Kyoto : Toka Saikan Main Branch in Gion-Shijo: Enjoying Authentic Chinese Cuisine

At Kyoto’s Shijo Ohashi, inside an atmospheric Western-style building, you dine while gazing at the Kamo River—delicious Chinese cuisine with the history of this long-established restaurant and a true Kyoto riverside feel. Beer, chili shrimp, and couples along the Kamo River in the daytime sun—Kyoto still tastes great.

In this article, we introduce the Chinese restaurant beside Kyoto’s Shijo Ohashi, “Touka Saikan Main Shop,” based on the author’s own visit.

Highlights of “Touka Saikan Main Shop”

“Touka Saikan Main Shop” Is Beautiful from the Outside

Towering at the foot of Shijo Ohashi, “Touka Saikan Main Shop”—an established Chinese restaurant that carries on good old traditions—serves Beijing cuisine in a Spanish Baroque Western-style building.

The entrance is a gorgeous storefront with a Western-style feel reminiscent of Taisho romance. Walking through that grand doorway as a tourist “solo diner” takes quite a bit of courage—but the staff welcome you with smiles and polite manners, so straighten your collar and go in.

Depending on the season, there are 3 wonderful dining spaces to choose from: Kawadoko (riverbed seating), indoors, and top-floor terrace seats. Any seat makes for an elegant experience, but if you can choose, ask for the spot that looks most wonderful to you and enjoy.

Special Space Unique to Kyoto: Kawadoko (Riverbed)

Kawadoko—a “deck” built out over the Kamo River—is a space full of the Kyoto atmosphere that Shijo is proud of. Having lunch in the refreshing river breeze, gazing at Kyoto and Shijo Ohashi, is very exhilarating. Sit in the seat closest to the river, though, and the sunlight gets too hot—you’ll wear out fast! Be careful!

Interior with a Taisho Roman Feel

Splendid furnishings in the sunlit interior and elegant indoor tables—eating Chinese cuisine indoors is a wonderful experience too. Above all, the staff notice you right away, which makes things super easy.

Top-Floor Terrace Seats with a Great View

Eating Chinese cuisine while gazing at the Kamo River and Gion-Shijo from the top floor is exceptional. The funny (lol) sight of couples sitting at even intervals along the Kamo River embankment is famous—so whether you envy them or reach enlightenment is up to you. Please be careful not to throw things from above.

Eating Supreme Chinese Cuisine

It’s an established luxury Chinese restaurant with high prices—but though pricey, the Chinese cuisine is truly supreme and delicious. The chili shrimp has plump shrimp and a tingling chili kick, perfect with beer while gazing at the Kamo River.

For the sweet and sour pork, each ingredient is generous and the flavor runs deep. That depth of flavor clinging to the tender meat (karaage) pairs perfectly with beer by the Kamo River. Beer is the best!

Gazing at the Kamo River in Kyoto Gion

While gazing at the flow of the Kamo River, why not indulge in beer all day with delicious Chinese cuisine? This is the Kyoto—Gion-Shijo—you’ll want to enjoy.

A Good Old Elevator with a Taisho Roman Feel

The elevator at “Touka Saikan Main Shop” has that good old Taisho Roman feel. Beyond the nostalgic charm of its structure, exterior, and interior, its movement is dynamic and surprisingly fun to ride. It’s wonderful that it’s still in active use.

Location and Access for “Touka Saikan Main Shop”

“Touka Saikan Main Shop” is very close to Kyoto’s famous spot “Shijo Ohashi.” It is a prominent building along the Kamo River, recognizable in an instant.

Location

Get off at Gion-Shijo Station, head outside, cross Shijo Ohashi toward Kawaramachi, and “Touka Saikan Main Shop” is right after the bridge. It’s a very large Western-style building whose grand entrance can feel a bit intimidating—but once you’re inside, the staff guide you comfortably.

Strolling Through Gion-Shijo, Introducing an Adult Walking Course to Touch Kyoto’s Charm

Information for “Touka Saikan Main Shop”

Item	Details
Store Name	Touka Saikan Main Shop (Beijing Cuisine)
Address	〒600-8012 Shijo Ohashi Nishizume, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone Number	075-221-1147
Business Hours	11:30 – 21:30 (L.O. 21:00) *On weekdays, a break may be set between 15:00 and 17:00.
Closed Days	Irregular holidays
Budget (Guide)	Lunch: 3,000 JPY – 5,000 JPY Dinner: 6,000 JPY – 10,000 JPY
Recommended Dishes	・Spring rolls (Traditional flavor wrapped in thin egg skin) ・Boiled dumplings (Characterized by chewy dough) ・Peking duck ・Shark fin soup
Reservations	Possible (Private rooms give priority to course reservations)