15 Restaurants in Kyoto Where You Can Eat Delicious, Fresh, and Juicy Yakitori Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Dec 11 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Restaurants in Kyoto Where You Can Eat Delicious, Fresh, and Juicy Yakitori

Yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) is a popular dish, and there are many delicious yakitori restaurants around the country. Here is an introduction to 15 such restaurants in Kyoto, which is a popular sightseeing destination of Japan.

See full listings of Yakitori restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Kyoasobi

This restaurant has the atmosphere of a retreat and is located in an alleyway near Hanamikoji, which is in Shijo - a lively commercial area. They are particular about using local ingredients like ji-dori (local chicken) and Kyo-yasai (traditional vegetables from Kyoto). A top recommendation is the amazingly fluffy and juicy [Homemade Gion Tsukune (1 stick from 170 JPY plus tax)] (chicken meatballs). It's made with a mix of hand-cut coarse and finely ground chicken minces. Also recommended is the charcoal-grilled [Seared Tamba Ji-dori (750 JPY plus tax)], which has a crunchy and aromatic skin, as well as a medium-rare inside. Enjoy the texture and umami (Japanese savory taste) of this ji-dori to your heart's content!

Kyoasobi

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 3:00 am
[Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 270-4, Gion-machi Kita-gawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

2. Sumibi Yakitori Tsumugi

Sumibi Yakitori Tsumugi is a popular restaurant with a homey atmosphere that's well-liked by locals. There's a variety of creative cuisine on the menu, with the highlight being the thoroughly charcoal-grilled [Assorted Yakitori], in which you can enjoy a plethora of chicken parts, including more rare delicacies. Also recommended is the [Seared Chicken with Green Onions (650 JPY)], with a seared outside, medium-rare inside, and plenty of green onions as toppings. The soft and tender taste and texture are enhanced by the flavor of sesame oil and ponzu (citrus-seasoned soy sauce).

Sumibi Yakitori Tsumugi

Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday *There may be times when this will change
Average price: 2,900 JPY
Address: 2-82-1, Ohashi Higashi, Sanjo-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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3. Kokkoya

A popular restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, their yakitori are aromatically grilled over charcoal, with a diverse line-up of various chicken parts for you to enjoy. They also have plenty of a la carte dishes that go well with alcohol. One recommendation is the [Chicken Wing Karaage (1 stick costs 160 JPY)] (deep-fried chicken wings), which is coated in a secret sauce and garnished with sesame and a garlic-flavored spice blend.

Kokkoya

Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 2-7-26, Kaiden, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto (Map)

4. Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho

Enjoy your fill of the popular Kyo Aka Ji-dori (produced in Kyoto) at Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho. They procure only the most delicious hens and grill them over domestic binchotan (high-quality white charcoal) to make their highly reputed yakitori. Their soft and juicy [Tsukune (250 JPY)] is highly recommended. You can enjoy the flavor of chicken as much as you like with a variety of seasonings and toppings, such as egg yolk, cheese, grated radish, and salt. Their [Special Oyako-don (680 JPY)] (rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs), made with extremely fresh ji-dori slaughtered that morning, is also popular. It is a perfect dish for finishing off a few drinks.

Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
[Sunday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 324, Tabiya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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5. Bajitofu

Bajitofu is a popular restaurant that's situated in the back streets of a business district. The distinguishing features of their yakitori are the large pieces and soft texture. Fresh domestic chicken is carefully selected and stocked on a daily basis, and the flavor of the meat is drawn out through their skewering methods and adjustment of heat, depending on which part is being cooked. Their [Chicken and Green Onion (150 JPY)] comes highly recommended. The full-flavored sauce, created over a 30 year period, perfectly matches with the meat. If you prefer a refreshing flavor, the rare [Seseri (150 JPY)] (neck meat of chicken) is recommended. The overflowing juices with each mouthful are enhanced with salt from Miyako Island (Miyako-jima), Okinawa.

