Kyoto, known for its rich history, culture, and beautiful scenery, is a highlight of any trip to Japan.
Among its many attractions, the exquisite sukiyaki offered in this city is not to be missed.
In this article, we introduce five sukiyaki restaurants in Kyoto that you should definitely visit.
By highlighting each restaurant's unique features and charm, we hope to enrich your travel plans and dining experiences in Kyoto.
The Charm of Sukiyaki and Kyoto
Sukiyaki is one of Japan's iconic hot pot dishes, featuring thinly sliced beef and fresh vegetables simmered in a sweet and savory sauce.
Kyoto's sukiyaki stands out for the unique ingredients and cooking methods used to create a distinct flavor.
Many restaurants are housed in historic Kyoto townhouses, allowing diners to enjoy their meal in a setting that exudes the old-world charm of this ancient city.
Kyoto Dining Seigi
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26027397/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner)
First up is "Kyoto Dining Seigi", conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Keihan Sanjo Station.
This restaurant, in a renovated 150-year-old Kyoto townhouse, has a modern Japanese ambience.
Their specialty is sukiyaki and steak made with Kuroge Wagyu beef from their own farm.
The restaurant offers private and semi-private rooms and is ideal for those looking for an intimate dining experience.
The restaurant's historical connection to the famous samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma, also adds to its charm.
Gyu Kimura
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260203/26000328/dtlphotolst/?mode=owner&smp=2)
Next, we have "Gyu Kimura".
This restaurant, also housed in a renovated 150-year-old townhouse, has a modern Japanese atmosphere where you can enjoy yakiniku and charcoal-grilled dishes, primarily those made with domestic Wagyu beef.
Their sukiyaki of Kuroge Wagyu is especially recommended for those looking for top quality and rich flavors.
The restaurant features private and semi-private rooms, accommodating parties of 10 to 30 people.
The menu is a parade of seasonal ingredients and they offer a variety of simple yet delicious dishes.
Tajimaya Kyoto Yodobashi
(Source:https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000960954/photo/)
"Tajimaya Kyoto Yodobashi", just a 3-minute walk from Kyoto Station, is a popular all-you-can-eat restaurant specializing in shabu-shabu and sukiyaki.
Known for offering domestic Wagyu and Kobe beef at reasonable prices, the spacious restaurant can host up to 80 people for parties.
They have a variety of fresh meat, vegetables, and desserts, with their dinner course featuring unlimited Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
Gion Gyuzen
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26003500/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&PG=3)
"Gion Gyuzen", located in front of Yasaka Shrine, is renowned for its "sukishabu", which combines the best of shabu-shabu and sukiyaki.
The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat course featuring high-quality meats and has private rooms that can accommodate parties of 2 to 80 people.
Diners can enjoy their meal with special sauces such as homemade ponzu and a sesame dipping sauce.
The modern Japanese design of the restaurant makes it an ideal location for a special dining experience.
Hachikian Marutamachi Main Store
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26001086/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner)
Finally, there's "Hachikian Marutamachi Main Store", a renowned restaurant specializing in chicken dishes since 1970.
Known for using premium chicken, their signature dishes include mizutaki (chicken hot pot) and sukiyaki, as well as duck sukiyaki.
The restaurant has traditional Japanese private rooms, perfect for business meetings, special occasions, or a refined dining experience.
They use local ingredients such as Kujo green onions, which add a seasonal touch to their dishes.
Conclusion
Each sukiyaki restaurant in Kyoto offers a unique charm and flavor.
Whether it's the historical ambience of a Kyoto townhouse or the exquisite taste of premium Wagyu beef and chicken, these restaurants are well worth a visit.
Enjoying sukiyaki in Kyoto, surrounded by the city's timeless beauty, is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Make sure to visit these top-notch restaurants on your next trip to Kyoto.