10 Michelin-Listed Kaiseki Restaurants in Kyoto for Families

Can You Bring Children to Kaiseki Restaurants in Japan?

While the refined atmosphere of many Japanese dining rooms makes it intimidating or impossible to visit with young children, many families are pleased to find that even among MICHELIN restaurants, there are places that are happy to serve young people and their families.

Some restaurants make special previsions for families with babies and children to visit during lunch hours or restrict dining to private rooms and rent-out situations, but nonetheless, this list of MICHELIN restaurants with kid-friendly policies will help your family find the right fine dining kaiseki in Kyoto.

Make sure to always notify the restaurant when you make your reservation regarding the age and number of children, just as you would with any dietary restrictions. Use this guide by OMAKASE Japaneatinerary to book MICHELIN kaiseki in Kyoto for your trip!

10 Family-Friendly Michelin Kaiseki Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Noguchi Tsunagu (のぐち継)

Noguchi Tsunagu is a MICHELIN one star restaurant connected to the original Kyotenjin Noguchi by its cuisine, which continues its playful approach and kappo sensibilities. The main course consists of 5 dishes and the store's famous "Nikusui", an A5 wagyu sirloin soup served in place of the traditonal owan soup course.

Guests are encouraged to add on a la carte dishes to finish up their meal, and many regulars visit for these in particular. Guests with children who are able to eat the 5-course menu are welcome to dine with their families at the counter. If you choose to visit with children who won't be eating the course menu, the chef requests that diners book the private room and notify the number of children and their ages in advance for the best dining experience.

Please note that there is an additional fee for the private room, but Noguchi Tsunagu is happy to serve families an unforgettable meal in Kyoto.

2. Tsujifusa (辻布紗)

Tsujifusa, opened in 2024, carries the chef's decade of experience at renowned Kyoto restaurant Aji Fukushima. The restaurant, which conveys a pureness and religiosity through its use of hemp cloth and fine textures, serves taditional Japanese cooking in a serene atmosphere.

Chef Tsuji's cuisine retains the ancient essence of Japanese food from when it was used as part of religious ceremonies. A sense of purity and respect is conveyed from chef to guest, and he even goes to pray at the local shrine each day before service. The proprietress is a skilled wine sommelier and sake expert, ready to serve guests a fine selection of drink pairings.

For families with children, lunchtime reservations are available. Guests with young children are also welcome to use the koshitsu private room or host private parties for large groups.

3. Gion Fukushi (ぎをん 福志)

Gion Fukushi has an impressive pedigree, holding a MICHELIN star since 2019. Its chef, Takuyoshi Fukushi, has traveled the world spreading his knowledge of Japanese cuisine. He has participated in two world fairs and spent decades working in the kitchens of respected restaurants such as Kaiseku and Tsubaki.

The back wall frames each of chef's movements like the stage of a Kabuki play, making his motions appear to be a dance with the ingredients themselves. His philosophy promises to deliver the five colors, five preparation styles, and five flavors that are considered essential to Japanese cuisine. The proprietress handles service, gliding between seats to serve sake and more for visitors in the traditional Kappo style.

For visiting families, rent-out options are available for parties of six guests or more.

4. Shigetsu (篩月)

At Shigetsu, the MICHELIN green star and Bib gourmand restaurant on the grounds of Tenry-Ji welcomes families -- especially those with small children -- to enjoy mindful meals made in the vegetarian shojin ryori style. This style of cuisine was brought by buddhist monks during the Kamakura period along with zen teachings, and represents the food of ascetics. However, it is nurturing and wholesome, leaving guests feeling satisfied while offering respect to the natural world.

The traditional tatami seating offers views of the landscaping outside and immerses diners in the serenity of the temple, which is also a World Heritage Site. Its recognition as a Bib Gourmand promises authentic flavors of Japan at an approachable price, and the meal is also generally suitable for vegetarian and vegan guests, though it should be noted that shojin ryori does often incorporate fish in the form of dashi broth.

5. Tozentei (陶然亭)

The Watanabe family, father as proprietor, son as chef, and mother as proprietress and service, serve the picture of Kyoto cuisine in a cozy space. The home-style service and heartfelt atmosphere feels as if it's been plucked out of an idyllic storybook, and in some ways, it has! Tozentei's name is taken from a novel, and refers to the feeling of tipsy warmth after a couple of drinks.

