15 Best Restaurants in the Higashiyama Station & Higashiyama Area

The Higashiyama District is Renowned as One of Japan's Premier Destinations for Upscale Dining

What Defines the Higashiyama Area?

The term "Higashiyama" refers to the region east of the Kamo River, which flows north to south through Kyoto. Traditionally, it specifically denotes the hilly area east of Yasaka Shrine, bordered by Sanjo-dori and Gojo-dori Streets. While these hills are relatively low, they are still referred to as "mountains" in Japan.

The area extends further east beyond Kyoto's Higashi-oji Street and falls within the administrative boundaries of Higashiyama. However, the zone between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River is known as Gion, a district celebrated for its geisha and maiko traditions.

Considering its appeal as a hub for tourism, dining, and shopping, the Higashiyama area can be broadly defined as the expansive region east of the Kamo River, spanning from Sanjo-dori to Gojo-dori.

Dining in the Higashiyama Area

The Higashiyama area is renowned for its impressive array of restaurants, many of which have earned Michelin stars. As Kyoto served as Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, the city boasts a rich culinary heritage, featuring numerous traditional Japanese restaurants specializing in kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) cuisine. Within this rich gastronomic landscape, Higashiyama stands out for its exceptional selection of upscale and highly acclaimed Japanese dining establishments.

In the Gion district, celebrated for its connection to maiko culture, you'll find not only traditional Japanese restaurants but also renowned venues serving sushi, tempura (lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and other quintessential Japanese dishes. The area’s reputation also draws food enthusiasts and high-profile connoisseurs, fostering a vibrant scene of avant-garde restaurants that cater to more innovative and experimental tastes.

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, some restaurants in the scenic Higashiyama hills offer seating with breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto, blending exquisite cuisine with stunning natural and urban landscapes.

10 Must-Try Restaurants Near Higashiyama Station

1. Kyo Seika (京、静華) / Chinese

Kyo Seika, a Chinese restaurant that has held one Michelin star since 2022, is also ranked among the top 100 Chinese restaurants on Japan’s leading gourmet review site. The restaurant’s journey began when owner and chef Shizuo Miyamoto closed his Chinese restaurant in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, after 23 years of operation and went to study in Beijing. There, he gained fresh insights before opening a restaurant in Kyoto, where it quickly earned a Michelin star. The restaurant serves only prix-fixe courses, with all meals starting at 6 p.m. The quality and quantity of the dishes are exceptional. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance, until the end of each month.

2. Hiiragitei (ひいらぎ亭) / Yakitori

Hiiragitei is a restaurant known for its obanzai and yakitori, which has earned a spot in the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide. It is categorized as an izakaya (Japanese bar) and has also been ranked among the Best 100 izakayas on a major Japanese gourmet review site. Obanzai refers to traditional Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes, and the flavors are exceptional. Although there is no fixed course menu, the best way to enjoy the meal is to start with sashimi and obanzai, followed by yakitori made from Tankai-jidori, a premium breed of chicken. The restaurant offers a wide selection of sake, with a focus on beverages from Kyoto, to complement the dishes.

3. Sushi Rakumi (鮨 楽味) / Sushi

Sushi Rakumi is a sushi restaurant created by the Michelin three-star restaurant Gion Sasaki. This restaurant has also earned two Michelin stars. The owner-chef Kazuya Nomura trained at the Michelin three-star sushi restaurant Sushi Yoshitake while working at Sasaki. He has since combined the best elements of both restaurants to create his own unique sushi experience. As a result, the omakase (chef’s choice) course offers dishes inspired by Gion Sasaki as well as sushi that reflects the style of Sushi Yoshitake. The sushi rice is made with a mix of red vinegar and rice vinegar, tailored to each type of fish, allowing you to savor the perfect balance between the fish and the rice.

