Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

Stockholm, Sweden

Black Milk Gastro Bar

Gothenburg, Sweden

Brasserie Draken

Malmö, Sweden

Mutantur

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Kenya Safari

with Great Plains Conservation

in Maasai Mara

Guide to

Eat, Stay & Do

Rio de Janeiro

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

Best Smoothie Bowls

Travel Guide

Koh Kood

Island Escape

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Kyoto

Kodaiji Wakuden is renowned for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and specialties like grilled crab prepared in front of guests. The restaurant's attentive service and serene atmosphere contribute to its high ratings across various platforms.

Experience Authentic Kaiseki Dining at Kodaiji Wakuden in Kyoto Japan 

Nestled in the historic heart of Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, 

 offers an immersive kaiseki dining experience that celebrates the art of Japanese haute cuisine. Revered for its masterful use of seasonal ingredients and refined techniques, this Michelin two-star establishment invites guests to savor meticulously crafted multi-course meals in an elegant machiya-style setting. Whether you're an epicurean seeking authentic flavors or a traveler longing for cultural immersion, Kodaiji Wakuden promises a memorable culinary journey.

A Culinary Journey Through Seasonality and Tradition

At the heart of Kodaiji Wakuden’s charm is its seasonal menu that showcases the very best of Kyoto’s local ingredients. From the delicately grilled Tamba beef to the intriguing Bottarga rice cake, each dish is a masterpiece presented with precision and care. Diners can enjoy the theatrical aspect of dining as the chef expertly binchotan grills certain dishes right in the private dining rooms, allowing a front-row seat to the culinary artistry.

Set within a historic building in the serene Washiochō district, Kodaiji Wakuden’s ambiance is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and quiet luxury. The intimate machiya-style rooms create an atmosphere of peaceful reflection, perfect for savoring each bite. Attentive and courteous service enhances the dining experience, with staff providing detailed explanations of each dish to deepen guests’ appreciation.

: Yes, reservations are necessary and can be made via telephone.

What is the price range for meals at Kodaiji Wakuden

: Lunch courses range from ¥33,000 to ¥55,000, while dinner courses range from ¥44,000 to ¥99,000, depending on the menu selected.

: Lunch is served from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and dinner from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

: Yes, Kodaiji Wakuden is a non-smoking establishment.

: Credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club are accepted.

 for its exceptional kaiseki dining experience, attentive service, and serene ambiance, Kodaiji Wakuden attracts discerning diners who appreciate a blend of tradition, taste, and tranquility. While some guests note the premium pricing and intimate shared rooms, the overall consensus celebrates the restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors and cultural hospitality.

Why Kodaiji Wakuden stands out in Kyoto’s culinary scene

Kodaiji Wakuden is not just a restaurant; it's a portal to Kyoto's rich culinary heritage. The focus on seasonal and local ingredients, coupled with the meticulous presentation and intimate dining setting, offers a rare and refined kaiseki experience that resonates deeply with both locals and travelers seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.

 featuring local Kyoto specialties like Tamba beef and Bottarga rice cake.

 that connect diners to Kyoto’s traditional culture and architecture.

 adds a dramatic and sensory element to the meal.

 ensures guests are guided through the complexities of kaiseki cuisine.

Asia

Japan

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Kodaiji Wakuden offers an exquisite dining experience that transcends the ordinary. This **Michelin-starred** restaurant is renowned for its kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that celebrates seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation. The ambiance is steeped in history, housed in a beautifully preserved machiya-style building that transports diners back in time. As you step inside, the serene atmosphere envelops you, setting the stage for a culinary journey that is as much about the food as it is about the experience.

The menu at Kodaiji Wakuden is a testament to the artistry of kaiseki, featuring standout dishes such as the **Bottarga rice cake**, which is delicately grilled to perfection, and the **Tamba beef**, renowned for its rich flavor and tenderness. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, showcasing the chef's dedication to seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. The experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to witness the cooking process in your private dining room, where a dedicated chef prepares your meal right before your eyes.

One of the unique aspects of dining at Kodaiji Wakuden is the **intimate atmosphere**. With a limited number of seats, each guest receives personalized attention, allowing for a deeper connection with the culinary experience. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident not only in the food but also in the service, where staff members are trained to provide a seamless and respectful dining experience. A fun fact: diners are often gifted a temple ticket at the end of their meal, inviting them to explore the nearby Kodaiji Temple, further enriching their Kyoto experience.

Kodaiji Wakuden is celebrated for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine, showcasing seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking techniques.

Visiting Kodaiji Wakuden offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic kaiseki dining in a historic setting, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Kodaiji Wakuden is conveniently located near the Kodaiji Temple, a beautiful site worth exploring after your meal.

