Must-Visit Alongside Okazaki Shrine! Introducing Kyoto’s Best Udon Restaurants

Kyoto is known for its many famous temples and shrines. The Traveling Cat also enjoys visiting shrines and temples and often goes on these trips! This time, I visited Okazaki Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, which I had wanted to visit for a long time! It’s a shrine that rabbit lovers will adore, and in recent years, it has become popular not just in Japan, but also among international visitors♪ In this post, I’ll share my experience at Okazaki Shrine and also introduce a fantastic udon restaurant I visited on the way back!

●Here’s the article introducing Kyoto’s classic souvenirs and adorable cat-themed souvenirs♪

2025.03.28

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What is Okazaki Shrine (Higashi Tenno Okazaki Shrine)?

One of the shrines built by Emperor Kanmu to protect Heian-kyo, Okazaki Shrine is located on the eastern side of the capital, hence the name Higashi Tenno. It enshrines deities such as Susanoo-no-Mikoto. In 1178, it was believed to be a shrine for safe childbirth after the Empress consort offered a prayer for the emperor’s wife’s delivery.

Okazaki Shrine is home to many rabbits, which have long been considered messengers of the tutelary deity. At the hand-washing pavilion, there is a sculpture symbolizing fertility, and in front of the main hall, you can find a pair of matchmaking rabbit statues. There are also welcoming rabbit figures on the lanterns and fortune slips.

The main blessings at Okazaki Shrine are for fertility, safe childbirth, and protection from misfortune. Due to the rabbit’s association with fertility, many visitors come to pray for childbirth and safe deliveries.

In addition, the shrine is home to a rare Rain Shrine, known as the Dragon God, which was originally located on Mt. Nyoi. This shrine is dedicated to praying for abundant harvests and is also called the Anmesha, believed to provide blessings for curing eye diseases. Be sure to visit and experience it yourself!

Adorable♪ Rabbit Omikuji and Charms

What’s especially popular at Okazaki Shrine is the ‘Rabbit Omikuji Charm’! It’s a rabbit made of ceramic, and you can pull out the omikuji (fortune slip) from the bottom. There are white and pink versions, and both are adorable♪
The Traveling Cat chose the pink one♪ The omikuji result was ‘Sue-kichi’ (a mild fortune)! It wasn’t particularly bad, but the message emphasized not to rush, so I’ve decided to live this year slowly and without stress (laughs).

The rabbit omikuji can be taken home once you remove the omikuji from inside! Of course, you can also choose to leave it behind as an offering. The stage in the center of Okazaki Shrine’s grounds is filled with many of these rabbits that have been offered! When you take a photo, the many rabbits make it look so cute♪

Rabbits scattered everywhere

Okazaki Shrine, home to many rabbits. Here are the rabbits the Traveling Cat discovered and is sharing with you♪

First, the rabbit on the lantern at the entrance. There’s actually a different rabbit on the back side too (I forgot to take a photo…)

As you walk along the approach, you’ll find the guardian rabbits! It’s a unique sight at Okazaki Shrine. Of course, there were also the traditional lion-dog statues (komainu)!

The rabbits offered at the stage in the center of the shrine grounds.

In front of it, there’s a slightly round rabbit♪

At the hand-washing pavilion, there’s a fertility rabbit statue. It’s said that if you pour water and pray while rubbing its belly, you will be blessed with children and have a safe childbirth. Many ema (votive tablets) are displayed, and they also feature cute rabbit drawings♪

Next to it, there’s a large ema displayed, featuring a pair of rabbits.

This rabbit was in the garden. Be sure to look for it! Nearby, you’ll also find a parent and child rabbit♪

The calm and peaceful atmosphere of Okazaki Shrine.

The Okazaki area, where Okazaki Shrine is located, has various tourist spots such as Heian Shrine, the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, the Kyoto City Zoo, and Okazaki Park. Among them, Okazaki Shrine is relatively less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and relaxed visit♪ When the Traveling Cat went, there weren’t many people, so I was able to take my time exploring the shrine grounds. Not only Japanese visitors but also international tourists were there, so I think it’s becoming a popular spot for sightseeing♪

Okazaki Shrine details

Let’s follow the proper etiquette when visiting the shrine.

Shrines are sacred places. When visiting, let’s follow the proper etiquette below:

• Act quietly: In the shrine, be mindful of your surroundings and behave quietly.
• Follow the order of worship: Before passing through the torii gate, bow, and maintain proper order during your visit.
• Purify your hands at the hand-washing station: Cleanse your hands and body at the hand-washing station before offering your prayers.
• Offer an appropriate donation: Place your offering thoughtfully and with gratitude.
• Photography etiquette: When taking photos within the shrine, be considerate of other visitors and only take photos in areas where it’s allowed.

Visiting a shrine is an important moment to purify your mind. By following proper etiquette, you can ensure a more meaningful and respectful worship experience.

A udon shop selected as one of the “100 Best Restaurants.”

