A hidden gem restaurant specializing in crab during the fall and winter and tempura in the spring and summer has opened in the elegant surroundings of Kyoto's renowned Kodaiji Temple.
Shinka
真華
KYOTO
/
Japanese Cuisine
Creative dishes which combine Japanese cuisine with French influences offer a fresh and inspiring take on traditional Japanese dining.
- Counter Seating
- Solo Diner Accepted
Opened in January 2026 in Kyoto, Shinka is the new restaurant of owner-chef Mr. Asai, whose career includes training at some of Kyoto and Tokyo’s top Michelin-starred establishments.
Chef Asai refined his craft at Gion Maruyama and Shinmonzen Yonemura, both awarded two Michelin stars, before opening his own restaurant in Tokyo’s Azabu district. He also trained alongside Chef Fujiwara of Ryosho, another Michelin two-star restaurant in Gion — a period that shaped his skill and philosophy.
For his second restaurant, Chef Asai returned to Kyoto, the city of his culinary roots, to express the culmination of his journey through Shinka. Using Kyoto’s finest seasonal ingredients, he blends the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine with French-inspired creativity and techniques cultivated in Tokyo, creating dishes that go beyond tradition and delight even the most discerning guests.
The restaurant’s interior features a refined eight-seat wooden counter accented with natural beams and brick, balancing Japanese elegance with Western warmth. The space is designed for guests to relax and enjoy their meal in comfort, while Chef Asai’s calm and gracious presence completes the inviting atmosphere.
At Shinka, diners can experience a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine — deeply traditional yet boldly innovative.
| Address | 1st Floor, 534-39 Sanjo-Ebisu, Kawaramachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto |
|---|---|
| Business hours | 17:00-20:00 20:00-23:00 |
| Closed | Irregular closed days |
| Directions | 5-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan Station or Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Subway Station. 10-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. |
| Price | From ￥22,000 |
| Seating | 8 counter seats |
| Smoking | Prohibited |
| Children | Children 13 years and older who can order a course are welcome. |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Language | None |
| Parking | None |
| Dresscode | Smart Casual required. ※ Beach sandals, athletic wear such as sweatpants, T-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, and short pants are not permitted. ※ Guests wearing strong perfume or cologne will be denied entry. |
| Payment method | 【Advance payment for online reservation】 PayPal or Credit Card 【Payment for additional orders at the restaurant】 Cash or Credit Card |
| Cancellation Policy | The terms for cancellations and changes may differ based on the restaurant's policies, reservation date, time, and number of guests. Before making your reservation, please review and agree to the terms and policies listed on the reservation form. |
| Concierge Service Fee | 10% |
1st Floor, 534-39 Sanjo-Ebisu, Kawaramachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
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