Tabelog ratingIn the heart of Kyoto's Gion district, Gion Matayoshi (祇園 又吉) offers an intimate, two-Michelin-star kaiseki experience. The restaurant is celebrated for its long, multi-course seasonal menus, often featuring more than a dozen dishes, served in a relaxed yet formal atmosphere. The main attraction for many is a seat at the eight-person counter, where the chefs present each course with explanations, often using picture books or iPads to show the ingredients, with a sous-chef frequently available to assist in English.
Guests consistently praise the clarity and depth of the dashi, the freshness of the seasonal produce, and the quality of the sashimi. Standout dishes frequently mentioned by reviewers include a rich chawanmushi with Ise-ebi lobster, wagyu shabu-shabu, and a final rice course with ikura (salmon roe). The meal often concludes with desserts like a silky house-made pudding or sesame ice cream. The extensive sake list and thoughtful pairings are also a highlight for many diners.
While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews note that the meal can be very long, lasting three to four hours, with the pacing sometimes feeling uneven. The high price point positions it firmly as a special-occasion restaurant rather than a casual stop.
Expect to pay around ¥20,000–¥29,999 for lunch and ¥30,000–¥39,999 for dinner. The restaurant's own pricing lists lunch courses from ¥20,000 and dinner courses from ¥36,000, plus a service charge. Most diners feel the exceptional quality of the ingredients and the personal, theatrical service justify the cost.
- Booking: Reservations are mandatory and should be made well in advance online, especially for counter seats. Bookings for solo diners are generally not accepted.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station or a shorter walk from Gion-Shijo Station.
- Seating: There are 8 counter seats (for parties of 2-3) and private tatami rooms (for parties of 4 or more). The counter is highly recommended for the full experience.
- Payment: VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A service charge is added to the bill.
- Age Restriction: Children are generally not permitted. However, children in elementary school (grade 6 and above) may be seated in the private rooms.
- Dress Code: A smart casual dress code is requested; guests in shorts, slippers, or sandals may be turned away.
- Parking: There is no parking available.
