Kaiseki Kamimura: Kyoto-Style Kaiseki in Ise – Overview and Reservation Guide

Michelin Two-Starred Kaiseki Kamimura

Just a five-minute walk from Ise Grand Shrine’s Geku (Outer Shrine), Kaiseki Kamimura stands out with its distinctive sukiya-style architecture, quietly nestled within a residential neighborhood—an intriguing contrast to the shrine’s mystical forest scenery.

In the 2019 Michelin Guide Tokai Edition, the restaurant was awarded two stars. Loved not only by locals but also by travelers visiting the shrine, Kamimura has become one of Ise’s most celebrated destinations for kaiseki cuisine.

Let’s take a closer look at the charm of this esteemed restaurant. If you’re planning a trip to Ise, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.

Executive Chef Masaharu Kamimura – Culinary Director of the Ise-Shima G7 Summit

Masaharu Kamimura, the executive chef of Kaiseki Kamimura, trained at renowned restaurants in Kyoto before opening his establishment in Ise in 1988. Since then, his Kyoto-style kaiseki has attracted not only locals but also visitors from across Japan, becoming a beloved dining destination in Ise.

While honoring the traditions of Kyoto kaiseki, Chef Kamimura artfully incorporates the rich bounty of the Ise-Shima region. His culinary mastery gained global recognition in 2016, when he was selected to oversee the menu for the luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister’s wife during the G7 Ise-Shima Summit. Featuring an abundance of ingredients from Mie, his dishes offered world leaders’ spouses a rare opportunity to experience the true elegance of Japanese cuisine.

Kyoto-Style Kaiseki Showcasing the Flavors of Ise-Shima

Traditional Kyoto kaiseki is known for its use of iconic Kyoto ingredients such as Horikawa burdock and Kamo eggplant. At Kaiseki Kamimura, however, the concept is reimagined—bringing together the heritage of Kyoto kaiseki with the rich bounty of the Ise-Shima region, while preserving its timeless elegance.

The result is cuisine that is simple and understated, yet elevates the natural flavors of each ingredient to their fullest expression—dishes that can only be experienced at Kamimura.

Another appeal lies in its accessibility. Kaiseki here is offered at relatively reasonable prices compared to other establishments: lunch courses start at 6,000 yen (excluding tax and service charge), while dinner courses begin at 8,000 yen. Guests can also indicate their preferred budget at the time of reservation, allowing the chef to tailor the menu accordingly.

Every course highlights the beauty of the seasons, and diners can also choose special menus featuring rare, limited-availability ingredients—an experience well worth trying.

Seasonal Specialty Courses

Fugu Course: November – March

This winter-exclusive course features wild tora-fugu (tiger pufferfish). Guests can enjoy fugu sashimi, karaage (fried fugu), and hot pot, with the highlight being its creamy shirako (milt), available in peak season from January to February. The melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it an unforgettable delicacy. Prices range from 14,000 yen–18,000 yen per person (excluding tax and service charge), with reservations available for parties of two or more. While early in the season offers excellent value, visiting in January or February is highly recommended for the best shirako.

Ise Lobster Course: October – April

While Ise lobster is also featured in the regular kaiseki menu, this special course highlights it as the centerpiece of the dining experience. Known as the “King of Lobsters,” Ise lobster is a prized delicacy, with Mie Prefecture leading the nation in catch volume. The fishing season begins on October 1, making autumn through early spring the ideal time to enjoy its natural sweetness. This course is priced from 14,000 yen (excluding tax and service charge).

Abalone Course: May – September

This summer-exclusive course features abalone hand-harvested by ama (female free divers) in the coastal waters of Toba and Shima, one of Japan’s premier abalone regions. Rich in seaweed that nourishes the shellfish, the area produces exceptionally flavorful abalone. Guests can enjoy it as sashimi, simmered, or steamed, with its firm yet tender texture and thick, meaty flesh. Prices begin at 14,000 yen (excluding tax and service charge), the same as the Ise lobster course.