Embark on a culinary adventure at Kodaiji Wakuden, where tradition meets innovation in every bite. Make your reservation today and immerse yourself in the flavors of Kyoto.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4dWJmLXhRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJNdtJJO8IAWAROLakASqxLBM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4dWJmLXhRRRAB

The seasonal menus are amazing here. The building is historic and takes you back to another time. Make sure to reserve in advance and visit with time to spare. It is best to walk around the area afterward to walk off the meal.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURBZzg2WWFnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJNdtJJO8IAWAROLakASqxLBM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURBZzg2WWFnEAE

It is still top-notch!  One of the better kaiseki tasted.  Superb service with machiya-style ambience. A couple of the dishes, like the Bottarga rice cake and Tamba beef, a dedicated chef, would binchotan grilled them right in your private dining room so you could enjoy the cooking process before being served.  Ensure you book Kodaiji Wakuden, as the establishment has a few restaurants in Kyoto.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUcU9PTHh3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJNdtJJO8IAWAROLakASqxLBM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUcU9PTHh3RRAB

Beautiful location and elegantly dressed hosts. Despite a reservation note to avoid shellfish for one guest the menu contained crab, when asked to remove it for that person, they removed it for both guests (unfortunate). The food was ok, with a couple of interesting dishes, in particular a seasonal pepper flower and some eel on a well prepared bbq, but overall it did not feel at the level of a 2 Michelin stars if comparing to other 1,2,3 stars we visited, especially given the pretty hefty price for the menu. Fortunately we were in a shared room with another couple, which made for a nice dinner atmosphere.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMxNE82Q1p3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJNdtJJO8IAWAROLakASqxLBM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMxNE82Q1p3EAE

From the reception at the entrance to the chef in the room, guests are treated very cautiously and courteously. During 2.5 hrs of dining, except for explaining the food, everyone had no conversation and quietly tasted what the chef served in front of you. Eat food and feel the changes in the taste of the food in your mouth with your heart, as if you have entered a state of meditation, where your body, mind and soul are nourished and satisfied. I enjoyed this experience but would not consider returning next time.

Something to complain about:
1. In a small room, arrange two groups (a total of four people) of guests who are strangers to each other are arranged, and the atmosphere is awkward.

2. My partner and I ordered different set meals from another group of mother and daughter. We had beef dishes, and they had crab dishes. However, the chef used the same knives, tongs, and oven (grilling utensils) to prepare our food.

3. The chef seemed to be in a bad mental state that day. Through his eyes (because he was wearing a mask), he was out of energy, his eyes were dull, and his movements were unfamiliar. He did not look like a chef from a professional two-star restaurant. After preparing the crab meat, he moved on to the next dish without noticing that there were still shredded crab on his hands.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEMmNhNjRRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJNdtJJO8IAWAROLakASqxLBM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEMmNhNjRRRRAB

Best Kaiseki meal I've ever had. They utilized many interesting ingredients, and crafted several unique dishes, all of which were flavorful and delicious. The service was too good to the level that might make ones feel uncomfortable, but just a way it is culturally. There was good level of translation to keep you inform about the dishes also, which was not always the case for many traditional places. We were also given the temple ticket at the end which was a nice touch.

Totally lives up to its 2-star michelin as well as 4.2 Tabelog. The only complain was the price was a bit high compare other options in town for the same level of food.

Kodaiji Wakuden: Michelin-Star Kaiseki Dining in Kyoto

Established as a ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) and ryokan (Japanese-style inn) in Kyotango, Kodaiji Wakuden has been recognized with multiple Tabelog Awards and a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability.

Restroom

Dine In

Reservations

Amidst the historic charm of Kyoto, Kodaiji Wakuden beckons with its serene atmosphere and exquisite culinary offerings. This restaurant, perched gracefully in the tranquil Washiochō district of the Higashiyama Ward, immerses diners in a world where tradition and innovation intertwine. The menu at Kodaiji Wakuden is a testament to Kyoto's gastronomic heritage, showcasing a delicate balance of flavors that highlight seasonal ingredients. Each dish is crafted with precision, inviting taste buds to embark on a journey through traditional kaiseki cuisine, where every bite tells a story steeped in the artistry of Japanese cooking.

Kodaiji Wakuden

Experience traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients and specialties like grilled crab.

Lunch Course

Dinner Course

Grilled Crab Course

Crab Kaiseki Course

Shojin (Vegetarian) Course

Kodaiji Wakuden Menu

Kodaiji Wakuden Menu Overview in Kyoto Japan Restaurant Dining Experience 

Nestled in the historic heart of Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, Kodaiji Wakuden offers an exquisite journey through traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine, skillfully crafted with seasonal ingredients that reflect the fleeting beauty of each moment. This acclaimed restaurant invites guests to savor a refined menu where every dish is a masterpiece of flavor, texture, and presentation, set within an ambiance that evokes another era.

