Kōdaiji Jūgyūan

Japanese restaurant · Kyoto-shi ·

Kōdaiji Jūgyūan

Japanese restaurant · Kyoto-shi ·

Traditional Kyoto kaiseki with French influence, whale meat

Information

Japan, 〒605-0826 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 高台寺桝屋町353 Get directions

¥10,000+

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

Inspectors' Favorite Dishes from the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 Selection

"Wagyu beef is perfectly grilled and paired with the rich, savoury depth of Daitokuji Nato and black olives. Generous shavings of chestnut signal the arrival of autumn, while the fusion of Japanese and Western ingredients creates a symphony of unique flavours. Presented on plates created by contemporary artists, dishes such as these are pushing the boundaries of Japanese cuisine into exciting new territories." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/dining-out/michelin-guide-kyoto-osaka-inspector-favorite-dishes-2025-en

Kōdaiji Jūgyūan

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

The MICHELIN Guide Kyoto and Osaka 2025: Newly-Awarded Restaurants Announced, Including Three Two-MICHELIN Stars, 10 One-MICHELIN Stars, and Two MICHELIN Green Stars

"Nestled in a century-old Sukiya-style house in Kyoto, Kodaiji Jugyuan pays homage to the traditions of the past. The restaurant offers exceptional meat-based preparations using Western cooking techniques while preserving Kyoto gastronomy traditions." - MICHELIN Guide Japan

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelinguide-kyoto-osaka-new-selection-2025-en

Kōdaiji Jūgyūan

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"Jugyuan is named after the famous Zen painting series, Jugyuzu, or ‘Pictures of Ten Oxen’. It has a sukiya-style house and beautiful garden. The chef incorporates seasonal festivals into his menu, imparting a sense of the customs of the ancient capital. Part of the attraction of Jugyuan is that meat dishes are a key part of the menu. Western techniques of flame control are applied here, thanks to the involvement of Hiramatsu, famous for its French cuisine. Kodaiji Jugyuan explores new directions while safeguarding the traditions of Kyoto gastronomy." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/kyoto-region/kyoto/restaurant/kodaiji-jugyuan

Kōdaiji Jūgyūan

Evie

Google

This meal was exceptional- it was a whole experience that we will never forget. Firstly having private room to dine in was really nice and meant we felt very relaxed. The setting is beautiful and traditional. The wine pairing was incredible, I would recommend taking that with the menu. The only criticism I could offer is that the last dessert of the chestnut and jelly wasn’t as good as the rest of the meal in our opinion so we felt it ended on an anti climatic note but overall of course still an amazing meal. We stayed for 2.5 hours but it felt like 30 minutes we enjoyed ourselves so much!

Charles L.

Google

Dined here on December 31 and had a quietly memorable end-of-year meal. The kaiseki followed a traditional Kyoto structure, calm and well paced, with a beautiful view that encouraged you to slow down. What impressed me most was how the kitchen used non-extravagant ingredients to create deeply satisfying flavors—very much a Kyoto kaiseki “low-key flex,” where technique and judgment matter more than luxury. Service was thoughtful and unobtrusive throughout. A refined, composed experience for those who appreciate restraint over spectacle.

William M

Google

This is, quite simply, a fine traditional Japanese meal I have ever experienced. Every dish tasted clean, pure flavor, designed to stimulate and reawaken the palate. A particular highlight was the whale meat, a first-time experience that proved truly unique and delicious, possessing a surprising richness and texture that I won't soon forget. The experience was elevated by a superb wine and sake pairing. If you seek a Japanese high-end gastronomy, look no further. This is where tradition and sensory perfection meet.

Elly T.

Google

We were very lucky to have the perfect place of views. Unforgettably interesting and incredible food, and our servant lady was also super nice and friendly! (Who gave us very useful infos of Japanese new year celebrations). Absolutely amazing experience!!!

Alec K.

Google

Went here for lunch in October 2024. The meal and experience here was so good that it popped into my head almost a year and a half later and I had to leave a review. We had a two person reservation. We were greeted outside on the street by our server/host, who lead us inside to our private room for the tasting menu. We had a beautiful view of their garden and a small waterfall along the mountain. The meal was just superb. I highly recommend the sake pairing because you will be treated to some of the most delicious sake that you will not be able to find anywhere else. Our server was gracious and kind, and the experience was unique in that we had so much private time just with each other and the food. It’s quiet, serene, and beautifully simple. My only negative thought with this experience looking back is that we did not have the opportunity to meet or see the chefs who prepared our meal. We may have passed them as we said goodbye to the staff on our way out but I’m unsure if the cooks were there. It’s pretty common in most other Japanese (and American) restaurants to let you see the chefs. Whether it’s an open kitchen, or if they come by the dining area, or otherwise, it’s pretty common. Thinking more on it now, I appreciate that they let the food speak for itself on the plate without any other influence. Really fantastic experience.

Kathleen K.

Google

We had a really lovely experience. The service was outstanding, the views were serene and the whole place was peaceful. The food presentation was Michelin star level. I only gave 4 stars because for my American palette, the traditional Japanese food was hard for me to eat. It’s definitely an acquired taste.

R K

Google

The service, ambience, presentation and our hostess was par excellent. It was one of the most calming meals with the most beautiful ode to the senses with private seating, beautiful presentation and tableware, and seasonal ingredients. (Service 5/5, Ambience 5/5) We would consider our palate to be fairly advanced, we found the flavours to be subtle and catered to a western palate, as it does have a french influence in the way flavours are harmonised. (4.5/5 Food)

Zhen Hao C.

Google

Amazing Kaiseiki dining experience at this 1* Michelin restaurant. The food was superb and really showcased the freshness of ingredients and skills of the chef, the service was top notch and the private dining room was the icing on the cake. Our waitress/service crew was waiting for us outside the main door and led us all the way in, and patiently helped us with all our queries and photo taking. Felt like a royalty being shown around the beautiful garden, and even escorted us to the exit. The tranquil location and view from the windows really is a drastic difference from the messy/crowded streets just outside the restaurant. Felt super relaxed just enjoying the food and soaking in the ambience. Price point for lunch was good, not too expensive for the entire experience. Would highly recommend.