Exploring 16 Exquisite Fine Dining Experiences in Gion, Kyoto, Japan

Restaurants in Gion

Kyoto, Japan's most ancient city, is renowned for its numerous fine dining destinations across various culinary genres, including kaiseki and Japanese cuisine. The Gion district, known as one of the country's best historical entertainment quarters, draws tourists with its stunning temples and shrines that showcase the beauty of Japan's four seasons, quaint back alleys with flagstone paths, and historic townhouses.

Beyond its architectural charms, Gion is a culinary haven, with eateries lining its charming streets. At its heart lies Hanami Lane (Hanamikoji Dori), spanning from north to south. The northern side of Shijo Dori, which intersects Hanami Lane, is lined with reasonably priced izakayas (informal Japanese-style bars), while the southern end boasts long-established, high-end restaurants, including those listed in the Michelin Guide.

​​In this article, the editorial team from OMAKASE—the only online culinary service provider in Japan officially recognized by the Michelin Guide—will guide you through the best restaurants in Gion, Kyoto, across various genres:

1. Kaiseki & Japanese Cuisine
2. Sushi
3. Tempura
4. Yakiniku, Yakitori, and Wagyu

The restaurants featured here each offer a unique culinary experience of Kyoto with the highest quality dishes, making the dining experience a highlight of your trip!

Kaiseki & Japanese cuisine

Ryo-sho

Two Stars

Michelin Guide, 2024

In less than a year, Ryo-sho earned two Michelin stars for its exquisite, creative Kyoto-style cuisine with innovative French accents. The omakase course focuses on presenting each dish at its best, showcasing authentic Kyoto-style cuisine infused with French techniques, such as spiny lobster glazed with egg-yolk sauce, and a soup featuring tilefish, tofu skin, and nanohana (rapeseed). The food at Ryo-sho perfectly pairs with French wine and Japanese sake, offered with excellent service in an ambiance filled with Japanese artistry, including paintings and tableware.

Gion Fukushi

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2024

1. Japanese Cuisine West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2023 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)

Gion Fukushi offers an exquisite kaiseki experience celebrating Japanese and Kyoto cuisine. Chef Fukushi carefully sources fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that change daily, showcasing the finest flavors of each season. After years of honing his skills at renowned restaurants, Chef Fukushi now skillfully prepares dishes that reflect Kyoto's rich heritage, tailored to every guest. This culinary mastery earned Gion Fukushi a coveted Michelin star and placement among Japan's Best 100 Restaurants. Step into the tranquil Japanese ambience amidst the bustling streets of Gion to witness Chef Fukushi's artistry at the 200-year-old cypress wood counter.

Gion Sasaki

1. Michelin (2020 - 24)：★★★
2. Japanese Cuisine West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)
3. Japan Restaurant Award, Silver (2018,2022)
4. Japan Restaurant Award, Bronze (2017,19,20,21,23,24)

Pushing the boundaries of Kyoto's cuisine, Gion Sasaki offers one-of-a-kind course meals that artfully blend modern elements with long-established traditions. Chefs energetically prepare each innovative dish in the open kitchen at the center of the counter seating. Winning three stars on the Michelin Guide and top accolades from Japan's restaurant review websites, Gion Sasaki ranks among the city's most sought-after dining destinations. After relocating and renovating, the establishment reopened in 2023. A collaboration between young chefs and the experienced Chef Sasaki continues to redefine Kyoto cuisine, presenting diners with an unparalleled gastronomic experience.

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Gion Matayoshi

1. Michelin (2016 - 24)：★★
2. Japanese Cuisine West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,23 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)
3. Japan Restaurant Award, Bronze (2017 - 24)

The creative tea ceremony kaiseki cuisine offered at Gion Matayoshi has gained popularity among food enthusiasts, resulting in two Michelin stars for nine consecutive years. The course ranges from simple dishes crafted with respect for nature to gorgeous delicacies depicting the bustling town of Gion, Kyoto. All ingredients are carefully selected to ensure that guests are offered the best possible quality. Carefully chosen tableware that also reflects seasonality complements the exquisite meal offered in the sophisticated ambiance with heartfelt hospitality.

