A new tempura bowl restaurant that challenges conventional expectations is set to open in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Gion Ntedon, scheduled for its grand opening on October 23, 2025, offers a unique experience-based menu where guests can enjoy tempura bowls in a hitsumabushi-style dining format.
A New Food Entertainment Destination in Gion
Born from the desire to provide fresh food entertainment in the traditional and tourist-rich district of Gion, Gion Ntedon aims to delight customers with its menu design and store concept rich in "surprises" and "interactive experiences." From the restaurant name to the serving methods, unexpected elements and surprises are incorporated throughout to enhance the dining experience.
Interactive Tempura Bowl Experience
Tempura + Ohitsu Rice
Freshly fried tempura is intentionally served on a separate plate rather than placed on top of rice. The rice is presented in a ceramic ohitsu (traditional rice container), allowing guests to serve their preferred amount into a bowl, arrange the tempura on top, and create their own custom tempura bowl.
Kyoto-Style Matcha Rice
In true Kyoto fashion, the rice is blended with matcha, giving it a subtle green tint. Pre-seasoned with kombu and shiitake dashi during cooking, the rice offers a flavorful and rich taste even when enjoyed on its own.
French Press-Extracted Hot Dashi
For the finishing touch, guests use a tabletop French press to extract hot dashi broth. Using the included hourglass timer to measure the extraction time ensures maximum umami development. Once ready, pour the dashi over the tempura bowl to enjoy a refreshing, ochazuke-style finale. Similar to hitsumabushi, this innovative approach allows multiple enjoyment experiences from a single bowl.
Flavor-Changing Condiments
Multiple condiments are provided, including tempura-specific matcha salt and local Kyoto pickles. Adding these gradually throughout the meal allows guests to experience various flavor transformations within a single tempura bowl.
Casual Vegan Tempura Bowl
The restaurant also offers a casual vegan tempura bowl, with everything from the tempura sauce to the dashi made without animal products. While plates and utensils are shared with non-vegan menu items, this option provides a completely plant-based dish for those seeking vegan alternatives.
Kyoto-Inspired Drinks & Takeout
The drink menu enhances the dining experience with carefully selected beverages. The signature homemade umeshu (plum) beer, with its refreshing plum flavor, pairs excellently with tempura. A sake tasting set features local Kyoto selections, including the renowned Tamanohikari brewery, allowing visitors to savor authentic Kyoto flavors.
Takeout service is also available. The homemade plum beer and craft beers can be served in takeout cups, perfect for enjoying while strolling through Gion's historic streets. This presents a new way to experience Gion – walking the stone-paved streets in the afternoon with a craft beer in hand.
Menu & Pricing
Main Menu:
- Tempura Bowl: ¥1,980
- Tempura Bowl "Jo" (with ikura): ¥2,480
- Tempura Bowl "Jo" (with tuna): ¥2,750
- Vegan Tempura Bowl: ¥2,420
Side Menu:
- Tuna Tempura: ¥880
- Shrimp Tempura: ¥440
- Single Tempura Item: ¥380
- Two Tempura Items: ¥720
- Sashimi Yuba Mochi: ¥660
Drink Menu:
- Homemade Plum Beer 280ml: ¥840
- Homemade Plum Beer 420ml: ¥1,250
- Sake Tasting Set: ¥1,500
- Red Wine: ¥720
- Plum Wine: ¥820
- Highball: ¥720
- Plum Highball: ¥820
Note: Menu items are examples. Tempura varieties may change based on ingredient availability. Prices and product names are subject to change due to specification updates.
Restaurant Information
Name: Gion Ntedon
Location: 141-2 Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0811 (Quatre Saisons Gion 1F)
Access:
- Approx. 4-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Main Line)
- Approx. 8-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line)
Hours:
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order: 3:00 PM)
- 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
Pre-Opening Period: October 17–19 and October 22, 2025
Note: Hours during pre-opening may change. Please check Google Maps or Instagram before visiting.
Grand Opening: October 23, 2025
Seating: Counter seats (6), Table seats (2 tables: one 4-seater, one 6-seater)
The intimate space accommodates both small groups and larger parties. Counter seating offers a front-row view of the cooking process, allowing guests to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of tempura being freshly prepared.
Official Instagram: @ntedon_tempura
Google Maps: View Location
