Japanese Restaurants Open in Kyoto During the Year-End and New Year Holidays
December 04, 2025
Kyoto stands as a true culinary capital, where the elegance of washoku and the artistry of seasonal kaiseki cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Traditional Japanese restaurants, from refined ryotei to intimate counter-style dining, showcase delicate flavors, beautiful presentation, and the depth of dashi and seasonal ingredients, attracting travelers from all around the world. During the year-end and New Year holidays, the city is wrapped in temple illuminations and a calm yet festive atmosphere that feels uniquely Japanese.
However, many restaurants in Japan close during the New Year period, and renowned washoku and kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto are no exception. It is not unusual for travelers to arrive with excitement, only to find that the restaurant they had been looking forward to is closed for the holidays.
But rest assured — between December 27 and January 4, there are Kyoto washoku restaurants that remain open, welcoming guests with special courses and warm hospitality. This article introduces carefully selected restaurants where you can savor refined Kyoto-style washoku even during this limited but precious travel period.
*Please note some restaurants may have specific closure days during the New Year period. *Information accurate as of December 4, 2025
After eight years in Osaka’s Dotonbori, we have relocated to Kyoto’s Shijo Kawaramachi. Our creative teppanyaki offers a unique sensory experience using premium Kobe beef and Japanese black Wagyu. At the counter, guests can enjoy the sounds and aromas of ingredients cooking before them, complemented by warm, relaxed hospitality.
Price: ¥15,480~(Mid-range)
Type: Entertaining
Business Days: 12/27～1/4
Business Hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:30~23:00
Feather: Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (simplified) menu
In a Kyoto townhouse reminiscent of Pontocho, guests can enjoy local specialties such as Namikawa tofu, silky yuba, raw wheat gluten, and comforting obanzai. Private sunken kotatsu rooms and casual counter seats suit both daily meals and special occasions. A curated selection of Kyoto sake pairs beautifully with seasonal dishes, offering a relaxed and refined dining experience.
Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, the shop welcomes guests with wooden counter seating overlooking a seasonal courtyard. Seasonal ingredients selected by the head chef are prepared in a kaiseki style using a special tempura oil. Enjoy the light, crisp texture created by skilled craftsmen.
Koromo Gion Tempura offers a new style of tempura using rice flour and rice oil, featuring Kyoto vegetables and seasonal seafood with a light, aromatic finish. Guests can watch each piece fried at a single hinoki counter, with private rooms overlooking a small garden for special occasions. Enjoy a refined Gion atmosphere and a unique tempura experience.
While honoring teppanyaki style, we serve dishes with a refined twist using Japanese black Wagyu and Kyoto vegetables. Over 50 wines are available to pair with your meal. The chic atmosphere is ideal for anniversaries and special occasions, offering an elegant and memorable dining experience.
Price: ¥18,700~(Semi-Luxury)
Type: Authentic
Business Days: 12/27～12/31,1/2,1/3
Business Hours: 17:30~22:00
Feather: Child-Friendly, English menu, Private Rooms
We specialize in A4 female Kyoto beef, known for its elegant sweetness and rich umami. A secret broth developed by the owner enhances the flavor, creating a sauce unique to our shop. Enjoy deep, refined tastes crafted with careful artisan techniques.
Price: ¥12,000~(Moderately Price)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Days: 12/27～12/30,1/3,1/4
Business Hours: 17:00~24:00
Feather: Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu
Seasonal Japanese Dishes at the Same Price for Lunch and Dinner
We personally visit production areas to select ingredients and serve genre-free dishes rooted in Japanese cuisine. Guests can enjoy the same menu and pricing for lunch and dinner, including daily fish sets, monthly meals, and small dishes that pair well with alcohol. Located an 8-minute walk from Nijo Station, our calm Japanese space welcomes both solo diners and families.
During the year-end and New Year season in Kyoto, many restaurants close, which makes the washoku restaurants that remain open especially sought-after. Warming up over a beautifully prepared kaiseki course or seasonal Japanese set meal is one of Japan’s quintessential winter pleasures and a style of dining that international visitors deeply appreciate.
Open during year-end and New Year: Some Kyoto washoku restaurants continue to operate around December 31 and January 1, making it easier to weave an authentic Japanese meal into your holiday travel plans.
Thoughtfully Curated Washoku: You can enjoy genuine dishes built around dashi, Kyoto vegetables, and premium seasonal ingredients, often served in multi-course formats that highlight subtle flavors and seasonality.
A Deeply Japanese Atmosphere: From traditional townhouses to quietly lit dining rooms, you can experience “Japanese winter” with all your senses through careful presentation, lacquerware, and classic cooking techniques.
You no longer have to worry that “everywhere is closed…” At the Kyoto washoku restaurants introduced here, you can enjoy authentic, beautifully crafted Japanese cuisine even during the year-end and New Year holidays. To make the most of your limited time in Japan with unforgettable meals, please use this guide as a reference when planning your stay.
