OBENKEI Kyoto Gion
This beloved Niigata-based sushi restaurant has found a new home in Kyoto’s iconic Gion district, carrying forward its deep-rooted passion for all things Sado Island.
Restaurant Details
2023 was a milestone year for the Benkei Company, the renowned group behind a string of successful sushi establishments across Tokyo and Niigata Prefecture. Originating from Sado Island — an area celebrated for its heritage-listed gold mines and outstanding seafood — the company expanded its reach to Kyoto's historic Gion district, bringing the island’s rich culinary traditions to a wider audience through the opening of its latest venue: OBENKEI Kyoto Gion.
The sushi restaurant sits between the stone-paved streets of Shirakawasuji Lane and Shinbashi-dori, among the rows of traditional machiya townhouses by Tatsumi Bridge. Sharing its space with Kani Kani Land on the first floor, the second-floor OBENKEI Kyoto Gion presents a compelling case for the place of fresh Sado Island seafood in Kyoto’s refined dining scene. While the exterior maintains its traditional soul — wooden latticework, tiled roof and a horse-proof fence — the interior has undergone a thoughtful transformation into a tranquil, modern space with window seats overlooking Shirakawa River.
Attention is given to sushi from freshly caught fish off the coast of Sado and Koshihikari rice from the same region, gently seasoned with red vinegar. The restaurant has recruited a team of expert chefs, who form each morsel of sushi rice and skillfully slices the neta (topping) with precision right before the open counter. The tempura is equally impressive, with seasonal seafood fried to perfection, often featuring Kyoto’s local vegetables in homage to the restaurant’s new home. Both omakase and a la carte dining options are available, with courses often beginning with a selection of sashimi — such as abalone or snow crab — followed by nigiri.
Serene but sunny, OBENKEI Kyoto Gion is fit for special celebrations and more low-key meals. Diners can even enjoy fresh seafood and mountain delicacies during lunchtime. A wide selection of wines tops the experience.
Start an exquisite lunch course with a refreshing glass of Asahi Super Dry — one of Japan’s leading beers — and continue with a seasonal omakase sushi course that ends with a warming bowl of miso soup. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
Start an exquisite lunch course with a refreshing glass of Asahi Super Dry — one of Japan’s leading beers — and continue with a seasonal omakase sushi course that ends with a warming bowl of miso soup. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
A combination of expertly executed sushi with delicately fried tempura in OBENKEI Kyoto Gion’s special lunch course. Diners will start with a toast with Asahi Super Dry — crisp, clean and fresh — and continue with sushi, chawanmushi and tempura. The course ends with miso soup. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
A combination of expertly executed sushi with delicately fried tempura in OBENKEI Kyoto Gion’s special lunch course. Diners will start with a toast with Asahi Super Dry — crisp, clean and fresh — and continue with sushi, chawanmushi and tempura. The course ends with miso soup. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
A premium dinner course that has OBENKEI Kyoto Gion delivering fresh snow crab, an assortment of sashimi and a lineup of stellar omakase sushi. Start with a glass of Asahi Super Dry and close the experience with a warm bowl of miso soup. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
A premium dinner course that has OBENKEI Kyoto Gion delivering fresh snow crab, an assortment of sashimi and a lineup of stellar omakase sushi. Start with a glass of Asahi Super Dry and close the experience with a warm bowl of miso soup. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
A special dinner course featuring the snow crab. Diners will start with a toast using Asahi Super Dry — Japan’s leading beer brand — and work their way through an assortment of sashimi and tempura. The menu culminates in a luxurious bowl of toro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe) rice bowl. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
A special dinner course featuring the snow crab. Diners will start with a toast using Asahi Super Dry — Japan’s leading beer brand — and work their way through an assortment of sashimi and tempura. The menu culminates in a luxurious bowl of toro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe) rice bowl. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion’s signature course begins with a glass of Asahi Super Dry as the aperitif and continues with a delightful selection of dishes, including sashimi, chawanmushi and a snow crab shoulder Caesar salad. The experience reaches its pinnacle with an assortment of tempura, unagi (eel) and premium sushi, concluding with a decadent dessert. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion’s signature course begins with a glass of Asahi Super Dry as the aperitif and continues with a delightful selection of dishes, including sashimi, chawanmushi and a snow crab shoulder Caesar salad. The experience reaches its pinnacle with an assortment of tempura, unagi (eel) and premium sushi, concluding with a decadent dessert. ※ Alternative non-alcoholic beverage option is available for guests who do not consume alcohol.
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion 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.
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion Business Days
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion Address
Shirakawasuji 2F Motoyoshi-cho 67, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0087
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion Access Info
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion is a 5-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station (Exit 9) on the Keihan Main Line or a 6-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Exit 3) on the Keihan Main Line.
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion Phone Number
OBENKEI Kyoto Gion 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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