Kyoto is home to numerous popular restaurants whose reputations have been steadily growing among local foodies and gourmet media, making them consistently difficult to book. Even if they aren\u2019t featured in guidebooks for tourists, these are the places that Kyoto residents choose for \u201cspecial occasions.\u201d In fact, the more these hidden gems are known only to those in the know, the harder it is to secure a reservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, our Kyoto-based staff have carefully selected five must-visit restaurants\u2014all of which require reservations\u2014based on up-to-date business hours and reservation information. From kaiseki cuisine and traditional Kyoto townhouse restaurants to open-air dining along the Kamogawa River and takeout-only Sukeroku Sushi, the genres and reservation policies vary widely. Before visiting, be sure to check the latest business hours and closed days on the official website or by phone, and make a reservation well in advance before heading out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disclaimer: Restaurant hours, prices, and reservation procedures are subject to change. The information in this article is based on details confirmed at the time of writing (September 2026), but we strongly recommend that you contact each establishment directly to verify the details before making a final decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Get to Know Kyoto\u2019s \u201cReservation Culture\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Kyoto, Kamigamo: Akiyama Restaurant<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Ushinohone Restaurant (Main Branch)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0Yoshiya<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0Marikoji Nakamuraya (Specialty Shop for Sukeroku Sushi)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0Edoro Edoro Hitoshina<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Tips for Booking Travel for Inbound Tourists<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Summary<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is not uncommon for many of Kyoto\u2019s renowned restaurants to accept reservations only by phone.
Some restaurants are listed on online reservation sites (such as Ikyu.com Restaurants, TableCheck, and Hot Pepper Gourmet), but even if they are listed, there are cases where they only accept phone reservations or only list same-day availability online. In reality, if you want to ensure you get a reservation, calling is often the quickest way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For international travelers, making reservations by phone in Japanese can sometimes be a challenge. We recommend asking the concierge at your hotel to make the reservation for you or using one of the booking sites described below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Kyoto Kamigamo Goryori Akiyama\" stands quietly in a peaceful residential neighborhood not far from Kamigamo Shrine.
The interior of this renovated traditional house\u2014said to have been relocated to this site in Showa 11 (1936) and approximately 90 years old\u2014features an irori (traditional sunken hearth) and an okudo-san (kitchen stove), creating an atmosphere that evokes a sense of nostalgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chef behind the kitchen is Naohiro Akiyama, the owner, who trained for 13 years at the renowned restaurants \u201cKyoto Kitcho\u201d and \u201cHana Kitcho.\u201d Driven by his desire to \u201cface customers across the counter and cook while chatting with them,\u201d he struck out on his own and opened this restaurant in 2006.
Centered around Kyoto vegetables grown by contracted farmers in the Takamine area of Kita Ward and fish from Akashi, the restaurant showcases a unique sensibility in its combinations of ingredients and use of dashi. From white rice cooked in a traditional rice cooker using rice sourced from contracted farmers in Gifu\u2014milled fresh in the exact amount needed each time\u2014to black rice porridge and the matcha served by the hearth after a meal, this \u201conce-in-a-lifetime\u201d hospitality continues to captivate Kyoto\u2019s food connoisseurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Known as one of the nation\u2019s most difficult-to-book restaurants, it operates on a reservation-only basis and accepts reservations by phone only. Reservations open at 10:00 a.m. on the 1st of the month preceding the month you wish to visit (for example, to make a reservation for December, reservations open at 10:00 a.m. on November 1). If the 1st falls on a day the restaurant is closed, reservations will open on the next business day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s said to be particularly difficult to secure a reservation for the evening kaiseki meal, there are reports that seats tend to open up more easily for lunch service or single diners, and it seems you may be able to secure a seat at the last minute by putting your name on the cancellation waitlist. If you\u2019re looking for a good opportunity, it\u2019s a good idea to start by inquiring about the lunch service or small-group reservations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25cb Kyoto, Kamigamo, Akiyama Restaurant<\/strong> *The restaurant offers only the chef's choice menu. Please be sure to call before your visit to confirm the latest reservation availability and business hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Ryoriya Ushinohone Main Store\" is located in an alley in Ponto-cho, just off the Kamo River. One of the restaurant\u2019s main attractions is the ability to casually enjoy an \u00e0 la carte selection of seasonal vegetables from Kyoto, wild greens delivered directly from Ohara, fresh fish from Ise, and Kyoto-brand beef and pork. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of sake and wine, and you can pair your meal with a bottle carefully selected by a sommelier or sake sommelier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u201cNoryo-yuka\u201d on the Kamogawa River\u2014a quintessential summer tradition in Kyoto\u2014is typically open from May 1 through around October 15 each year. Dinner courses on the open-air platforms start at 7,500 yen, and a course featuring the restaurant\u2019s signature stew is also available. Since \u201cNoryo-yuka\u201d is a seasonal event and subject to weather conditions, please check directly with the restaurant in advance to confirm the operating period and whether they will be open on the day you plan to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since this is a popular restaurant, we strongly recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on weekends and during the \"noryo-yuka\" season (early summer through fall). While online reservations through sites like Ikyu.com are available, making a reservation by phone may be more reliable during peak periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Ushinohone Restaurant (Main Branch)<\/strong> *Business hours vary depending on the season and day of the week, so we recommend checking them before your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Yoshiya\" is located at the end of a narrow alley in Ponto-ch\u014d, further back down the street. The menu features dishes such as autumn eggplant with sesame dressing, sashimi, salt-grilled Wakasa guji fish, duck loin, and vegetables in a thick sauce with fresh wheat gluten. While the dishes aren\u2019t flashy, they\u2019re renowned for their subtle, heartwarming flavors that linger. Although Mr. Kawanabe is a renowned chef in Kyoto who has published several books, he is beloved by regulars for his down-to-earth personality, which makes for enjoyable conversations across the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of its secluded location, it can be difficult to find using Google Maps alone, but that\u2019s all part of the charm that makes this restaurant so typical of Ponto-ch\u014d. Reservations are accepted by phone only. Since this popular restaurant tends to fill up quickly, we recommend contacting them as soon as possible once you\u2019ve decided on a date to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u3007Yoshiya<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Marik\u014dji Nakamuraya\" stands quietly in a peaceful alley in the Demachiyanagi and Hyakumanben areas of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. Established in 1954, this takeout-only Sukeroku sushi shop is also known as the official supplier to the administrative office of Fushimi Inari Taisha. It is also a renowned establishment with deep ties to the world of Kyoto\u2019s hanamachi (entertainment districts) and traditional performing arts, having long been used for \u201cbackstage gifts\u201d at the Minamiza Kabuki Theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made with locally sourced Kyoto seasonings such as vinegar and soy sauce, these dishes are prepared in the sh\u014djin style\u2014using absolutely no raw ingredients\u2014with inari sushi, shink\u014d-maki, and cucumber rolls as their signature items. The small, hand-pressed inari sushi is characterized by a rich sweetness derived from brown sugar and tamari soy sauce, combined with a subtle, understated touch of vinegar, making it a favorite among people of all ages. Since it can be eaten without dipping in soy sauce\u2014keeping your hands clean\u2014it\u2019s popular as a hiking lunch and as an elegant gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, on \u201crepeating-digit days\u201d\u2014such as March 3 and April 4\u2014the \u201cchirashi sushi,\u201d which was previously available only as a non-commercial item and features a mix of lotus root, sansho pepper, and fried tofu, may be sold in limited quantities (advance reservation required).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the sign isn't very noticeable and the exterior looks like an ordinary house at first glance, it's a good idea to double-check the address before visiting for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Orders are accepted by reservation only and must be placed by the day before (or three days in advance); walk-in purchases on the day of are not accepted. Depending on our preparation schedule, we may not be able to accommodate your request, so we recommend making your reservation well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address: 58 Kamigamo Okamoto-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-711-5136 (By appointment only; phone inquiries only)
Hours: Lunch 12:00\u201314:30 (last order 12:30) \/ Dinner 18:00\u2013around 22:00
Closed: Wednesdays and the last Thursday of the month
Directions: About a 15-minute walk from Kitayama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line (also a few minutes\u2019 walk from the \u201cKamigamo Elementary School\u201d city bus stop, among others)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0 Ushinohone Main Restaurant | Open-air dining with a view of the Kamogawa River and the restaurant\u2019s famous beef stew<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Since its founding in 1985, this Japanese restaurant has continued to offer its timelessly popular dishes, such as homemade tofu and its signature \u201cBeef Bone-Style Stew,\u201d made with a fond de veau slowly simmered from beef bones. From the windows of the modern Japanese-style interior, guests can enjoy views of the Kamogawa River and relax while dining in tatami-mat rooms or private dining rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Summer Tradition: Open-Air Dining Platforms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
About Reservations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Address: 137-12 Wakamatsu-cho, Ponto-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-212-1023
Hours: Lunch: 12:00 p.m. to around 1:00 p.m. (last order) \/ Dinner: 5:00 p.m. to around 11:30 p.m. (last order: 11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000*Business hours may vary during the \"Noryo-yuka\" season.
Closed: Irregular holidays
Directions: About a 5-minute walk from \"Sanjo Station\" on the Keihan Main Line, and about a 5-minute walk from \"Sanjo Keihan Station\" on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
HP:https:\/\/www.ushinohone.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0Yoshiya | Tucked away in a back alley in Ponto-ch\u014d, an authentic kappo restaurant that has been in business for over 60 years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Since its founding in 1960 (Showa 35), this traditional kappo restaurant has been beloved by local food connoisseurs for over 60 years. Led by second-generation owner Yukishige Kawanabe, the restaurant specializes in kama-meshi (rice cooked in a pot) and \u00e0 la carte dishes. Guests can enjoy dishes featuring the bounty of the mountains and seas, as well as Kyoto\u2019s seasonal ingredients, through omakase, \u00e0 la carte, or set-menu options.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbout Reservations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Address: 188 Zaimokucho, down Pontocho-dori from Sanjo, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-221-5115 (Phone reservations only)
Hours: 5:00 PM\u201311:00 PM (Last order at 10:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (may be closed on other days as well)
Directions: About a 5-minute walk from \"Sanjo Station\" on the Keihan Main Line, and about a 10-minute walk from \"Kawaramachi Station\" on the Hankyu Kyoto Line<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0Marikoji Nakamuraya (Specialty Sukeroku Sushi Shop) | Official Supplier to Fushimi Inari Taisha; Takeout Sukeroku Sushi Available by Reservation Only<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About Reservations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n