For foreign tourists visiting Japan, enjoying local cuisine is often one of the highlights of their trip.
Kyoto is known not only for historical sites and temples but also as a gourmet city with plenty of culinary delights.
Among the many choices on offer is yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, which symbolizes Japan’s izakaya culture.
Charcoal-grilled to perfection, yakitori has a simple yet deeply satisfying flavor.
In this article, we introduce five hand-picked yakitori spots in Gion, Kyoto, where you can experience a blend of tradition, culture, and great food. Whether you're soaking in the local atmosphere or savoring delicious yakitori, these spots offer a memorable experience.
Gion and Yakitori Culture
Gion is one of Kyoto's most famous districts, where history and culture intersect.
The stone-paved streets and traditional machiya (townhouses) create an ambiance that blends old and new.
In this setting, you can enjoy both classic Japanese cuisine and contemporary twists on traditional dishes.
Yakitori is a simple dish that showcases the precision of Japanese culinary techniques.
Grilling chicken over charcoal enhances the umami of the meat, with the use of a variety of local ingredients and Japanese sake further elevating the entire dining experience.
Enjoying yakitori in Gion will take you on a unique and special culinary adventure.
Now, let’s look at five recommended yakitori restaurants in Gion.
Gion Katana
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Located just a 3-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station, “Gion Katana” is a luxurious restaurant offering top-tier yakitori and charcoal-grilled dishes.
The restaurant features premium ingredients like A5-grade wagyu beef, Ise lobster, and fresh Kyoto vegetables.
It’s the perfect spot for special occasions or business dinners. The interior is designed in a modern Japanese style, and diners can enjoy watching the chefs cooking right in front of them at the counter or opt for a private room to get a more intimate experience.
In addition to yakitori, “Gion Katana” has a sommelier-curated selection of wines and sake, providing a perfectly balanced pairing for every dish.
This restaurant is ideal for a memorable dinner during your travels or a special celebration.
Gion Sumibiyaki Kyoyu
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“Gion Sumibiyaki Kyoyu” is a hidden gem known for its carefully grilled yakitori over binchotan charcoal.
One of their specialties is the wide variety of tsukune (chicken meatballs), with 48 different flavors to choose from, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
In addition to yakitori made from Kyoto’s Akajidori and Daisen chicken, they also offer seasonal Kyoto vegetables and other delicacies.
The modern interior features counter seating and private rooms and is perfect for a wide range of occasions from dates to family dinners or even business meals.
On weekends and holidays, they serve a special obanzai lunch that showcases the vibrant flavors of local ingredients and offers a fresh take on Kyoto cuisine.
Kuma no Yakitori Gion Shirakawa
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Nestled along the picturesque stone-paved streets of Gion, “Kuma no Yakitori Gion Shirakawa” offers a refined dining experience in a relaxed, modern Japanese setting.
The restaurant’s signature dish is smoked yakitori, grilled over Kishu binchotan charcoal.
Each skewer is cooked to perfection, with varying levels of heat tailored to each part of the chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
One of the highlights of dining here is the Kuma’s Tamago Kake Gohan (egg over rice), a simple yet indulgent dish that rounds off the meal with rich flavors.
The restaurant also serves seasonal fruit-based cocktails along with a curated selection of Japanese sake and wine.
This elegant spot is perfect for special dinners, dates, or business occasions.
Kashiwa Kiyamachi
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“Kashiwa Kiyamachi”, located near Kawaramachi Station, specializes in “tori-yaki” (grilled chicken) made from fresh, free-range chicken shipped in from Kyushu.
Unlike traditional yakitori, diners at Kashiwa grill their own chicken at the table as part of a unique and interactive dining experience.
The retro Showa-era vibe of the restaurant creates a welcoming and homey atmosphere, ideal for casual drinks after work or relaxing meals with friends.
The menu also features a wide selection of rare chicken cuts, offal, and chicken sashimi.
For groups, the restaurant offers all-you-can-drink courses and a “tori-nabe” (chicken hot pot) set, making it a great choice for gatherings or parties.
Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi
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Just a few minutes’ walk from Kawaramachi Station, “Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi” is a restaurant specializing in chicken dishes and incorporating traditional Kyoto cooking techniques. Signature dishes include oyadori-yaki (grilled mature chicken) and chicken rice, both known for their rich and robust flavors.
The restaurant’s design is inspired by traditional sake breweries with a modern Japanese twist.
On the first floor, diners can sit at the counter, while the second floor has spacious tables that can accommodate parties of up to 12 people.
“Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi” also offers a wide selection of sake, with a particular focus on local brews from Fushimi, a renowned sake district of Kyoto.
Guests can enjoy a perfect pairing of yakitori and sake in this warm and welcoming setting.
Conclusion
Yakitori in Gion is more than just a meal.
It’s a chance to experience the depth of Kyoto’s culinary culture and traditions.
The five yakitori restaurants introduced here each have a unique style and atmosphere, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Whether you're in Kyoto for sightseeing or a special occasion, be sure to stop by one of these excellent restaurants to enjoy authentic yakitori and discover the richness of Japanese food culture.
Along with delicious grilled chicken, the charming streets of Gion will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.