Hello. Tempura & Sake Ginkiten. I am in charge of PR at Kyoto Porta branch.

The clear night sky quietly signals the deepening of autumn. Located in the basement of Porta, just beyond the hustle and bustle of Kyoto Station, our restaurant offers a space and dining experience brimming with surprises that will help you forget the busyness of everyday life. In this feature, we’ll highlight menus that shine with unexpected combinations and the charm of our seats—known only to those in the know—to bring you new discoveries you can only experience here.

An Unexpected Harmony of Textures: Breaking New Ground with Cheese and Tempura

While many people associate tempura with seafood and vegetables, our “cream cheese” tempura—which we proudly offer—has been surprising and delighting many of our customers. By coating the cheese in batter and frying it briefly at a high temperature, we’ve achieved an exquisite contrast: a light, crispy exterior and a rich, creamy interior where the cheese’s umami melts in your mouth. This dish offers a completely new taste experience that defies conventional notions of tempura. Furthermore, when ordered alongside our “Cream Cheese with Chili Oil” as a snack to accompany drinks, the creaminess of the cheese blends with the spicy kick of the chili oil, allowing you to experience a deeper richness and a variety of flavor nuances. One of the challenges we value most is broadening the horizons of culinary enjoyment through unexpected combinations while bringing out the unique character of each ingredient. Please come and experience the luxurious moment when the cheese melts in your mouth as you take a bite of this piping-hot, freshly fried dish.

Experience the live atmosphere and tranquility created by the artisans right at the counter

Although it’s conveniently located directly connected to Kyoto Station, the moment you step inside, you’ll find a serene space dominated by natural wood tones. The counter seats, in particular, are prime spots—perfect for dining alone or enjoying a quiet conversation with someone special. The sound of the chef skillfully frying tempura right before your eyes and the fragrant aroma that rises from the kitchen create a vibrant, live atmosphere that stimulates all five senses. In this space, which feels completely detached from the hustle and bustle of the station, you can enjoy your meal at your own pace without worrying about those around you. Moreover, watching the chef’s movements from across the counter offers an experience that goes beyond a simple meal. Why not make use of these counter seats as a quiet moment to treat yourself at the end of a busy day, or as a place to take a breather between sightseeing stops? We’ve created an environment where you can fully savor each dish, showcasing the chef’s masterful craftsmanship.

Enjoy an Affordable Afternoon and Discover Your Own Golden Ratio

We offer Happy Hour every day from 11:00 AM to 4:59 PM, featuring a wide selection of options to help you make the most of your time. In particular, our “Green Tea High Kettle” and “Hojicha High Kettle,” made with tea leaves from Oyaizu Seicha, come in generous portions—perfect for an afternoon of endless conversation with friends without ever having to interrupt the flow of the conversation. Additionally, our shochu soda lineup allows you to adjust the strength to your liking, offering the fun of finding your own perfect balance to suit your mood that day. For example, you can create your own evening drink pairing by enjoying a refreshing “Tantaka Tansan” alongside freshly fried “Young Chicken Thigh Karaage.” Taking advantage of our convenient location directly connected to the station, you can start your evening early to avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely meal—another major attraction. We look forward to welcoming you anytime as a place that adds a little color to your everyday life.