4. Shimmonzen Yonemura (新門前 米村) / Innovative

Shimmonzen Yonemura is a Michelin two-star restaurant in the innovative category, offering a unique fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine. The owner-chef Masayasu Yonemura trained at the renowned Kyoto French restaurant Gion Okumura before opening his restaurant. The exterior features a traditional Japanese design, while the interior blends Japanese elegance with Western flair. Both lunch and dinner are served as omakase courses, showcasing a variety of cooking techniques and carefully selected ingredients handpicked by the chef. The exquisite and surprising dishes are bursting with exceptional flavors, leaving a memorable impression on diners.

5. Gion Owatari (祇園 大渡) / Japanese

1. Michelin (2019 - 23): Two Stars
2. Michelin (2024): One Star

Gion Owatari is a Japanese restaurant that held two Michelin stars from 2019 to 2023 and earned one star in 2024. It has also been ranked among the Best 100 Japanese restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site. The owner-chef Mahito Owatari focuses on harnessing the exceptional water of Kyoto in his cooking and uses a distinctive method for making dashi broth, setting his restaurant apart from others. This broth perfectly brings out the umami of the ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor of each dish. Although the restaurant offers only an omakase course, the variety and quality of the dishes will undoubtedly leave diners thoroughly satisfied.

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6. LURRA˚ (ルーラ) / Innovative

1. Michelin (2021 - 24): One Star

LURRA˚, named after the French word "Lurra," meaning earth, with a circle above representing the moon, is a restaurant that has held one Michelin star in the innovative category since 2021. The restaurant’s concept is to immerse guests in Japanese culture and the changing seasons through its cuisine. All dishes are prepared over firewood, with two types of wood carefully selected based on the ingredients and cooking methods. While the techniques used draw from various global cuisines, the foundation of the restaurant’s offerings remains deeply rooted in Japanese culture and the seasons. The restaurant serves only an omakase course, and the course fee includes either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic pairing.

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7. Tan (丹) / Japanese

1. Michelin (2021 - 24): One Star

Tan is a Japanese restaurant recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. It is part of the Wakuden chain, founded in 1870. The name "Tan" means "small true heart," and while it upholds the tradition of its main restaurant, which has been around for over 100 years, it is dedicated to preparing food with care and attention to detail. One of the standout features of this restaurant is that it serves all three meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast, in particular, is highly popular, offering a rich, "authentically Japanese" flavor. All the vegetables used in the dishes are grown through natural farming methods, free from pesticides and fertilizers, allowing diners to savor the true taste of fresh, organic produce.

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8. Higashiyama Tsukasa (ひがしやま 司) / Japanese

1. Michelin (2023 - 24): Selected

Higashiyama Tsukasa is a Japanese restaurant that opened in November 2021 and has already earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. It has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Japanese Restaurants on Japan's leading gourmet review site. The owner-chef Tsukasa Miyashita honed his skills at prestigious establishments like Gion Maruyama and Gion Sasaki. With just 10 counter-seats, the restaurant exclusively offers an omakase course. Celebrated for its dedication to traditional Japanese cuisine, the menu also incorporates subtle ethnic influences, making it a popular and talked-about dining destination.

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9. Lapintaika (ラピンタイカ) / Italian

1. Michelin (2019 - 24): Bib Gourmand

Lapintaika is an Italian restaurant that has earned a spot in the Michelin Bib Gourmand for six consecutive years. Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, it offers a relaxed, casual dining experience. The menu features both set courses and à la carte options, allowing diners to choose freely. The dishes highlight traditional flavors from Italy's Tuscany region, with generous portions that are perfect for sharing. Guests can enjoy a selection of wines by the glass or choose from an impressive collection of 500 bottles, primarily showcasing Italian vintages.

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10. Hyotei (瓢亭) / Japanese

1. Michelin (2010 - 24): Three Stars

Hyotei is a legendary Japanese restaurant that has proudly held three Michelin stars for 15 consecutive years. It is a dining destination that many Japanese people aspire to experience. Unsurprisingly, it has also been ranked among the Best 100 on Japan's leading gourmet review site. With a history spanning 450 years, the restaurant continues to honor its rich traditions, offering a glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage through its cuisine and ambiance.

