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Michelin-Star French Dining at Hiramatsu Kodaiji: A Special Christmas Celebration

Michelin-Star French Dining at Hiramatsu Kodaiji: A Special Christmas Celebration

Oct 22, 2024

Located in the heart of historical Kyoto, Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji has proudly held one Michelin star for three consecutive years. In addition to its top-quality cuisine, its warm hospitality and the stunning views from the restaurant where guests can overlook Kyoto's cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn foliage captivate many diners. In this article, the editorial team from OMAKASE, the official Michelin partner, will guide you through the exceptional experience that makes Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji a must-visit.

Hiramatsu: A Historic Brand of Luxury Dining and Hotels

Hiramatsu: A Historic Brand of Luxury Dining and Hotels

The Hiramatsu group began its journey back in 1982 when Mr. Hiramatsu opened a small French restaurant in Tokyo. Over the past 40 years, it has expanded into a luxury brand with over 30 establishments, including French and Italian restaurants, cafés, and hotels.

Hiramatsu hotels, spanning seven locations across Japan, offer unforgettable experiences with their top-notch cuisine and unique attractions that draw food connoisseurs and travel lovers back for more.

Hiramatsu restaurants are proud of their remarkable achievements; one of them is the first restaurant owned by a Japanese chef to receive a Michelin star in Paris in 2022. The Hiramatsu group has also supported several chefs representing Japan at Bocuse d'Or, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions.

Hiramatsu Kodaiji exemplifies the excellence of the Hiramatsu restaurant group, having earned one Michelin star for three consecutive years.

Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji: One-Star French Cuisine in Kyoto

This establishment, nestled in the Kodaiji area just down the street from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, has earned one Michelin star for three consecutive years for its exquisite French cuisine and heartfelt hospitality.

Dining Experience over Cherry Blossoms in Spring and Autumn Foliage in Fall

Hiramatsu kodaiji

The traditional outer gates, reminiscent of an old Japanese house, welcome the guests to Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji. The four-story building blends elements of both France and Japan, creating a delightful setting where they can enjoy outstanding meals.

The establishment features a Western dining space adorned with beautiful paintings and elegant interior decorations. Additionally, guests have the option of experiencing exquisite French dining in a Japanese private room.

*The Japanese private room is available in the adjacent Japanese cuisine restaurant, Kodaiji Jugyuan.

Large windows in the dining space create a spacious feel, immersing the guests in a magnificent dining experience while appreciating the historic city of Kyoto. The serene view includes the famous tourist destination, Yasaka Pagoda, framed by the surrounding mountains in Kyoto. The scenery changes with the seasons, offering gentle cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in fall. As the sun sets, beautifully highlighting the season, guests are enveloped in a breathtaking ambiance that reflects the time of their visit.

Hiramatsu kodaiji

Offering French Cuisine Unique to Kyoto

Hiramatsu kodaiji

Blessed with abundant natural beauty, including rivers and mountains, the historical city of Kyoto has developed a notable food culture that draws on local ingredients. Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji fully embraces this tradition, making great use of seasonal ingredients harvested in Kyoto and authentic traditional French culinary techniques to offer one-of-a-kind French course meals.

Head Chef Yasushi Kobayashi started his career at the Hiramatsu restaurant group in 2008. After honing his craft in the group venues including the renowned one in Paris, he assumed his current role in 2021. Restaurant Hiramatsu Paris has earned the status of the first restaurant in Paris owned by a Japanese chef to earn one Michelin star in 2002.

Specialty: Black Wagyu Beef and Duck Foie Gras Wellington Style

Specialty: Black Wagyu Beef and Duck Foie Gras Wellington Style

Special Day during Your Special Trip to Japan

Hiramatsu kodaiji

As experts in the hospitality industry, operating hotel and wedding services, the Hiramatsu group treats every guest like a VIP, showcasing the highest level of Japanese omotenashi—a term that embodies hospitality with wholehearted care and attention to detail. From the moment you arrive, the restaurant staff warmly greets and guides you into the restaurant, ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience.

With hotel-level service at their restaurants, Hiramatsu offers special options for occasions like birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Their restaurants are highly recommended for guests looking to make the special day truly memorable in a peaceful setting while enjoying a stunning city view, shared with loved ones.

Magical Christmas in Kyoto for December Japan Trip

Hiramatsu kodaiji

From December 1st through 25th, Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji invites you to enjoy a special course that promises an unforgettable evening. Overlooking tranquil views of Kyoto's winter mountains and delighting in the warmth of exceptional hospitality, you can savor one-star French cuisine crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients Kyoto has to offer, ensuring a merry experience that celebrates the spirit of Christmas.

Hiramatsu kodaiji

■Christmas Course Details

  1. Christmas special course: ~Noël~ Dinner only
  2. JPY 39,930
  3. December 1st ~ 25th
  4. Come between 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and enjoy your meal with a sunset view
  5. Panoramic night view of Kyoto City from the dining room
Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji's Information
Operation hours
Lunch:11:30AM - 3:00PM (L.O. 1:00PM)
Dinner:5:30PM - 10:00PM (L.O. 7:30PM)
Regular holiday
Mondays
Price range
Lunch: USD 43.10 - USD 258.59
Dinner: USD 129.29 - USD 430.98
Address
353 Masuya-cho, Kodai-ji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearest station
Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, Gion Shijo Station
Directions from station
25 minutes walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
20 minutes walk from Gion Shijo Station
Payment methods
Cash, Credit card available
Seats
24 Seats
Awards
Michelin
star

About the author

Koyanagi
Koyanagi

A Tokyo-based foodie, she spends nearly all of her earnings on culinary explorations throughout Japan, from street food to fine dining. Her passion for food has become a career, contributing to gourmet magazines and collaborating with TV shows. She also handles the creation of articles for OMAKASE. When dining out, she makes it a point to properly understand the chefs' and restaurateurs' backgrounds and philosophies.