Kyoto is a city that captivates tourists from all over the world with its traditional culture and rich history.
Among the many attractions, yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants inside renovated traditional Kyoto townhouses are gaining popularity.
In this article, we introduce five highly recommended yakiniku restaurants for foreign tourists visiting Kyoto.
These places offer delicious wagyu beef at reasonable prices, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere unique to Kyoto.
About Kyoto’s Yakiniku Culture
Yakiniku in Kyoto has a unique charm that sets it apart from other cities.
Many restaurants are in renovated traditional Kyoto townhouses, providing a delightful setting to enjoy top-quality wagyu beef.
Additionally, Kyoto's yakiniku spots offer a variety of dishes, including rare cuts and yukhoe (Korean-style raw beef), paired beautifully with wine or sake.
What’s more, these restaurants often feature private rooms and counter seating, perfect for special occasions such as business dinners or celebrations.
Yakiniku KOH Kyoto Takoyakushi Branch
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26030731/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner&PG=3)
“Yakiniku KOH Kyoto Takoyakushi Branch” is a wagyu yakiniku restaurant located a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station.
The stylish space, a renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse, features both private rooms and counter seating.
Notably, the restaurant offers premium wagyu beef such as Omi beef, Matsusaka beef, and Kobe beef at reasonable prices.
With over 100 types of wine available for a flat price of 3,300 yen, you’ll find the perfect pairing for your yakiniku.
The menu also includes dishes such as yukhoe and grilled shabu-shabu, making it ideal for birthdays and special occasions.
Yakiniku Gyu-Sho Shin
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“Yakiniku Gyu-Sho Shin” is a charcoal-grill yakiniku restaurant located a 2-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station.
The interior, a fully renovated Kyoto townhouse in Gion, offers an elegant atmosphere where you can enjoy yakiniku made from carefully selected beef from female Omi cattle.
At the counter seats, you can watch the chefs skillfully prepare and grill the meat right before your eyes.
Private rooms are also available and perfect for intimate meals.
On weekends and holidays, the restaurant offers special lunch courses and yukhoe bowls.
This establishment provides an exceptional dining experience of top-quality wagyu in a refined setting.
Jukusei Yakiniku Pondo Kyoto Ekimae
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26026641/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
“Jukusei Yakiniku Pondo Kyoto Ekimae” is a yakiniku restaurant located a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
It specializes in flavorful aged wagyu beef served yakiniku style.
The first floor features private rooms with soft lighting, and the second floor can accommodate up to 62 guests for banquets.
The restaurant also offers rare, aged Kobe beef, which pairs excellently with red wine.
With private rooms and horigotatsu (recessed kotatsu) seating, this restaurant is perfect for business dinners, meetings, and special occasions.
Additionally, they offer great lunch deals.
Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Renzou
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26040169/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner&PG=2)
“Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Renzou” is a yakiniku restaurant located a 6-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, housed in a 100-year-old renovated Kyoto townhouse.
The charming interior features many private rooms, making it ideal for business meetings and celebrations.
You can enjoy over 20 types of yukhoe and sashimi, as well as their famous "Kyoto Stairs Platter".
Black Wagyu Whole-Cow Yakiniku and Freshly Cooked Pot Rice Ichiba Kouji Karasuma Branch
(Source:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26003035/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner)
“Ichiba Kouji Karasuma Branch” is conveniently located with a direct connection to Karasuma Station.
Equipped with smoke-free grills, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about odors getting on your clothes.
They purchase whole black wagyu cows of A4 grade or higher and serve rare cuts.
The freshly cooked pot rice is particularly popular.
With semi-private rooms, the restaurant is perfect for parties and gatherings.
Conclusion
The yakiniku restaurants introduced in this article each offer a unique Kyoto experience along with delicious wagyu beef.
You’ll be able to enjoy high-quality dishes and the distinct charm of each establishment, making your time in Kyoto truly special.
When you visit Kyoto, be sure to indulge in fantastic dining experiences at these yakiniku spots.