Kamimura – Celebrating Life’s Special Moments

Beloved by travelers visiting Ise and cherished by locals alike, Kaiseki Kamimura is often chosen as the setting for life’s milestone occasions. From wedding introductions and a child’s okuizome (first ceremonial meal) to milestone birthdays such as a kanreki (60th anniversary), the restaurant offers customized menus tailored to each celebration. Guests can simply share the purpose of their visit when making a reservation, and the chef will design a menu to suit the occasion.

Another hallmark of Kamimura is its heartfelt hospitality. Guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival, receive personal explanations of the dishes from the chef, and are seen off with a deep bow until out of sight. It is this genuine attentiveness—beyond the excellence of the cuisine—that leaves guests wishing to return.

Kamimura embodies the spirit of Japanese omotenashi (hospitality). For anniversaries or any meaningful celebration, it offers a truly memorable dining experience.

Kaiseki Kamimura – Reservations Required

All courses at Kaiseki Kamimura require reservations, as ingredients are carefully sourced based on bookings. During peak travel seasons, it is recommended to reserve at least two to three days in advance—or even several months ahead, if possible.

Reservation by Phone Only

Reservations are accepted exclusively by phone. Depending on the time of day, staff may be occupied with cooking or service, so it is best to call with plenty of time to spare. Dinner kaiseki courses can be booked up until midday on the same day, so if you happen to discover Kamimura while in Ise, it is worth calling to check availability.

Please note that the chef and proprietress do not provide service in English, which may make direct booking more challenging for those who do not speak Japanese.

Reservation Agencies Available

Several reservation agencies and websites are available to assist. These services handle phone bookings on your behalf, removing concerns about language barriers or time differences. On the day of your visit, it is recommended to bring a translation device or prepare some simple Japanese phrases to ensure a smooth dining experience.

Access & Payment

Kaiseki Kamimura is located just a five-minute walk from Ise Jingu Geku (Outer Shrine). From the nearest train station, Ise Station, it takes roughly 10 minutes on foot, requiring only two turns, making it very easy to reach.

For those traveling by car, note that the road in front of the restaurant and the parking area are somewhat narrow, so caution is advised.

Payment can be made by cash or credit card. While electronic money is not accepted, the restaurant accepts a wide range of major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, and AMEX.

Chef Kamimura’s 14 Years of Training at Kyoyamato

Chef Masaharu Kamimura, who created the unique fusion of Ise’s local ingredients with Kyoto-style kaiseki, honed his skills over 14 years at the renowned Kyoto establishment Kyoyamato (a traditional Japanese fine-dining restaurant known as a ryotei).

Founded in 1949, Kyoyamato is a long-established ryotei that emphasizes offering a one-of-a-kind experience using seasonal Kyoto ingredients. The restaurant serves kaiseki cuisine that engages all five senses, and it has been awarded two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka 2025.

Guests can enjoy classic Kyoto-style dishes, from exquisitely flavored soups and rice cooked in earthen pots to side dishes featuring seasonal ingredients such as Horikawa burdock and Kujo green onions. These are the hallmarks of authentic Kyoto kaiseki.

Beyond the cuisine, Kyoyamato places great importance on hospitality. From the warm welcome upon arrival to guided tours of the garden and meticulous presentation of each dish, every moment is carefully crafted for the guest’s enjoyment. It’s easy to see how Kamimura’s attentive approach to hospitality at Kaiseki Kamimura reflects this training.

Summary – A Special Experience at Kaiseki Kamimura

At Kaiseki Kamimura, guests can enjoy a unique blend of Kyoto-style cuisine that preserves traditional techniques while highlighting the flavors of Ise’s local ingredients. Although the restaurant does not offer English service, it remains a memorable destination for those visiting Ise Jingu. Experience the kaiseki cuisine of Ise that has even been savored by the spouses of world leaders.