Dreamy lunch spot under the red leaves
Outdoor lunch on the way to Jingo-ji temple on Mount Takao.
I’ve witnessed it countless times and yet, every year, the red leaves of the momiji take my breath away. Kyoto is full of incredible spots to enjoy the autumn koyo, but if you want the ultimate Takao experience, I highly recommend visiting on a sunny day. The dense foliage lets the sunlight filter through the branches, bathing everything in a warm red glow, an atmosphere you will remember forever.
(A grey sky makes the scene wonderfully dramatic, too.)
Heartwarming noodles with a view
Suzuri Ishi-tei’s terraces are only set up twice a year, in Spring and Autumn.
We arrived just after opening, around 10:00, under magnificent morning light, and the three terraces were almost empty. Waves of visitors came and went, some bus tours stop here, but the space is wide and open, so even a small crowd never feels overwhelming.
This is not the place for matcha bubble tea, fancy teishoku, or fluffy pancakes. Instead, Suzuri Ishi-tei offers something much better: a genuine, low-key countryside udon restaurant, the kind I adore.
The menu features a variety of udon recipes, from classics to seasonal bowls with momiji leaves, yuzu peel, or fresh mushrooms. I love all kinds of udon, but this time my favourites were the shiitake mushrooms foraged that very morning and the subtle citrusy notes of yuzu peel in the broth.
Fresh yuzu are also available for purchase on-site. I took a couple home and added one to a tarte au citron, a perfect Japanese twist to this French recipe!
Location details
To get there by car, you can park in the riverside paid parking lot (500–1,000 yen/day). From there, climb the long stone stairs or take the back route, which is pedestrian-only.
The area has three temples to explore, as well as several restaurants, including more refined lunch options overlooking the river or even on the river.
You can check the exact location on Google Maps and explore from there:
Suzuri Ishi Tei
Open seasonally from 10:00 to 16:00
Related fabric inspiration
Nishijin-ori obi with large red maple leaves, plum blossoms, and a gold-leaf-like woven background.
After spending the day in Takao surrounded by blazing autumn colours, it was easy to decide which vintage obi to add to my collection that week. The golden threads and vibrant red silk instantly reminded me of the sunlight filtering through the bright leaves.
This obi is available for Custom Order until it sells out.
Get inspired by previous creations like this Ipad sleeve and evening clutch
Let’s create your Kyoto souvenir bag
Clémentine Sandner, the mind and hands behind Mikan Bags, in her Kyoto studio. (photo by Bruna Luise, 2024)
Hello, I’m Clémentine, a French designer living in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Since 2016, I’ve been creating bags from antique Japanese textiles. I fell in love with these fabrics because of how beautifully they express nature, seasons, and traditional craftsmanship.
I wish to create unique handmade bags that let us appreciate these textiles in our daily lives.
If you’d like to visit my studio and browse the collection in person, feel free to get in touch.
You can also explore a curated selection of existing bags online.
And if you’re feeling crafty, join one of my workshops and take part in creating your own Kyoto souvenir bag!