Begin your meal with delicate seasonal vegetables or unique ingredients thoughtfully prepared to awaken your palate. The chef’s artistry shines through in appetizers that balance subtle flavors with elegant presentation, setting the tone for the courses to follow.

The main courses at Kodaiji Wakuden showcase seasonal ingredients with a refined kaiseki approach, including several standout offerings: 

A thoughtfully curated selection featuring the finest seasonal ingredients, designed to delight the senses and offer a balanced introduction to Japanese culinary artistry.

A luxurious progression of seasonal dishes that perfectly embody the elegance and depth of kaiseki cuisine, crafted to provide a memorable dining experience.

Highlighting succulent crab grilled over binchotan charcoal, this course brings out rich, smoky flavors that celebrate Kyoto’s coastal bounty.

An elegant multi-course kaiseki meal centered around fresh crab, delicately prepared to showcase its natural sweetness and texture.

A beautifully composed vegetarian kaiseki experience utilizing fresh seasonal vegetables, perfect for those seeking plant-based Japanese cuisine.

Conclude your meal with delicate desserts that complement the refined flavors of the kaiseki courses. Seasonal touches and traditional Japanese sweets provide a sweet and satisfying finale to an unforgettable dining experience.

Enhance your meal with a carefully selected assortment of beverages. Kodaiji Wakuden serves premium sake, wines, and beer, thoughtfully paired to complement the subtle and complex flavors of the kaiseki dishes.

Kodaiji Wakuden’s kaiseki experience is elevated by the unique opportunity to watch select dishes like grilled crab and Tamba beef prepared live over traditional binchotan charcoal in your private dining room. This immersive approach celebrates the art of Japanese cooking, making each meal a sensory and cultural journey.

Whether you choose the vegetarian Shojin course or indulge in the luxurious crab specialties, every dish is meticulously crafted to offer a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and seasonal freshness. Reservations are highly recommended to experience this top-tier Kyoto dining destination.

Savor exquisite Japanese cuisine at Kodaiji Wakuden in Kyoto's Higashiyama. Indulge your senses—book your culinary adventure today!

Dine at Kodaiji Wakuden: Kyoto's Culinary Gem

Kyoto City

Intimate dining spaces for a personalized experience.

Private Dining Rooms

Chefs prepare dishes like grilled crab in front of guests.

Interactive Cooking

Kodaiji Wakuden Kyoto Dining Experience and Offerings 

Nestled in the serene Washiochō neighborhood of Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kodaiji Wakuden is a culinary gem that invites you to immerse yourself in an authentic and artful kaiseki dining experience. This restaurant masterfully blends traditional Japanese cuisine with a historic machiya-style setting, creating an atmosphere that transports guests back in time while delighting their palates with seasonal and exquisitely crafted dishes.

A Journey Through Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine

Kodaiji Wakuden is celebrated for its top-notch kaiseki meals, where each course showcases unique, locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons. Highlights include delicacies like the Bottarga rice cake and Tamba beef, which are prepared with care and precision by dedicated chefs. Guests often marvel at the interactive cooking sessions, especially when binchotan charcoal grilling is done right in their private dining rooms, making each meal not just a feast for the taste buds but also a captivating visual experience.

Exclusive Offerings for an Intimate Experience

To elevate your visit, Kodaiji Wakuden provides private dining rooms that offer an intimate and personalized atmosphere, perfect for savoring the delicate flavors without distraction. These cozy spaces are designed to enhance the traditional machiya ambiance, making your meal a truly memorable event.

  Intimate dining spaces for a personalized experience.

  Chefs prepare dishes like grilled crab in front of guests, creating an immersive culinary experience.

Reservations are essential at Kodaiji Wakuden to ensure a smooth and unhurried dining experience. Guests are encouraged to arrive with ample time to enjoy not only the exquisite meal but also a leisurely stroll through the scenic Higashiyama area afterward. While the cuisine is predominantly traditional and carefully curated, the restaurant also offers vegetarian-friendly options, making it inclusive for various dietary preferences.

Accepts credit cards for convenient payment.

Serves beer and wine, complementing the refined menu.

Not suitable for children and does not offer children's menu.

No outdoor seating, focusing on an authentic indoor ambience.

Experience exquisite Japanese kaiseki cuisine at Kodaiji Wakuden in Kyoto, nestled in Higashiyama Ward with seasonal dishes and a serene atmosphere. Reserve now!

Kodaiji Wakuden: Luxury Kaiseki Dining in Kyoto's Higashiyama

Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Kodaiji Wakuden in Kyoto, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its seasonal, traditional Japanese dishes and historic setting.

Kodaiji Wakuden Local Insights & History - Kyoto's Authentic Cuisine

Opening hours for Kodaiji Wakuden, Kyoto. Find opening hours for Kodaiji Wakuden, Kyoto on Washiochō, Higashiyama Ward, Japan - novacircle.com

Kichi Kichi Omurice

Yukou

komorebino natural wine bar