Kinobu
Overall Score
Six Dimensions
Introduction
Kinobu is a one-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward. Founded in 1935, it is known for Kyoto cuisine that respects tradition while adding flexible, seasonal creativity. Delicate dashi, elegant presentation, and polished hospitality make it a popular choice for special occasions.
Voice of Customers
Information
- Address
- 416 Iwatoyamacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8445, Japan
- Phone
- +81 75-352-0001
Advance booking required. English booking is supported via the platforms below.
How to book
Booking this restaurant requires advance planning. Typical lead time is one to three months — for the rarest seats, six months. Many restaurants of this difficulty release the next month's bookings on the first of the prior month; being in the queue the moment that window opens dramatically increases your chance of catching a difficult seat.
You can book in English via Ikyu. Flexibility on the date — especially weekday lunch — opens up substantially more options than a fixed Saturday-dinner request.
Frequently Asked
How do I book Kinobu?
Booking difficulty: Hard. English-language booking is available via Ikyu. Lunch is typically easier than dinner to book.
What is the price range at Kinobu?
Dinner runs ¥15,000–19,999. Lunch runs ¥6,000–7,999, typically 40–60% of the dinner price. Prices are based on publicly disclosed bands; the actual bill depends on the seasonal menu, drinks, and any added courses.
Is Kinobu suitable for international visitors?
Partially. Some English is available but not at all touchpoints. Confirm requirements (menu, payment, dietary needs) at the time of booking.
When is the best time to visit Kinobu?
Weekday lunch is typically the easiest reservation and the most cost-effective way to experience the kitchen. Avoid Japanese national holidays for the highest seat availability, and book at least two to three months in advance.