KYOTO, JAPAN – During my last trip to Japan, we stopped for dinner at Kichi Kichi Omurice in Kyoto’s Gion district. Kichi Kichi is all over Instagram and TikTok. It’s the place to be for influencers and sometimes that makes me nervous. The restaurant has all the quirkiness you expect from a Japanese tourist restaurant with an entertaining chef and a cool staff that matches the vibe.
Travelers from around the world show up earlier in the day to line-up for a chance to eat dinner there. Our first attempt to visit was a failure, showing up too late for the line, but we made it on the next day in Kyoto a few hours before service.
When you enter you are joined by others, although there is an option book private service for those with the means for that. Culturally that can be a little awkward depending on where your fellow diners are from.
I was unsure if I was walking into a tourist trap, but once the show was over and I had their omurice in my mouth, I am happy to report back that Kichi Kichi Omurice serves a very delicious range of dishes that will leave you both entertained and satisfied on food. The eggs were perfectly fluffy and I loved the topping sauce. Even the small portion was filling as well.
You’ll pay extra for the experience, but that is to be expected when visiting a place clearly targeted tourists and foreigners. Vegetarian options are available for those who do not eat meat as well. There were hardly any Japanese people dining inside. I think Kichi Kichi should be done at least once by tourists, but the food was memorable enough that I wouldn’t mind returning with someone who has not been yet.
The rules have recently changed to allow online reservations for lunch and dinner service, but I would always check ahead in case there is an issue or change in service if you are on a tight schedule.
Overall, I recommend Kichi Kichi Omurice and would gladly return one day in the future.
Restaurant Name: Kichi Kichi Omurice
Address: 185-4 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8017, Japan
Phone number: +81 75-211-1484
Average cost: 2,000-3,500 yen
Menu: kichikichi.com/en/menu/
Reservations: jpneazy.com
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About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 10 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.
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