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Discover Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi North for delicious Tendon without the wait! This family-friendly spot in Kawaramachi is perfect before Kiyomizu-dera. Enjoy crispy tempura and refreshing clam soup in 2026.
After an exciting morning exploring Umeda and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, my family and I were ready for a well-deserved lunch. The Kyoto summer can be quite warm and humid, and with all the walking, everyone was starting to feel a bit worn out, especially my young nieces and nephews who were getting hungry!
Our original plan was to head straight to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, but with rumbling tummies and tired feet, we decided to make a detour. We opted to grab a satisfying meal near Kawaramachi before continuing our adventures.
My sister had a craving for Tendon (tempura rice bowl), so I quickly searched for Tendon Makino, a spot I'd saved on my travel list.
Reviews often mention long queues at their main branch, so we strategically pivoted to the nearby branch: Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi North.
And let me tell you, it was absolutely the right call!
📌 Essential Information
Category | Details |
Location | Near Kyoto Teramachi Shopping Arcade |
Menu Ordered | Summer Special Tendon Soba Set / Tendon B Set |
Opening Hours | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
Recommendation | Less crowded than the main branch, family-friendly |
Avoid the Main Branch Crowds – Head Here!
The restaurant is easy to find, just a short stroll into the Teramachi shopping arcade. Thanks to our decision to bypass the main branch, we were seated immediately upon arrival – a true blessing when traveling with hungry kids!
Being a relatively new establishment, both the exterior and interior were impeccably clean and inviting. Many restaurants and cafes in Kyoto often incorporate serene small gardens or thoughtful landscaping into their indoor spaces, and Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi North was no exception. It had that quintessential Kyoto charm.
Sitting by the window, gazing at the tranquil view, it felt like a peaceful pause in our busy day. As soon as everyone settled in, there was a collective sigh of relief, with comments like, “Ah, this is more like it!”
Family-Friendly Seating for Travelers with Kids
When you're traveling with children, seating can be a major consideration when choosing a restaurant. Thankfully, the staff here were incredibly accommodating. Seeing the kids, they guided us to a comfortable sofa-style booth, which meant we didn't even need to ask for high chairs.
The little ones could sit comfortably, and with just a few extra plates, we could easily share the Tendon's rice and soft tempura. They absolutely loved it!
Our Menu Review
Ordering was simple: we called a staff member to our table. The menu featured clear pictures, making it easy to choose even if your Japanese is limited.
My sister went for the seasonal 'Summer Special Tendon Soba Set,' while I opted for the 'Tendon B Set,' which included a delicious egg tempura.
First to arrive was the clam soup, included with our sets. Honestly, I only expected the tempura to be the star, but this clam soup was surprisingly flavorful! Packed with fresh clams, the broth was clean and incredibly refreshing. It was exactly what we needed after all that walking – a truly soothing start to our meal.
The kids quieted down, happily fishing out clams, and my sister kept remarking how delicious it was.
Soon after, our Tendon bowls arrived, piled high with generously sized tempura!
My bowl featured a variety of crispy delights, including egg tempura, assorted vegetable tempura, and a magnificent conger eel tempura, all atop a bed of perfectly seasoned rice.
The batter was golden, crispy, and savory, pairing wonderfully with the flavorful rice underneath.
The conger eel tempura, which surprised me with its length when it first arrived, was incredibly tender and light, never feeling heavy or greasy.
And to top it all off, a cold Kirin draft beer was the perfect accompaniment. Kyoto's summer heat and humidity can be intense, so stepping in from the outside and enjoying a crisp, cold beer was pure bliss.
My sister and I clinked our glasses, both agreeing, “Skipping the main branch queue for this was definitely worth it!”
Smart Ordering Tip to Save Your Wallet
The Tendon here is incredibly generous, both in the size of the tempura and the amount of rice. It can be quite a substantial meal!
If you're not a huge eater or prefer smaller portions, a great tip for two people is to have one person order a full set and the other opt for an a la carte Tendon. You'll likely find it's more than enough.
We certainly found ourselves full quite quickly!
What We Loved
- Significantly shorter wait times compared to the main branch
- Excellent location for those visiting Kawaramachi and Kiyomizu-dera
- Comfortable dining experience, even with children
- The clam soup included in the set was a delightful surprise
Things to Consider
- The surrounding Teramachi shopping arcade can get quite busy, especially after lunchtime
- Seating isn't overly spacious, but it's comfortable enough
- The Tendon portions are generous, which might feel a bit heavy on a hot day
Who We Recommend This For!
- Travelers looking for a great lunch spot near Kyoto's Kawaramachi area
- Anyone wanting to enjoy Tendon Makino without the long queues of the main branch
- Visitors seeking a meal before heading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Families traveling with parents or young children
📝 Our Takeaway
For delicious Tendon in Kyoto's Kawaramachi, Tendon Makino's branch is your go-to to avoid the notorious queues of the main store.
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According to the article, the main store often has long waiting lines, whereas the branch is less crowded, allowing immediate entry upon arrival. This is a significant advantage for enjoying a meal without the burden of waiting.
The article mentions the 'Summer Special Tendon Soba Set' and the 'Tendon B Set'. The Tendon B Set includes an additional fried egg, and both sets come with clam soup, offering a refreshing and clean taste.
When accompanied by children, staff will guide you to comfortable sofa-style seating. Children can sit easily without needing a high chair, and you can receive a separate plate to share the tendon's rice and tempura.
The tendon here features large tempura pieces and generous rice portions, which might make it challenging to finish a whole bowl. If you usually eat less, it's recommended that when visiting as a pair, one person orders a set menu and the other orders an à la carte tendon.
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