Fodor's Expert Review Shinsen-en Heihachi

South of Nijo Castle, this touristy restaurant is on the grounds of the remaining garden of the original Imperial Palace. The 1,200-year-old Sacred Spring Garden dates from AD 794, when the Emperor Kammu established Kyoto as the nation's capital. The charming shrine, placid pond, and vermilion bridge are all that remain. You can dine with a view of the pond while you enjoy an ultrathick udon noodle hot pot and listen to taiko drummers perform. Lunch courses are a better deal than the dinners, which are more than twice as expensive. There are not many à la carte options, but single items start at a more affordable price.