OBENKEI Kyoto Gion
Hailing from Sado Island, OBENKEI brings the spirit of its hometown to Kyoto’s Gion district, serving Niigata’s local sake, pristine seafood and impeccably executed sushi to Japan's old capital.
Restaurant Details
Originating from Sado Island, famed for its heritage-listed gold mines and exceptional seafood, OBENKEI Kyoto Gion weaves a culinary narrative while redefining expectations with its deeply rooted, hyperlocal approach.
At night, the restaurant’s warm glow and lattice facade blend with the neighboring machiya townhouses along Shirakawasuji Lane and Shinbashi-dori. Sharing its space with Kani Kani Land below, the second-floor OBENKEI Kyoto Gion makes a compelling case for fresh Sado Island seafood in Kyoto’s refined dining scene. While the exterior preserves its traditional charm — wooden storefront, a tiled roof and a horse-proof fence — the interior has been transformed into a tranquil space with window seats overlooking the Shirakawa River.
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. 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 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.
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 48 hours 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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