After exploring Okazaki Shrine, I stopped by a udon shop on my way back to the station! The shop is called “Yamamoto Menzo.”

Actually, I had passed by the shop before visiting Okazaki Shrine, but there was quite a line, so I walked past. However, we decided to stop by on the way back, and luckily, there were only two servings left, so I managed to get in just in time!

I didn’t know much about the menu, so I asked the staff for their recommendation and placed my order.

The Traveling Cat ordered the popular classic recommendation, “Tsuchi Gobou Ten Zaru” (fried burdock tempura with cold udon), while the fellow travel cat chose the seasonal “Tsuchi Gobou Tempura Mizore Udon” (udon with burdock tempura and a snowy-style broth).

The interior of the restaurant was on the darker side, and I was seated at the counter. The seating area was divided into sections, allowing for adjustment based on the number of people in the group! I could also watch the cooking process right in front of me♪ The staff were full of energy, and they showed great consideration by asking the international guests sitting next to me, “Do you need paper aprons?” The atmosphere was very pleasant.

After a while, the udon finally arrived! First, here’s the Traveling Cat’s Tsuchi Gobou Ten Zaru. I hadn’t had tempura zaru udon much before, but since it was recommended and a bit hot that day, I decided to go for the cold udon to cool off!

The yellow scissors are noodle-cutting scissors. At first, I wondered, “Why is this here??” But the noodles were so long and had a very firm texture that I had to cut them in order to eat! It was my first experience with this (laughs).

At first, I was a bit confused with the noodle-cutting scissors, but I gradually got the hang of it. The noodles had a great bite and were very satisfying to eat. The dipping broth was so delicious, I felt like I could keep eating it forever! (The portion is quite large, so it’s important to go when you’re really hungry! (laughs))

What impressed the Traveling Cat the most was the burdock tempura! The crispy batter paired with the delicious burdock was absolutely amazing! It was tasty with curry powder, and it was also great on its own! The only regret I have now is wondering why I didn’t dip it in the broth…

I was so fond of the burdock tempura that I kept talking about it even after leaving the restaurant! When I visit again, I’ll definitely have it again!!

The travel cat ordered the “Tsuchi Gobou Tempura Mizore Udon,” and as you can see, the noodles are completely hidden under a generous heap of grated daikon! As you can tell from the side view, the bowl is full to the brim! This dish is a seasonal special, available only in winter. It’s also a popular menu item, which is why I decided to try it!

The warm udon was also full of bite and very satisfying, just like the cold version. The travel cat mentioned that the grated daikon made it feel like the end was nowhere in sight… but they managed to finish the whole bowl! Of course, it also had the burdock tempura, making it a truly hearty meal!

As a special treat from the店長 (store manager), I received some杏仁豆腐 (almond tofu)! It had just the right amount of sweetness and was the perfect dessert to end the meal!

The staff were all very friendly, and I really appreciated that the店長 (store manager) personally said goodbye at the end! I’ll definitely take this as inspiration for the staff at It’ ta de (イッタデェ). I was completely satisfied with the delicious meal! I’m definitely planning to stop by again next time I’m nearby!

However, Yamamoto Menzo is very popular, so reservations are actually a must. We were really lucky to get a table without a reservation, but they offer same-day reservations and online reservations starting three days in advance! For more details on how to reserve, please check out Yamamoto Menzo’s official website or Instagram.

They also offer takeout with their “Aozora Bento” (Blue Sky Bento), so it might be nice to enjoy your meal at the nearby Okazaki Park!

The details of the shop can be found here.

On the way back, relax on the Keihan Premium Car.

Since Traveling Cat headed to Kyoto from Osaka, they took the Keihan Premium Car on the way back! The Premium Car requires a Premium Car ticket, and since all seats are reserved, you are guaranteed a seat.

When you hear “reserved seating,” you might think it’s expensive, but when Traveling Cat rode it, it was only 500 yen per person! After a long day of walking, the Premium Car was a huge relief and made the trip much more comfortable!

The Premium Car tickets can be purchased through web sales or at the station’s ticket sales office. Traveling Cat and friends bought their tickets at a cashless vending machine on the platform! Just a heads-up, cash isn’t accepted, so be sure to have your card ready!

It’s a great and convenient option for a relaxing journey when heading back from Kyoto to Osaka, so definitely give it a try!

Kyoto’s charm packed into one spot

Kyoto is home to many historic shrines like Okazaki Shrine, as well as amazing gourmet spots. At Okazaki Shrine, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while admiring the cute rabbits around the shrine. The area around the shrine also offers many iconic Kyoto landmarks, such as Heian Shrine and museums.
After visiting Okazaki Shrine, why not savor some delicious udon at the local favorite, “Yamamoto Menzo”?
Kyoto has countless other wonderful spots and delicious food, so be sure to explore and experience more of the city’s charm for yourself!

Here are some recommended souvenirs from Kyoto!

●Please click on the image.