For foreign tourists visiting Japan, indulging in authentic Japanese cuisine will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of their trip.
Kyoto is known for its historic temples and scenic streets and also celebrated as a gourmet paradise.
Among the many traditional dishes found here, yakitori — grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal — stands out as a quintessential part of Japan’s izakaya culture.
Simple yet rich in flavor, yakitori has been cherished by the Japanese for centuries.
In this article, we’ll introduce five hand-picked yakitori restaurants in Kyoto.
The city sits at the intersection of history and culture and you’re sure to have a memorable dining experience.
Kyoto and Yakitori Culture
While traditional kaiseki cuisine and intricately prepared dishes are what Kyoto is known for, yakitori has also become central to the city’s food scene.
The art of grilling chicken over charcoal has been refined over the years, with the flavors maximized through the careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Each restaurant puts a unique spin on the dish, often incorporating local ingredients like Kyoto vegetables and pairing it with the perfect sake.
It’s the best way to experience both local flavors and Japan’s culinary heritage.
Now, let's take a look at five must-visit yakitori spots in Kyoto.
BANSAN Kyo-iro
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Located just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station, “BANSAN Kyo-iro” is a hidden gem set in a renovated Kyoto townhouse.
The restaurant’s specialty is yakitori made with Kyoto’s famous Aka-jidori chicken, grilled to perfection over binchotan charcoal.
In addition to yakitori, they offer a wide variety of creative dishes featuring seasonal Kyoto vegetables and Wagyu beef offal.
The menu also includes pizza with a Japanese twist that’s especially popular among women customers.
Private rooms and recessed-floor seating make the restaurant ideal for business dinners, girls' nights out, or family get-togethers.
The extensive sake menu includes selections from local Kyoto breweries as well as top brands from across Japan.
At the counter seats, guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere emanating from the open kitchen and watch their yakitori being expertly grilled right in front of them.
Torisei Tako Yakushi
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Just a few minutes from Karasuma Station, “Torisei Tako Yakushi” is a yakitori specialist known for its use of premium domestic chicken paired with a local Kyoto sake called “Shinsei”. The spacious restaurant spans three floors and has table seats, recessed-floor seats, and private rooms suitable for various occasions.
Crowd favorites include their signature “Oyadori-yaki” (grilled mature chicken) as well as a wide range of other chicken dishes.
One unique aspect of “Torisei Tako Yakushi” is their on-tap raw Shinsei sake, which is sure to please any sake lover.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for casual meals, parties, or even business dinners, and the restaurant can accommodate private bookings for groups of up to 24 guests.
Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho
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“Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho”, located near Kawaramachi Station, is a stylish yakitori restaurant specializing in dishes made with fresh, Aka-jidori chicken from Kyoto.
Popular items include their binchotan-grilled thigh meat and seared chicken, both of which highlight freshness and flavor.
The modern design of the restaurant, complete with recessed-floor seating and private rooms, makes it a great spot for dates, women’s get-togethers, or big parties.
The drink menu is also impressive, with a variety of sake, cocktails, and a two-hour all-you-can-drink option on offer.
With its cozy, intimate ambience, this hidden gem is perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing, high-quality yakitori experience.
Kyoto Sumibi Kushiyaki Tsujiya Shijo Gokomachi
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Set in a charming renovated Kyoto townhouse, “Kyoto Sumibi Kushiyaki Tsujiya Shijo Gokomachi” is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station.
Known for their Seven Valley Aka-jidori chicken, which is grilled over charcoal, the restaurant delivers a smoky, juicy flavor in each bite.
The grilled seasonal vegetables and house-made tsukune (chicken meatballs) are also highly recommended.
With both recessed-floor private rooms and counter seating, the restaurant is suitable for various occasions from intimate dates to big gatherings.
Their all-you-can-drink course starts at a reasonable 4,000 yen, making it an excellent choice for welcome parties, send-offs, or other festive occasion.
Kyo no Zen Kuruma Shijo Karasuma
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Located in the Shijo Karasuma area, “Kyo no Zen Kuruma Shijo Karasuma” specializes in yakitori made with Miyazaki's famed “Kagura chicken”, which is raised on their own farm.
Set in a beautifully restored townhouse from the Taisho era, the restaurant exudes a traditional Kyoto charm and offers an unforgettable dining experience.
Their yakitori comes in a variety of styles, from skewers to grilled fillets, all cooked over charcoal and bursting with flavor.
The restaurant also has private rooms and large banquet spaces, making it ideal for everything from small family dinners to parties of up to 40 guests.
With a range of banquet courses that include an all-you-can-drink option, “Kyo no Zen Kuruma Shijo Karasuma” is perfect for celebrations, business events, or special occasions.
Conclusion
Kyoto’s yakitori scene offers a unique blend of charcoal-grilled goodness, local ingredients, and deep cultural ties to the city’s culinary traditions.
The five yakitori restaurants introduced here each deliver a special experience, allowing you to savor not only the flavors of expertly grilled chicken but also the richness of Kyoto’s food culture.
On your next trip to Kyoto, be sure to visit these spots and immerse yourself in the depth of Japan’s dining traditions while enjoying some of the best yakitori the city has to offer.