Bajitofu

Open: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) *Last entry is at 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 587, Kikusuiboko-cho, Shijo-agaru, Muromachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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6. Kazamidori

This restaurant is perfect for just about any occasion. With both counter seats and private rooms, it can be used by small groups in a leisurely setting or for a large party. The [Otsukarechan Set] that's available until 8:00 pm every day is highly recommended. For 500 JPY, you can get a drink plus one dish and a small side dish. This is recommended for those who just want a quick drink. In addition, their popular [Yakitori 10-Skewer Assortment (980 JPY)] offers a variety of yakitori for you to enjoy.

Kazamidori

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: None *May suddenly close without prior notice
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY *If you make a reservation, you can visit for lunch
Address: 1F, Daiki Rokkaku Bldg., 230-2, Donomae-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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7. iBUKURO

iBUKURO is popular for having a calm and stylish space. They serve chicken directly delivered from poultry farms in the neighboring Shiga Prefecture, such as Kyo Aka ji-dori, Tankai ji-dori, and Omi Syamo. Some recommended dishes include [Chicken Sumibi Kushi-yaki], in which chicken skewers are grilled on binchotan, and the [Kyo Aka Liver Sashimi (700 JPY)]. They have plenty of sake (Japanese alcohol) and wine to enhance your meal.

iBUKURO

Open: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Branneige Meikawa, 352, Hachimonji-cho, Shijo-sagaru, Fuyamachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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8. Taketori NEO

Taketori NEO is a unique restaurant where you can enjoy the delicious Nanatani ji-dori from Kameoka, Kyoto. It is a breed of chicken that's raised free-range on clear water and organic, quality feed at a plot of land measuring over 3,300 sq.m. You can enjoy the flavor of chicken that was slaughtered that morning with their [Sashimi] and aromatically grilled [Skewers]. A recommendation is their most popular dish, the [Egg Yolk Sauce Tsukune (350 JPY)], in which gently grilled mince is dipped in rich egg yolk. Their [Duck Breast (800 JPY)], made using ducks grown in-house, and the [Ji-dori Nabe (2,500 JPY)] (chicken hot pot) that's filled with collagen also have a good reputation.

Taketori NEO

Open: 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: 4,500 JPY
Address: 232-9, Kamigoryo Kamie-cho, Kuramaguchi Higashi-iru, Karasuma, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

9. Kokekokko Kyoto

Kokekokko Kyoto is a popular restaurant in Fukuchiyama, which is in the northern part of Kyoto. The ingredients for their yakitori menu consist of chicken procured from all over the country, but mainly from Miyazaki, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima in the Kyushu region. The grilling specialist grills it over charcoal, coating it with a full-bodied sauce that has been added to ever since the restaurant was founded 30 years ago. There is plenty of variety on the menu besides yakitori, such as their juicy [Karaage] that's seasoned with garlic and ginger.

Kokekokko Kyoto

Open: [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Tuesday - Friday] 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Monday *Open if it falls on a national holiday or the day before a national holiday
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 122, Maeda Shin-machi, Fukuchiyama-shi, Kyoto Map
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10. Kushi Dining Asobi Daigo Branch

Kushi Dining Asobi is a popular restaurant with a conspicuously large signboard as its symbol. They mostly have private rooms, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal without being disturbed. The varieties of yakitori have evolved, but their recommendation is an assortment of skewers consisting of the most delicious ingredients of the day. Their chicken, such as Kishu Ume-dori from Wakayama Prefecture, is directly delivered from chosen production areas. Their tender and fresh chicken sashimi, as well as their seafood, meat, and vegetable skewers are popular, too.

Kushi Dining Asobi Daigo Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,500 JPY
Address: 27-2, Daigo Okamae-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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11. Eetokodori Nishioji Eki-mae Branch

The enthusiastic and energetic staff at Eetokodori always greet customers with a friendly smile. The menu consists of produce from Awaji Island (Awaji-shima) in Hyogo Prefecture. A recommendation is the [Sandai Special 6-Piece Assortment (680 JPY plus tax)], which makes use of Awaji chicken from Awaji Island. The menu offers an assortment of popular yakitori, such as juicy chicken thigh, which has a firm texture, and their carefully handmade tsukune skewers. Other popular items include the [Awaji Island Onion Steak (380 JPY plus tax)], in which a sweet and full-flavored Awaji onion is sauteed in butter.

