Arriving late into Kyoto, I followed a local recommendation to Kyoto Tower Sando and ended up eating a solid NICK STOCK wagyu burger beneath Kyoto Tower.
Introduction to Nick Stock Kyoto
I could not decide between sushi or wagyu for dinner in Kyoto. Most restaurants close to Kyoto Station had already stopped serving food and the hotel I had booked APA Kyoto Ekikita, did not even serve food, it only had a vending machine and an ice engine (ice machine). The rooms were tiny too, comfy but ridiculously small by western standards, be warned.
I also learned that Kyoto is known for not being friendly to foreigners, something I discovered upon exiting the Shinkansen station, even the taxi rank sign blatantly points it out!.
I have also written a detailed Japan Rail Pass guide explaining how it makes travelling between cities like Tokyo and Kyoto and other cities far simpler compared to using regional train services.
Kyoto Tower Sando (Food Hall)
After walking around for a while, I noticed a local shop owner locking up his store. Using Google Translate, I asked him where I could still buy food nearby. His reaction caught me off guard when he smiled and replied in clear English. He suggested I head to Kyoto Tower Sando.
He explained that Kyoto Tower Sando sits one or two floors beneath Kyoto Tower. The space contains multiple restaurants, street food stalls, and bars on a single level. That recommendation immediately solved my problem, so I headed there.
NICK STOCK Wagyu Burger and Steak Bar
Once inside Kyoto Tower Sando, I took a slow walk around the floor. Several places were still serving food, which made the choice harder. I came across NICK STOCK Wagyu Steak and Burger Bar first and decided to stop there rather than keep searching.
At that point, I wanted something filling and straightforward after a long travel day. I ordered a wagyu burger along with a ginger drink. The burger was well cooked, satisfying, and easy to eat without feeling heavy. The ginger drink paired well with the meal and tasted refreshing rather than overly sweet.
During my visit, I also spoke briefly with the staff. They were welcoming to foreigners and comfortable speaking English, which made ordering simple and stress free. That small detail made a difference after a long journey.
This was not a planned dining stop, but it worked well. The location, opening hours, and food made it a reliable option near Kyoto Station.
How to Find NICK STOCK Wagyu Burger and Steak Bar
NICK STOCK Wagyu Steak and Burger Bar is located inside Kyoto Tower Sando beneath Kyoto Tower. From Kyoto Station, follow signs for Kyoto Tower and enter the lower levels of the building. Kyoto Tower Sando is clearly signed and easy to access.
Once inside the food hall, NICK STOCK opens directly onto the main floor. It sits alongside several other restaurants and bars, making it easy to spot without searching.
Located in: Kyoto Tower Building
Address: Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 721-1 京都タワービル 地下1階～2階
Conclusion
If you arrive into Kyoto late or already there seeking Japanised western food or other Japanese street food establishments and need a dependable place to eat near the station, NICK STOCK inside Kyoto Tower Sando is a practical choice. It is easy to find, traveller friendly, and works well when other nearby restaurants have already closed.