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Gion Maruyama

1. Michelin (2010 - 24)：★★
2. Japanese Cuisine West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)
3. Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2018 - 21)

From the meticulously selected ingredients to the tableware and decorations, everything at Gion Maruyama encompasses the essence of Japanese hospitality, creating a dining experience akin to a comprehensive artwork. With a focus on the beauty of each season, the restaurant crafts dishes that feature bamboo shoots in spring, ayu sweetfish in summer, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and snow crab in winter, all reflecting the freshness of their respective seasons. These ingredients are charcoal-grilled to bring out their best flavors. Gion Maruyama, awarded two Michelin stars for 15 consecutive years, welcomes guests into their tatami rooms, where they can enjoy their meals in an ambiance of beauty, tranquility, and harmony unique to Japanese culture.

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Gion Nishikawa

1. Michelin (2010 - 24)：★★
2. Japanese Cuisine West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,23 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)
3. Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2017 - 24)

At Gion Nishikawa, dishes showcasing abundant local Kyoto vegetables highlight seasonality, while sashimi featuring sea bream and pike conger are among Chef Nishikawa's aesthetically creative offerings, making the dining experience even more memorable. The course content changes slightly day-to-day depending on the sourced ingredients, reflecting Chef Nishikawa's endeavor to bring out the best flavors from every component and to honor the voices of the producers. The Michelin Guide recognized Gion Nishikawa shortly after its opening, awarding it two stars for 15 consecutive years for its exquisite cuisine and remarkable hospitality. Step into this traditional Japanese-style building with a miniature garden for a culinary journey that will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip to Kyoto.

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Sushi

Gion Sushi Tadayasu

1. Japanese Sushi West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022,23 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)

“Sushi Tadayasu,” offering Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi in Gion, Kyoto, is an outstanding sushi restaurant driven by the owner’s passion for sushi. They meticulously select ingredients from a market in Tokyo. The ingredients are then left to sit, allowing them to mature and enhance their savory flavors. Depending on the topping, they utilize two types of vinegar rice, each carefully portioned and formed to suit the topping. Additionally, even the temperature of the toppings is adjusted accordingly to bring out the best taste. Sushi Tadayasu offers a unique opportunity to savor the finest food created by the expertise and skill of its chefs.

In the sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, where the essence of Japanese culture envelopes you, indulge in authentic Edomae sushi in Gion, Kyoto. Delight yourself in not only the traditional Edomae sushi but also nigiri sushi (sushi topped with fish or other ingredients) with innovative toppings such as broad velvet shrimp and caviar.

Sushi Matsumoto

1. Michelin (2019,20,23,24)：★
2. Japanese Sushi West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)

Sushi Matsumoto has earned one Michelin star three times and has establishments in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and Fukuoka. The Kyoto branch also offers an immersive experience in traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi. They only offer omakase courses, where the chef curates the dishes to ensure a delightful combination of appetizers with playful touches and traditional Edomae sushi.

The carefully-designed omakase course begins with freshwater clam soup, followed by appetizers with playful touches such as deep-fried nebuto (a type of cardinal fish), chawanmushi (smooth steamed egg custard with soup stock in a cup) topped with pickled plum, and two types of sea urchin. In the latter half of the course, traditional Edomae sushi is served, rounding out the elegant course.

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Sushi Rakumi

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2024

Sushi Rakumi, which opened in 2019, offers Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi, following in the footsteps of the renowned Japanese restaurant, “Gion Sasaki,” a 2003 Michelin Kyoto three-starred restaurant known to be one of the hardest restaurants to get a reservation at in Kyoto. Sushi Rakumi has received one Michelin star for four consecutive years since 2020. Top chef Kazuya Nomura began his training at Gion Sasaki and was later appointed to work at “Sushi Yoshitake” in Ginza, Tokyo, which held three Michelin stars for 12 consecutive years until 2023. Sushi Rakumi offers a harmonious blend of Kyoto's traditional dishes crafted with the highest expertise in Edomae sushi.

From the restaurant, you can take in a splendid view of nature which changes gracefully through Japan’s four seasons. In spring, you can enjoy the illuminated sakura (cherry blossoms) at night.

Tempura

Enyuan Kobayashi

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2024

The tempura kaiseki course at Enyuan Kobayashi features sashimi and side dishes, but the star is undoubtedly the tempura. Each piece boasts a thin, crispy outer batter encasing a soft, juicy interior; the result of Chef Kobayashi's painstaking efforts to craft tempura with the perfect texture. The exquisite tempura is served beautifully, bringing an aesthetic joy to complement the flavors. Elements of Kyoto cuisine shine through in the vegetable delicacies served intermittently, refreshing the palate between tempura dishes. Earning one Michelin star in less than a year after its inception, Enyuan Kobayashi keeps striving to provide an unforgettable dining experience to every guest. Take a coveted seat at the counter, where you can savor the joyful sounds and pleasing aromas as the chef skillfully prepares each piece.

