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There’s an interesting dichotomy to Kyoto. On the one hand, the city was the capital of Japan for more than a millennium, and so remains a center for the country’s cultural traditions. But on the other hand, it’s also a city of nearly 1.5 million people, who also have interests more modern than calligraphy and flower arrangement.
So really, Kyoto is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Because of its strong connection to old-school arts and aesthetics, though, modern businesses often make the effort to blend in rather than stand out when opening branches in Kyoto, and the latest to do so is the Hard Rock Cafe.
The music-themed restaurant is getting ready to open its first-ever location in Kyoto. The eatery will be located in the city’s Gion quarter, known for its long, low machiya-style townhouse architecture, so rather than build a flashy modern structure, the Kyoto Hard Rock will occupy a building that keeps the flow of the traditional cityscape, and also carries numerous Japanese styling cues over to the interior as well.
There will, of course, be an attached gift shop selling exclusive Kyoto-themed Hard Rock merchandise, but what’s even more exciting is the menu. In addition to Hard Rock Standards like burgers, steaks, and other Western fare, the Hard Rock Cafe Kyoto will also have special Japanese meals making use of locally grown Kyoto vegetables.
The exact menu has yet to be revealed, but with the restaurant’s grand opening coming up soon on July 12, you’ll be able to try the special Kyoto items yourself this summer.
Restaurant information
Hard Rock Café Kyoto / ハードロックカフェ京都
Address: Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Nakanocho, Shinmonzendori Yamato Oji Higashi Iri Motoyoshicho 67
京都市東山区新橋通大和大路東入元吉町 67番地
Source, images: PR Times
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© SoraNews24
7 Comments
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kohakuebisu
Restaurant, scratch that, diner chain famous for decorating with rock memorabilia opens in building in a traditional architectural style famous for minimal decoration.
Starbucks did the same in Kyoto, but it saddens me that people can't go in a restaurant in a nice building without a brand name over the door. If you are going to Kyoto, please have Kyoto by Kyoto, not Kyoto by Starbucks Inc. or Kyoto by Hard Rock Inc.
TorafusuTorasan
The Hard Rock Cafe and Casino business has been owned by Florida's Seminole tribe for over a decade. Must be doing pretty well to allow investment in high-concept / risk-taking designs like this Kyoto machiya.
Kenji Fujimori
I think kyoto folks themselves are over the old image look..
FizzBit
Best burger in Japan IMO.
TARA TAN KITAOKA
It is not abt like, it is abt money. Kyoto people like money.