Eetokodori Nishioji Eki-mae Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 4:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,300 JPY
Address: 4F, LOFT16, 1-6, Nishi Hiragaki-cho, Karahashi, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

12. Kyoto Romanya Kyoto Station Hachijo Gate Branch

Just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, this restaurant is part of a popular chain that's well-known for its chicken skewers. A recommendation is [Today's Recommended Yakitori], which uses Satsuma Chiran chicken from Kyushu. Using binchotan allows them to cook the meat at a very high temperature for a short amount time, which allows the chicken to retain its flavor and moisture. Additionally, they also have dishes that go great with alcohol, such as seared fresh chicken and the [Extravagant Sashimi Assortment], in which you can experience the deliciousness of fresh fish.

Kyoto Romanya Kyoto Station Hachijo Gate Branch

Open: 5:30 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 30 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto,

13. Kyoto Romanya Shijo Karasuma Branch

This is the Shijo Karasuma Branch of the Kyoto Romanya chain, which is popular for its charcoal-grilled yakitori. It is situated in a bustling area that's about a minute's walk from Shijo Station. Their signature menu, consisting of a variety of yakitori, has gained popularity for its fragrant, juicy meat and robust flavor. They also offer several dishes that go well with alcohol. For example, their [Deka Maru Kun (680 JPY)] that consists of a deep-friend half chicken is splendidly large at around 25cm in size, making it large enough to share. Full of the flavor of soybeans, their [Kyoto Kitayama Yose-dofu] is a recommended Kyoto-style dish.

Kyoto Romanya Shijo Karasuma Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: B1F, Sumitomo Life Bldg., 62, Tsukihoko-cho Kita-gawa, Muro-machi Nishi-iru, Shijo, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

14. Torijiro Kawaramachi Takoyakushi Branch

This is the Kawaramachi Takoyakushi Branch of the popular chain, Torijiro, which prices everything at 270 JPY (plus tax). It's located in an area with many shopping and tourist spots. Their fresh and safe chicken is procured directly from producers. Amongst the hot and juicy yakitori on the menu, the most popular and recommended item is the [Specialty Jiro Yaki], which is a 90g jumbo-sized skewer. They have a varied menu for you to enjoy, such as the very popular and soft [Yama-imo Fuwatoro Yaki].

Torijiro Kawaramachi Takoyakushi Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 1,900 JPY
Address: 5F, DECK BY COAST Bldg., 291, Naraya-cho, Takoyakushi-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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15. Torijiro Yamashina Branch

This is the Yamashina branch of the previously introduced chain, Torijiro. Their yakitori, including the extra large [Jumbo Jiro (breast or thigh, in sauce or salt)] that measures 21cm and weighs 90g, is extremely popular. Their [Morimori Cabbage] makes the flavor of the yakitori stand out even more. It is an ideal dish to eat in-between other dishes that can be consumed with a variety of dressings, such as a refreshing green perilla dressing, mayonnaise, and sesame oil. Second helpings are freely available, and there is also a great variety of alcohol.

Torijiro Yamashina Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Food L.O. 12:00 am, Drinks L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: None *Closed December 31 and January 1
Average price: 1,900 JPY
Address: 35, Takehana Takenokaido-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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16. Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi Branch

Torisei is located in Shijo Kiyamachi, and boasts grilled chicken using fresh chicken from Kyushu. With its proud history of over 50 years since its founding, this restaurant features popular Grilled Chicken and Grilled Mature Chicken options that can be tasted with traditional sauces. When paired with the local sake directly shipped from Fushimi Ward in Kyoto, the food is simply amazing. In particular, their raw unprocessed sake is highly recommended. It features high alcohol content and rich flavors. Guests will be delighted at being able to enjoy it with all-you-can-drink options.

Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi Branch

Open: [Weekdays] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O 10:30 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (L.O 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Hankyu Main Line, 2 minutes walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Address: Higashi-iru, Hitosujime, Shijo-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map

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Kyoto is a fascinating area with plenty of highlights and many tourist attractions. Be sure to drop by one of the restaurants introduced here when travelling in Kyoto!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.