Niku Ryori Arakawa: Kyoto’s Top-Rated Wagyu Yakiniku Since 1968

When visiting Kyoto, you can see not only ancient shrines and charming alleys but also taste local delicacies. Located about a 5-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and about a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, you will find a long-established yakiniku restaurant hidden in the city: “Niku Ryori Arakawa.” Established in 1968, this restaurant focuses on meat dishes, with a particular commitment to high-quality ingredients. Niku Ryori Arakawa has been selected for the 2026 Tabelog Yakiniku WEST Top 100 Restaurants, with the review: “If you want to eat delicious yakiniku, this restaurant is not to be missed.” The rating remains steady at around 3.78. This is not a modern yakiniku restaurant with flashy decor or a complex menu, but an old-fashioned shop with only counter seating, where the owner slices large cuts of meat right in front of the guests before placing them on the iron plate.

The shop has about 14 counter seats arranged in a U-shape around the cooking area. Once seated, you can watch the owner skillfully slice whole blocks of Wagyu beef. The meat is not pre-cut and stored in a refrigerator; instead, the knife only touches the meat after the customer places an order, ensuring every slice retains its freshly cut moisture and elasticity. This “freshly sliced before your eyes” approach makes many guests feel as if they are watching a small butchery performance, which is also the shop’s most acclaimed feature. Because you can see them cutting the meat, you can understand the shape of the original cut and exactly which part you are tasting. Furthermore, they explain the details and even serve extra meat to guests; it really is like a performance! From the owner’s focused back while cooking to the smiles of the guests enjoying their meal, every moment is filled with unique charm.