01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Set near the Ritsumeikan University campus on the route linking Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji, Mugendo pairs straightforward meat dishes with filling bowls of rice. Inside, a calm, country-style ambience sets the tone as local students and sightseers on foot settle into tables throughout the day.
A perennial favourite is the pork shogayaki, coated in a rich, deeply savoury ginger sauce. The tender pork and assertive glaze pair naturally with plain white rice, and ordering it as a set alongside dashi-rich miso soup forms the standard rhythm here. Rice sets come in small, medium, and large portions, making it easy to adjust for a lighter appetite or a substantial, satisfying meal. For something lighter, grilled pork with grated daikon radish offers a refreshing alternative, while chicken katsu or tonkatsu delivers satisfying deep-fried comfort.
Beyond full meals, Mugendo also shines with its café and snack selection. Sandwiches like chicken katsu and mixed fillings, an array of toasts, and drinks ranging from coffee and matcha floats to cream sodas with melon or white peach syrups make it a welcome spot to linger after eating or pause for an afternoon break. On weekdays, the diner stays open from midday until 22:00, serving as comfortably for a casual lunch as it does for a late, warming dinner.