Tozentei's course menus are made of local infgredients chosen by the proprietor, who supports his son in the kitchen. A one-star MICHELIN restaurant for several consecutive years, they place an emphasis on drinks, both wine and sake, so adults will fully appreciate their omotenashi with a glass in hand.

For families visiting with children, there is not strict age requirement, but the Watanabes do request that only family members that can eat the adult course join the meal. As always, it's best to notify the restaurant ahead of time when bringing under age guests.

6. Miyawaki (宮脇)

Done with a Japandi interior and pops of creativity throughout the menu (such as fruit paired with seafood and vegetables, adding softness and interest to the flavor profile) Miyawaki toes the line between tradition and innovation. An expansive collection of Japanese sake and emphasis on producers from Kagawa, the chef's home, makes this spot a favorite among nihonshu fans. After being named a selected restaurant twice, Miyawaki earned its MICHELIN star in 2025.

Children who can enjoy the same course as their parents and guardians are welcome to dine at Miyawaki. The chef pushes the boundaries of taditional Japanese cuisine while still following the rules, making this an especially unique dining option for repeaters looking for something new in Kyoto.

7. Kyoyamato (京大和)

It has become the trend to innovate on kaiseki and infuse the old guard flavours and techniques of kyoryouri with newness. Kyoyamato however, proves with its newly earned two MICHELIN stars that when something isn't broken, it doesn't need to be fixed -- even if a century has passed. Opened in 1877, Kyoyamato is a ryotei once frequented by Samurai and now a historical relic that diners can feel, see, and become a part of. Where many restaurants attempt to recreate the sukiya atmosphere and infuse tea-ceremony culture into their meals, Kyoyamato already has all of these elements built in.

The food is of course, traditional, and evokes a sense of the seasons while diners enjoy views of the landscaping and scent of warm tatami in summer. The proprietress's diligent service is also highly acclaimed.

Children are welcome, but be sure to notify the restaurant in advance when visiting as a family. The price is known to change slightly depending on what ingredients are selected for the day, making each meal a unique treat.

8. Funaokayama Shimizu (船岡山 清水)

Chef Shimizu is a descendant of Wakuden, known as one of the most successful proving grounds for chefs pursuing Japanese cuisine. He also worked at storied ryotei Kyoyamato before ultimately choosing the location of his own venture, the self-apppelated Funaokayama Shimizu.

He selected this location in part because of its proximity to Daitokuji temple, where he procures the precious Kyoto groundwater that forms the base of his cuisine. Of course, every dish, from sashimi to yakimono (the grilled course, essential to kaiseki cooking) is excellent, but chef Shimizu places particular pride in his clay-pot rice, using grains sourced from around the country.

Teenagers 13 and older who can enjoy the same course menu as adult members of the family are welcome to dine at Funaokayama Shimizu. In 2025, Funaokayama Shimizu was honored as a MICHELIN selection after holding one MICHELIN star for several years.

9. Kitaoji Yuyu (北大路 悠々)

Kitaoji Yuyu, located a little outside the main tourist areas of Kyoto, has impressed MICHELIN inspectors and guests alike since its opening in 2018. Chef Shimoda serves his omakase course menu as well as a la carte options at dinner, including the signature "sashimi sandwhich" and beef tongue dressed with white miso. Interesting quirks, like natto served alongside seasonal sashimi, make this a good choice for diners looking to enjoy something a little out of the ordinary.

However, chef Shimoda's skill in expressing honest Japanese food is evident from his time at Wakuden, one of Japan's most well respected traditional Japanese restaurants. Children are welcome to visit Kitaoji Yuyu with their parents, and can enjoy either the adult course menu or a smaller course menu by special request.

Guests are asked to contact the restaurant ahead of time regarding any accompanying children and to take note that course fees for children will be settled on-site.

10. Oryori Maeshiro (お料理 まえしろ)

A Bib Gourmand from 2022-2024 and now a MICHELIN selection, Oryori Maeshiro is located near Kyoto City Hall Station. The establishment is run by a husband and wife team who serve kappo style cooking. The chef hails from Okinawa, but his training in Osaka is said to have influenced the way he presents dishes with minimal garnish or flourish -- each ingredient is allowed to speak for itself on the plate. In addition to course menus, local regulars also enjoy the option to order a la carte and the delicious drink selection, including sake.

Another notable aspect is that while the chef takes a restrained approach to plating, he breaks tradition by preparing each dish in front of the counter, allowing diners to enjoy a feast for the eyes as well. Young people aged 16 or older who can enjoy the same course as adult members of the party are welcome to join in the fun.