8 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Kyoto That Accept Same-Day Dinner Reservations

Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Kyoto That Accept Same-Day Dinner Reservations

Restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide often require advance notice due to the need for special ingredient preparation, so same-day bookings are typically not accepted. However, the restaurants featured here allow same-day dinner reservations if booked by early afternoon.

Please note that many of these establishments are highly popular, so same-day availability is not guaranteed. We recommend booking as early as possible, and be sure to check the latest details, as same-day reservations are not always offered.

8 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Kyoto That Accept Same-Day Dinner Reservations

1. Noguchi Tsunagu (のぐち継) / Kaiseki

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

Located near Gion’s Kiritoshi alley and the iconic Tatsumi Bridge, Noguchi Tsunagu is a refined Japanese restaurant that has consistently earned one Michelin star in the Kyoto-Osaka edition of the Michelin Guide.

Chef Daisuke Yoshida began his culinary journey at Kawasho in Fukuoka, later honing his skills at Hotaru in the Kyoto Brighton Hotel, Ginza Kojyu in Tokyo, and Shozan Resort in Kyoto before joining Kyotenjin Noguchi. He now serves as the head chef of this second branch of the Noguchi brand.

The restaurant offers a six-course omakase (chef’s choice) short menu, highlighted by its signature “niku-sui” — a savory soup featuring A5-grade Wagyu beef in place of the traditional soup course. Guests can also order from a selection of à la carte dishes that showcase both warmth and playful creativity, making for a truly satisfying and high-quality dining experience.

2. Torisho Sai (鶏匠催) / Yakitori

Selected Restaurant

Michelin Guide, 2025

Located near Nijojo-mae Station, Torisho Sai is a charming yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant set within a beautifully renovated machiya (traditional wooden townhouse). It has been consistently recognized as a Selected Restaurant in the Kyoto-Osaka edition of the Michelin Guide.

The interior features a traditional Japanese aesthetic, complete with a serene garden view and a rustic, single-slab wood counter and tables that add a natural elegance. The restaurant exclusively uses female Hinai-jidori chickens, prized for their rich flavor, and all dishes are cooked using only charcoal and wood fire.

Each yakitori skewer is carefully prepared and grilled to bring out the full flavor of each cut — with crispy skin and juicy, umami-packed meat. Beyond skewers, the menu also includes thoughtfully crafted dishes such as dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet) and rice cooked in a traditional okudosan stove. Every bite reflects the chef’s deep attention to detail and dedication to quality.

3. Miyawaki (宮脇) / Kaiseki

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

Just a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station, Miyawaki is a refined Japanese restaurant awarded one Michelin star in the Kyoto-Osaka edition of the Michelin Guide.

Chef Kenta Miyawaki honed his craft at esteemed Kyoto establishments including the now-closed Kappo Chihiro in Gion, Aji Fukushima, and Wine to Washoku Mikuri in Kiyamachi. His multi-course menu features around 12 dishes—ample in volume—offering a well-balanced progression that honors tradition while incorporating thoughtful creativity. Seasonal ingredients are treated with care and finesse, delivering a dining experience rich in variety and nuance.

The minimalist interior features a stately single-slab wooden counter and elegantly simple Scandinavian-style chairs. Presentation is elevated by Chef Miyawaki’s keen eye for ceramics, with every dish artfully arranged. A sake enthusiast himself, the chef is happy to recommend selections that perfectly complement the cuisine.

4. Wagokoro Izumi (和ごころ泉) / Kaiseki

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

Located near Shijo Station, Wagokoro Izumi is a distinguished kaiseki (traditional multi-course) restaurant that has earned both two- and one-star ratings over the years in the Kyoto-Osaka edition of the Michelin Guide.

Set within a beautifully renovated machiya townhouse, the restaurant offers a serene and elegant atmosphere, featuring a pristine white-wood counter and seats with views of a traditional courtyard garden. Owner-chef Masaki Izumi trained at Kase in Nagoya and a hotel in Tokyo before refining his skills at Sakurada, the predecessor to this restaurant.

