Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, is well-known for its temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and the historical heritage that draws visitors from around the world. But what some may not realize is that Kyoto is also a hidden gem for food lovers, particularly those seeking to experience the melt-in-your-mouth luxury of Wagyu beef! Wagyu, also known as Japanese Beef, is often famed for its intense marbling texture, the luxurious distribution between fat and meat, and rich flavor. It comes from specially bred Japanese cattle and is celebrated as one of the finest meats in the world. Here are four restaurants in Kyoto where you can indulge in four different styles of Wagyu.
Best Wagyu Yakiniku (Grilled Meat): Wagyuyakiniku Toku
Wagyu Yakiniku Platter at Toku – Photo Credit: Wagyuyakiniku Toku Instagram
If you’re craving the smoky and savory flavors of Wagyu grilled to perfection over charcoal, look no further than Wagyuyakiniku Toku. This yakiniku restaurant is a local favorite for its high-quality cuts and their use of the best A4 and A5-ranked Japanese black cattle from all over the country. It includes Shinshu premium cattle, which are famous for the oleic acid present in their beef, which enhances the flavor and melt-in-the-mouth quality of the fat. From classic ribs, to rare innard parts, you can grill your own Wagyu, giving you full control over how you like your meat cooked. If you are feeling lost and don’t know which parts to order, they even have set menus creating the best assorted Wagyu grilled meat combination for you. Enjoy Kyoto’s finest Wagyu with the best view of the Kamo river, you will not regret it!
Interior of Wagyuyakiniku Toku – Photo Credit: Wagyuyakiniku Toku Instagram
Address: 26 Benzaitencho Higashiyama-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 605-0086
Specialty: Premium Wagyu Yakiniku
Average price: ¥6,000–¥10,000 per person
Best Wagyu Sukiyaki: Iroha Kitaten
Traditional Sukiyaki with Kyoto Beef at Iroha Kitaten – Photo Credit: Iroha Kitaten
For those who prefer a more traditional Japanese dining experience, Iroha Kitaten is the place to savor Wagyu Sukiyaki! It is a delicious hotpot dish where slices of Wagyu are cooked in a shallow iron pan with the iconic sweet and savory Sukiyaki sauce. For Iroha, they use their own Warishita soy sauce and Goan crystal sugar. You dip the beef in raw egg before eating, giving it another layer of aroma. Established in 1911, Iroha is renowned for its elegant “Kyoto setting” and carefully sourced, top-grade locally raised Kyoto Beef. This particular type of beef is known as one of the top Wagyu brands and famous for its well marbled, inimitable texture, and spectacular taste.
Iroha Kitaten’s Traditional Kyoto Setting – Photo Credit: Iroha Kitaten
Address: Nabeyacho, Pontocho-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Specialty: Wagyu Sukiyaki
Average price: ¥10,000 per person
Best Wagyu Kaiseki: Inayoshi Restaurant
Kyoto Beef sandwich beautifully plated at Inayoshi’s Kaiseki course – Photo Credit: Inayoshi Restaurant Instagram
For a true Kyoto-style dining experience, nothing compares to Inayoshi Restaurant’s Wagyu Kaiseki. Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality, artistry, and balance. Kaiseki traces back all the way back to how tea ceremonies are back in historic Japan, which makes Kyoto the perfect place to try Kaiseki course meals. Inayoshi elevates this experience with beautifully presented Wagyu courses that highlight the delicate flavors and textures of the meat, paired with seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation. Their Wagyu Kaiseki starts with visually appealing and seasonally picked appetizers, and you will be immediately surprised by their Kyoto Beef Katsu Sandwich afterwards. You can choose from the Ume, Pine, and Bamboo course depending what level of meat you want and they will prepare the meat to your taste. Finish the meal with traditional Japanese dessert and tea and you will be filled with nothing but satisfaction.
Inayoshi’s Wagyu Beef Selection – Photo Credit: Inayoshi Restaurant Instagram
Address: 150 Umenokicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8012
Specialty: Wagyu Kaiseki
Average price: ¥10,000–¥17,000 per person
Best Wagyu Steak: Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion
Wagyu Steak at Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion – Photo Credit: Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion
If you’re in the mood for a perfectly seared, thick-cut Wagyu steak, Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion is where you’ll find one of the best. With over 140 years of experience in serving Wagyu, this restaurant provides two selections of meat: Tajima beef and Kobe beef. Kobe beef is well known for its exquisite quality, but it can be pricey at times. Mouriya takes pride in its carefully sourced Tajima beef, which carries the similar aroma and fat content as Kobe beef, but with a more affordable price. Located in the picturesque Gion district, this steakhouse combines high-quality beef with a luxurious, refined dining experience. Whether you choose Tajima Beef or Kobe beef, each bite of steak is rich, buttery, and full of flavor, making it a must-try for steak enthusiasts visiting Kyoto.
Kobe Wagyu A5 Steak at Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion – Photo Credit: Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion Instagram
Address: 〒605-0802 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatocho, 7−1 祇園モーリヤビル
Specialty: Wagyu Steak (Tajima Beef/Kobe Beef)
Average price: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per person
Kyoto may be famous for its temples and tradition, but the Wagyu dining scene is just as memorable. Although tasting Wagyu might be a bit of a splurge, visiting a great restaurant will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip. Whether you’re craving the sizzle of yakiniku, the comforting flavors of sukiyaki, or indulging in the elegance of kaiseki, Kyoto offers the perfect setting to experience Japan’s most luxurious beef!
Featured Photo Credit: Mouriya.co.jp
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