Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi
Kaiseki in its birthplace, a meal at one of the oldest establishments to serve it — dining at Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi is a gateway to Kyoto’s history.
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.
The Gourmet Kaiseki is the most luxurious course currently available at Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi, consisting of the season’s most premium ingredients. The autumn menu, for instance, features an abundance of the elusive matsutake mushroom — so elusive it has to be foraged for in the wilderness, and cannot be grown. Kobe beef sirloin and Japanese ise-ebi spiny lobster round out the menu.
The Gourmet Kaiseki is the most luxurious course currently available at Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi, consisting of the season’s most premium ingredients. The autumn menu, for instance, features an abundance of the elusive matsutake mushroom — so elusive it has to be foraged for in the wilderness, and cannot be grown. Kobe beef sirloin and Japanese ise-ebi spiny lobster round out the menu.
Transform your meal into a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Minokichi’s premium kaiseki course. Featuring exquisite wagyu beef, matsutake mushrooms, and seasonal delights, this menu beautifully reflects Japan’s breathtaking seasons. ※ The menu listed is for September and might be subject to change depending on seasonal availability.
Transform your meal into a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Minokichi’s premium kaiseki course. Featuring exquisite wagyu beef, matsutake mushrooms, and seasonal delights, this menu beautifully reflects Japan’s breathtaking seasons. ※ The menu listed is for September and might be subject to change depending on seasonal availability.
Honoring Kyoto's ingredients and Japan's micro-seasons, Minokichi offers a special kaiseki course that highlights peak-season items while maintaining a deep appreciation for Kyoto and the art of kaiseki. For autumn, enjoy dishes inspired by the harvest moon. ※ The menu listed is for September and might be subject to change depending on seasonal availability.
Honoring Kyoto's ingredients and Japan's micro-seasons, Minokichi offers a special kaiseki course that highlights peak-season items while maintaining a deep appreciation for Kyoto and the art of kaiseki. For autumn, enjoy dishes inspired by the harvest moon. ※ The menu listed is for September and might be subject to change depending on seasonal availability.
Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Remarks
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.
Restaurant location
Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.
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