The cuisine showcases Kyoto-style dishes crafted with meticulous dashi broth, drawing out the natural flavors of each ingredient. Ingredients are carefully sourced directly from producers, ensuring the highest quality. Though the dishes may appear simple, they are deeply flavorful and express the changing seasons of Japan in a way that appeals to all five senses.

From the choice of ceramics to the seasonal hanging scrolls, every detail reflects Kyoto’s refined hospitality and cultural richness.

5. Nakatsuka (Nakatsuka) / innovative

Just a short walk from Karasuma Oike Station, Nakatsuka is an innovative French restaurant awarded one Michelin star in the Kyoto-Osaka edition of the Michelin Guide.

Owner-chef Takayuki Nakatsuka began his culinary journey at La Napoule in Odawara—the predecessor to NARISAWA in Aoyama, Tokyo—before heading to Europe, where he trained in top restaurants across Paris, Spain, and Belgium. He later showcased his talent at Bini in Marutamachi, Tokyo Toyoken in Akasaka, and NARISAWA in Aoyama before opening his own restaurant.

With a concept centered on “aromas that evoke happiness,” Chef Nakatsuka creates dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and the power of fragrance. The service is relaxed yet attentive, and guests can enjoy refined, high-quality cuisine and wine that bring out the natural intensity of each ingredient—all at a surprisingly accessible price point.

6. hakubi (hakubi) / Chinese

Selected Restaurant

Michelin Guide, 2025

Located near Yasaka Shrine, hakubi is a modern Chinese restaurant that has been continuously recognized as a Selected Restaurant in the Kyoto-Osaka edition of the Michelin Guide.

Inspired by the opulent imperial banquets of ancient China—Manhan Quanxi—hakubi offers a multi-course tasting menu of around 25 small, intricately prepared dishes, crafted with premium seasonal ingredients sourced from Kyoto.

Chef Renho Sato trained at Kamonka Ginza Main Store in Tokyo and later refined his craft as sous-chef at Tsugumi in Nishi-Azabu. His cuisine blends traditional Chinese techniques with a modern sensibility, incorporating select Western ingredients to create a contemporary interpretation of Chinese fine dining.

Guests can enjoy Chef Sato’s elegant and innovative dishes alongside a carefully curated selection of over 500 wines by the in-house sommelier, as well as exceptional Chinese teas selected by a certified tea master.

7. Kappo Umetsu (割烹 梅津) / Kaiseki

Selected Restaurant

Michelin Guide, 2025

Tucked away on a quiet backstreet near Gion-Shijo Station, Kappo Umetsu is a hidden gem that has been continuously recognized as a Selected Restaurant in the Kyoto-Osaka edition of the Michelin Guide.

Slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s tourist hotspots, the restaurant offers a calm, intimate setting where guests can enjoy a leisurely meal. Chef Naoto Umetsu, who trained extensively in Kyoto—including at Gion Nakagawa—opened Kappo Umetsu in 2011.

In addition to classic obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking), the menu showcases the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients through a variety of cooking techniques. The warm, attentive service and cozy atmosphere make it an ideal place to unwind and savor authentic Kyoto cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

8. Hiiragitei (ひいらぎ亭) / Sushi

Just a short walk from Shijo Station, Hiiragitei is a warm and inviting obanzai restaurant run by a father-and-son team. It has been awarded the Bib Gourmand in the Kyoto-Osaka Michelin Guide for consecutive years.

Chef Katsumi Yoshida, the father, trained at the renowned Hanakuma, a traditional high-end ryotei in Kobe. His son, Masataka Yoshida, gained experience at a yakitori restaurant and further deepened his expertise by studying poultry at a farm in Shiga specializing in Tankai jidori.

Together, they serve exceptional yakitori made with fresh, locally raised chicken, accompanied by flavorful seasonal side dishes and classic obanzai prepared with refined skill. Their dishes are enhanced by the warm and cheerful hospitality of proprietress Katsumi Yoshida, creating a relaxed, family-style dining experience.

The restaurant features a cozy counter for casual dining, as well as comfortable table seating, making it a welcoming spot for both locals and travelers alike.