Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi

Restaurant Details

The legendary Minokichi restaurant was the first in many things: founded in 1716, the inaugural year of the Kyoho era, it was among the foremost restaurants to establish itself along the banks of Kyoto’s Kamo River. Later, it became one of only eight stores officially authorized by the Kyoto governor-general to serve river fish during the Edo period.

After relocating its main branch near Nanzenji Temple and expanding to 17 additional locations across Kansai and Kanto, the brand has returned to its roots in Kyoto, establishing a new presence in the thick of Kawaramachi.

Today, the 300-year-old Minokichi is still stronger than ever to spread the gospel of kaiseki, the sophisticated style of multi-course dining that originated in the city. Celebrating the ephemeral beauty of Japan’s micro-seasons, kaiseki cuisine is characterized by its delicate use of local ingredients. During the summer inside Minokichi, vegetables are crafted into refreshing chilled dishes featuring Manganji peppers and lotus roots. In July, the restaurant serves conger eel to honor the Gion Festival and makes the most of the abundant ayu, or sweetfish. In autumn, matsutake mushrooms take center stage, while the soft-shelled turtle dish, known as "tsukimi," emerges as a standout masterpiece.

Other dishes remain mainstays, such as the restaurant’s reputation-defining steamed eel in a bamboo basket and unagi chazuke (eel rice bowl poured with tea) or Japanese Black beef. The use of Kyoto vegetables and tofu skin, known as yuba, highlights the local heritage.

Diners have the option to enjoy a counter dining experience with a stunning view of the hills of Higashiyama and the major shopping street of Kawaramachi. For life’s significant moments, private rooms featuring a circular table or sunken tatami rooms are the way to go.

Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Remarks

• The menus are subject to change on an irregular basis due to seasonal availability.

• Guests with dietary restrictions and/or food allergies should inform the restaurant beforehand. The restaurant might not be able to accommodate guests who make same-day requests.

• The restaurant reserves the right to refuse reservations to guests who have excessive dietary restrictions, particularly those of fish or vegetables.

• The course menu content listed below is an example, and is subject to change based on seasonal availability.

Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Business Days

Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Address

Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden 8F, 68 Higashi-iru Shincho, Shijokawaramachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8001

Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Access Info

• Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi is a 1-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu-Kyoto Line or a 4-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line.

Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Phone Number

Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Cancellation Policy

Cancel your reservation at least 2 days before the dining start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.