The restaurant’s elegant exterior is a masterpiece in itself, immersing visitors in a profound sense of Japanese history. Among its most iconic dishes is the "Hyotei Egg," a timeless recipe passed down since the restaurant’s inception. It is served as part of the "Hassun" appetizer course, which seamlessly transitions into other exquisite dishes like delicate soups and perfectly grilled specialties. Another highlight is the seasonal asagayu (morning rice porridge), available exclusively in July and August, which remains a must-try for food enthusiasts

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Top 5 Recommended Restaurants in the Higashiyama Area

11. WabiyaKorekido Gionhanamikoji Honten (侘家古暦堂 祇園花見小路本店) / Yakitori

1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2022)

Yakitori, a beloved Japanese dish, has gained significant popularity in recent years. High-end restaurants that focus on top-quality ingredients and expert grilling techniques have become especially sought after. This particular restaurant has earned a spot among the top 100 yakitori establishments on Japan's leading gourmet review platform.

The highlight of the menu here is Takasaka-dori, a premium breed of poultry that is carefully raised to ensure exceptional quality. To bring out its natural flavors, the meat undergoes meticulous preparation, is lightly seasoned, and grilled to perfection with expert precision.

The restaurant also takes pride in its service, which is inspired by the principles of the Japanese tea ceremony, ensuring that every guest feels warmly welcomed. Upon being seated, diners are presented with a selection of spices in an elegant box. Following the staff’s suggestions on how to pair these spices with the dishes further enhances the dining experience.

12. Gion Sushi Tadayasu (祇園 鮨 忠保) / Sushi

Gion Sushi Tadayasu has earned a Michelin star for four consecutive years since 2019 and is also ranked among the top 100 sushi restaurants on one of Japan's leading gourmet review sites. The menu is an omakase-only course, featuring a mix of sushi and side dishes. The rice is made with rich red vinegar, but for tuna, a blend of two types of red vinegar is used, making the rice perfectly suited to the fish. The counter and interior, crafted entirely from cypress wood, create a refined atmosphere, while the head chef’s warm and friendly nature ensures a truly enjoyable dining experience.

13. Gion Fukushi (ぎをん 福志) / Japanese

Gion Fukushi has earned a Michelin star for six consecutive years since 2019 and is also ranked among the top 100 Japanese restaurants on Japan's leading gourmet review site. Owner-chef Takuyoshi Fukushi served as the head chef at the renowned Kyoto restaurant Tankuma Kitamise for nine years before opening his own establishment. He serves Japanese cuisine that blends the traditional techniques of the historic restaurant with his own innovative touches. The restaurant offers only an omakase course, featuring a full-course Japanese meal that begins with the beautifully presented appetizer “Hassun”, followed by a variety of deeply satisfying dishes.

14. Enyuan Kobayashi (圓融菴 小林) / Tempura

Enyuan Kobayashi is a tempura restaurant that has earned a Michelin star every year since 2023. The menu features a unique course combining traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki with expertly prepared tempura. Each dish showcases the skill of owner-chef Noriyuki Kobayashi, who previously served as a sous-chef at the prestigious Tawaraya Ryokan before becoming the first head chef of Tenyu, a restaurant produced by Tawaraya. The restaurant's signature tempura dish is "kuchiko" (sea cucumber ovaries), a rare and highly prized delicacy considered one of Japan's three great delicacies. The technique of preparing kuchiko as tempura is truly exceptional, and "tempura kuchiko" pairs perfectly with Japanese sake.

15. Sushi Kappo Nakaichi (鮨割烹 なか一) / Sushi

Sushi Kappo Nakaichi is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant that has held its prestigious one-star rating since 2018. It is also ranked among the top 100 sushi restaurants by a major Japanese gourmet review site. With a history spanning 50 years, the restaurant was the pioneer of combining kaiseki with sushi—now a common style in many Kyoto sushi restaurants. The second-generation owner, who trained at a renowned restaurant in Kanazawa, took over and further refined the sushi kappo concept. After savoring the kaiseki dishes, guests are served sushi. The rice is slightly sweet, in the Kyoto style, offering a distinct flavor compared to the Edo style. Enjoying this unique Kyoto-style sushi adds to the authentic experience of visiting Kyoto.