyoto cuisine in a quiet ryotei. It’s more theatrical: a stylized mash-up of Kyoto’s alleyways, complete with faux rivers, red lanterns, and a bridge you didn’t expect to see indoors.
The food draws inspiration from Kyoto’s seasonal dishes, but it plays to the izakaya crowd with shareable plates, Kyoto-style sushi rolls, hot pots, and alcohol flowing generously. Despite the setting, it’s not highbrow. It’s designed for dates, group dinners, and nights when you want to eat something interesting in a place that makes you say, “Well, I wasn’t expecting that.”
Ambience and Seating
Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan creates a dining experience that transports guests to the streets of Kyoto. The interior design draws inspiration from Kyoto’s machiya (traditional townhouses), featuring elements like wooden walkways, bamboo accents, and soft lighting. Overall, it’s intended to replicate a traditional Kyoto town, complete with elements like the Gojo Bridge, cobblestone paths, and flowing streams. The use of antique furniture and seasonal decorations, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, enhances the immersive atmosphere.
Seating options are diverse, catering to various group sizes and preferences. The restaurant boasts 275 seats, including various seating options such as horigotatsu (sunken floor seating), private rooms, couple seats, and sofas. This variety caters to different occasions, from intimate dates to large gatherings.
The private rooms are designed with traditional Japanese elements, including tatami mats and low tables, providing an authentic dining setting. For those seeking a more intimate experience, couple’s rooms overlooking the courtyard garden are also offered.
The restaurant’s ambiance is further complemented by the soothing sounds of flowing water, creating a tranquil environment. This attention to detail in both design and atmosphere makes Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan a unique destination for those looking to experience a slice of Kyoto in Tokyo.
Who Should Visit?
Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan caters to a diverse clientele, offering a unique dining experience that appeals to all kinds of groups:
- Couples: The restaurant provides intimate settings, including private rooms overlooking a courtyard garden, ideal for romantic dinners.
- Groups and Parties: With seating options accommodating up to 70 guests, it’s well-suited for gatherings, celebrations, and corporate events.
- Families: Children are welcome, making it a family-friendly destination for those seeking to introduce younger members to traditional Japanese cuisine in an engaging environment.
- Tourists and Culture Enthusiasts: For visitors interested in experiencing Kyoto’s ambiance without leaving Tokyo, the restaurant’s design and menu offer a cultural immersion.
- Food Aficionados: Those keen on exploring Kyoto-style dishes with a modern twist will find the menu’s variety and presentation noteworthy.
<<Book your table at Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan now!>>
Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan Hours & Best Time to Visit
Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan operates with varying hours throughout the week:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Last Order: 10:00 PM)
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Last Order: 1:00 AM)
- Saturday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Last Order: 10:00 PM)
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
Note: The restaurant observes irregular holidays; it’s advisable to check in advance.
The best time to visit will depend on your preferences:
- For a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekday evenings, particularly Monday through Thursday, when the restaurant is less crowded.
- If you’re interested in a livelier atmosphere, Friday nights offer extended hours, making it ideal for late-night gatherings.
- Weekend afternoons provide an opportunity for a leisurely lunch, allowing guests to fully appreciate the restaurant’s Kyoto-inspired ambiance.
Given its popularity, especially during peak hours and weekends, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance to secure your preferred seating.
<<Book your table at Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan now!>>
How to Get to Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan
Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan is located on the 6th floor of the Musashino Kaikan building at 3-27-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Its central location makes it easily accessible via various modes of transportation.
By Train
The restaurant is approximately a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. It is situated near the Central East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station, providing convenient access for travelers using the JR lines. Additionally, it’s a short walk from the A8 Exit of the Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station and the B7 Exit of the Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-sanchome Station.
Walking Directions
From JR Shinjuku Station’s Central East Exit, proceed straight ahead. The Musashino Kaikan building will be on your right-hand side. Take the elevator to the 6th floor to reach the restaurant. If you’re arriving via the Tokyo Metro, use the A8 Exit at Shinjuku Station or the B7 Exit at Shinjuku-sanchome Station, and follow the signs towards Musashino Kaikan.
Visitor Reviews of Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan
Kyomachi Koishigure Shinjuku Honkan receives mixed-to-positive reviews across several platforms, with most visitors highlighting its distinctive ambiance as the star feature.
On Google, the restaurant holds a respectable 3.9 out of 5, based on over 1,200 reviews. Patrons frequently praise the immersive Kyoto-themed décor, courteous staff, and theatrical presentation of dishes. Some note that the food quality, while generally satisfying, occasionally plays second fiddle to the setting.
Over on Tripadvisor, the rating averages 3.5 out of 5 from about 40 reviews. Visitors—particularly international guests—often mention the difficulty in finding the location, but almost all agree it’s worth the trouble. One reviewer captures the sentiment well:
“This is the kind of place you only end up at when you are either a local. Or with a local. We couldn’t find it because it was on the 6th floor of a department store building. But when the elevator doors opened, another world was revealed. It was like a Japanese garden wonderland. I kid you not. GO!”
—from Tripadvisor
Tabelog, Japan’s go-to platform for local food lovers, rates the restaurant at 3.39 out of 5 from 684 reviews, which places it around average for the Shinjuku area. Japanese reviewers often zero in on atmosphere and detail—both positively and critically. One in-depth review offered the following:
“The interior, fully embracing a Japanese aesthetic, creates a calming atmosphere. There are even some spots that remind me of Studio Ghibli, which adds a fun touch. We were seated in a large booth with a sofa. The sofa was quite comfortable, and while I had no major complaints, I felt a more relaxing sofa would have been better. The height of the seat and table was the same, making it feel somewhat ambiguous whether that area was Japanese or Western. I was surprised to find the women’s restroom lights off, so I had to use my smartphone to light the way. The men’s restroom had a slight odor, which was disappointing given the quality of the food. I think they should check the hygiene more frequently. I appreciated the wide selection of drinks available. I wanted to order more food, so I would like to visit again on another occasion.”
—from Tabelog
Overall, while the restaurant may not be chasing Michelin stars, it delivers a visual and cultural experience that resonates with guests—especially those in search of atmosphere and something outside the usual Tokyo dining mold.
Discovering Tokyo’s Foodie Culture
Tokyo’s famous food scene is also about how people experience it. The FoodTravelTokyo YouTube channel captures that perfectly, documenting how travelers from around the world react to Japanese cuisine for the first time. From street snacks in hidden alleys to kaiseki courses in polished restaurants, the channel gives viewers an candid look at the city’s ever-changing dining landscape.
If you’ve had a memorable food experience in Tokyo, or want to be part of one, you can get involved by filling out this short form. It’s a small step toward sharing your story with others navigating Tokyo one bite at a time.
For more information about local interesting restaurants, check these articles too!
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Established in 2016, Japan Web Magazine is a long-running online media platform dedicated to sharing the beauty and uniqueness of Japan with a global audience. Our team is made up of passionate Japan lovers—both Japanese and international writers—who bring a diverse and authentic perspective to every article. We cover everything from must-visit travel destinations across Japan, to local food recommendations, shopping guides, and practical travel tips. In addition to tourism content, we also delve into Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, introducing readers to traditional customs, festivals, and the latest trends in modern Japanese pop culture, including anime and entertainment. Driven by a genuine love for Japan, our mission is to connect readers around the world with the wonders of this incredible country.
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