Kyoto > Kitchen Taro (キッチンTARO): Muko’s Hidden Teishoku Food Awaits
※Description:
Tucked away in the quiet city of Muko, Kyoto Prefecture, just a few stops from Kyoto’s hustle, Kitchen Taro (キッチンTARO) at Nishinodan-4-2 Teradocho serves authentic Japanese comfort food with a side of local charm.
This long-standing diner is a haven for teishoku (定食) lovers, offering three daily-changing higawari teishoku (日替わり定食) menus, each with three unique okazu (おかず) side dishes “a new taste every day”. Priced at just 750 to 1,500 yen, its delicious, wholesome meals are kind to both wallet and body.
Equally tempting is their fruit sando (フルーツサンド), piled high with freshly cut fruit for only 750 yen, or a glass of seasonal fruit juice “squeezed on the spot”. Once two shops, Kitchen Taro (キッチンTARO) and Fruit Parlor (フルーツパラ), they merged to create a one-stop delight. Free from tourist crowds and foreigners, it’s the best spot for real Japanese food at unbeatable prices.
A Brief History of Kitchen Taro
Kitchen Taro (キッチンTARO) has been a Muko staple for decades, dishing out hearty teishoku (定食) to locals craving home-style flavors. Originally separate, Kitchen Taro (キッチンTARO) focused on savory meals, while Fruit Parlor (フルーツパラ) specialized in fresh fruit desserts. Their merger blended the best of both, creating a unique dining experience where you can savor a nourishing meal and a sweet treat under one roof. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, quality, and affordability, drawing loyal customers to this unassuming gem.
Exploring the Restaurant and Surroundings
Stepping into Kitchen Taro (キッチンTARO) feels like entering a cozy Japanese home. The daily higawari teishoku (日替わり定食) menus surprise with three okazu (おかず) sides “think miso-glazed fish, simmered vegetables, or pickled radish”, ensuring variety with every visit. At 750-1,500 yen, the value is unmatched for such flavorful, healthy food. The fruit sando (フルーツサンド) steals the show, stuffed with generous layers of seasonal fruit for just 750 yen “a steal for its size”.
You can enjoy it in-house or take it to go, perfect for munching while sightseeing in Kyoto’s nearby temples or quiet streets. Pair it with a freshly squeezed fruit juice for a refreshing finish. Unlike Kyoto’s tourist-packed eateries, this spot sees mostly locals, offering a calm, authentic vibe. Nearby Muko’s serene shrines and temples add to the charm, ideal for a leisurely post-meal stroll.
Nearby Attractions
Muko Jinja (向日神社): A serene Shinto shrine with deep local history, a short walk away (learn more).
Komyoji (光明寺): A tranquil Buddhist temple known for its autumn foliage (learn more).
Sankoji (三光寺): A hidden temple with stunning city views (learn more).
※NTRanking: 8.0 / 10
Kitchen Taro (キッチンTARO) excels for its authentic teishoku (定食), unbeatable prices, and crowd-free setting. Far from Kyoto’s tourist chaos, it’s a local favorite with no foreigners in sight. The delicious variety and fruit sando (フルーツサンド) shine, though its small size and simple decor keep it just shy of perfection.
※How to Get There:
・From Kyoto Station (approximately 20 minutes):
Take the JR Sanin Main Line from Kyoto Station (京都駅) to Mukomachi Station (向日町駅), which takes about 10 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes north to Nishinodan-4-2 Teradocho.
・From Osaka (approximately 45 minutes):
Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Osaka Station (大阪駅) to Kyoto Station (京都駅), about 30 minutes.
Transfer to the JR Sanin Main Line to Mukomachi Station (向日町駅), 10 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes north to Nishinodan-4-2 Teradocho.
・From Nagaokakyo (approximately 15 minutes):
Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Nagaokakyo Station (長岡京駅) to Mukomachi Station (向日町駅), which takes about 5 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes north to Nishinodan-4-2 Teradocho.
※Address:
Nishinodan-4-2 Teradocho, Muko, Kyoto 617-0002