Gion Fuji

1. Japanese Tempura Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2023 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)

At the counter seats of Gion Fuji, witness tempura being fried right before your eyes, offered with a variety of sauces and seasonings so you can adjust the flavors to your preference. Having honed his skills as the head tempura chef at Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Chef Fujimoto meticulously prepares each piece to perfection using first-pressed safflower oil, creating a light texture that brings out the inherent sweetness of the ingredients. A spot among Japan's Best 100 Restaurants underscores Gion Fuji's excellence, with an expert sommelier selecting the perfect wines and champagnes to complement the tempura meals. The warm orange lighting in the interior creates a sophisticated, modern ambiance with Japanese touches, making the venue an ideal setting for any occasion.

Kyoboshi

1. Michelin (2010 - 2024)：★
2. Japanese Tempura Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022,23 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)
3. Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2017 - 22)

At the long-established Kyoboshi, the third-generation head chef crafts tempura using traditional techniques and a secret blend of oil and eggless batter. This tempura is complemented by original powdery snow-like salt and grated daikon radish served with lemon. With the carefully guarded oil and salt mixture that has been passed down through the generations, Chef Sakakibara skillfully adjusts the heat to craft tempura that showcases Kyoboshi's traditional skills and storied history. After receiving one Michelin star in 2010, this venue gained worldwide renown and has held its esteemed Michelin status since. Kyoboshi features only counter seating, offering freshly fried tempura to each diner in a Japanese-style ambiance with ample spacing to ensure relaxation.

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Yakiniku & Yakitori & Wagyu

Rikichan Gionten

1. Japanese Yakiniku West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2023 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)

For savoring top-quality yakiniku in Gion, there's no better destination than Rikichan, where tender female black beef loin is prepared to delight the most discerning palates. Awarded a spot among Japan's Best 100 Yakiniku Restaurants, Rikichan offers a distinctive experience. Witness the charcoal-grilling process right before your eyes, and enjoy the meat cooked so tender that it can be cut with a fork into succulent bites. The course consisting of grilled loin, chateaubriand steak, and specialty tongue is accompanied by deliciously prepared kimchi and fresh vegetables, creating a truly memorable yakiniku feast.

Wabiya Korekido Gionhanamikoji Honten

1. Japanese Yakitori Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022 (on famous Japanese gourmet website)

Careful preparation and minimal seasoning make the yakitori chicken at Wabiya Korekido remarkable, highlighting the natural flavor of chicken raised in a stress-free environment. Seasonal vegetables accompany the yakitori course, enhancing the overall dining experience. At lunchtime, many gastronomic fans gather here for the exquisite oyakodon (a rice bowl topped with chicken and eggs) served in a hot stone bowl with raw eggs, which has received extensive media coverage. For dinner, a sommelier is available to select the perfect drink to pair with your yakitori, offering a wide selection of popular and rare wines and champagnes. The restaurant boasts a modern Japanese interior, featuring both counter seats and private rooms, ensuring a comfortable and elegant dining environment.

Niku no Takumi Miyoshi

1. Michelin (2021)：★
2. Japan Restaurant Award,Gold (2018 - 20)

Japanese kappo cuisine reaches its highest quality at Niku no Takumi Miyoshi, where top-notch beef is enhanced with seasonal vegetables and seafood. This establishment exclusively offers an omakase course, starting with precisely crafted side dishes such as beef shank soup topped with truffles and thin-sliced beef tongue with kelp, and moving onto robustly flavored main dishes like shabu-shabu, steak, and sukiyaki. The course never disappoints beef connoisseurs with its variety of flavors and styles. Niku no Takumi Miyoshi has been awarded a Michelin star and numerous other accolades from gourmet review websites, solidifying its reputation as a top destination for Japanese meat cuisine. Come taste the pinnacle of Japanese meat cuisine, distinct from the yakiniku experience.

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Oden

Oito

1. Bib Gourmand (2023 - 24)

With a history spanning over 90 years, Oito quietly awaits guests in the alleys of Gion, offering long-simmered oden that delights the senses. Recognized as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years, this beloved spot attracts kabuki actors and geisha from Gion who come for its nostalgic flavors. Guests can choose from over 20 different oden options, including classics like daikon radish and eggs, as well as unique items such as a type of taro, beef tendon, and minced pork wrapped in cabbage. While dinner is exclusively for repeat customers and their acquaintances, lunch is available for walk-ins.

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