Jul. 10, 2023 UPDATE
Wagyu ryotei bungo gion
- 和牛料亭 bungo 祇園 -Traveler Friendly
English menu available.
Menu
English, Chinese
Languages spoken
English
- Reservation Requests Available - Tap the button to make a reservation request.
Story & Recommendation
A Wagyu Beef Tasting menu in Gion, where you can meet Kyoto's Geisha and Maiko
Wagyu Restaurant Bungo Gion opened in February 2023 on Shinbashi-dori, a street with an elegant “Machiya” townhouse atmosphere. Shinbashi-dori was a large "Chaya" teahouse district (a street lined with teahouses and shops where you can enjoy Geisha and Maiko's entertainment) in Gion more than 300 years ago, and has also been the setting for Kabuki plays. In such a historic and elegant city, Bungo serves the finest Wagyu beef in a kaiseki style using dashi broth typical of Kyoto.
When you pass through the "Noren" curtain and pull open the lattice side door, you are first welcomed by the aroma of incense. Once you take off your shoes, step onto the tatami mats, and take a seat, a fun dining experience full of hospitality begins. Most of the menu items are prepared live, so the sounds, aromas, and performances will whet your appetite. The beautifully marbled Wagyu beef cooks fast, making it difficult to grill to the right doneness, but at Bungo you don't have to worry. The staff, who know how to serve the most delicious food, will serve it with the best heat. The standard procedure is to eat it rare with plenty of juices, but if you have a preferred level of doneness, you can ask for it.
The Wagyu beef used by Bungo is "Oita Wagyu" from Oita Prefecture, which has won awards at Wagyu beef fairs. Since they carefully select high-ranked whole cows, you can have your fill of good cuts. In addition, the fat component (oleic acid) is healthy and of high quality, so even if you eat a lot, it will not make your stomach upset. It is perfect for those who are not accustomed to eating Wagyu beef.
Since Bungo is affiliated with a teahouse, Geisha and Maiko may come to meet you during your meal. If you make a reservation, you can watch Geiko dance and play traditional games with them in your private room. It is not easy for tourists to meet and talk with Geiko and Maiko, therefore we recommend Bungo to those who want not only to eat delicious Wagyu beef, but also to have a gorgeous cultural experience.
When you pass through the "Noren" curtain and pull open the lattice side door, you are first welcomed by the aroma of incense. Once you take off your shoes, step onto the tatami mats, and take a seat, a fun dining experience full of hospitality begins. Most of the menu items are prepared live, so the sounds, aromas, and performances will whet your appetite. The beautifully marbled Wagyu beef cooks fast, making it difficult to grill to the right doneness, but at Bungo you don't have to worry. The staff, who know how to serve the most delicious food, will serve it with the best heat. The standard procedure is to eat it rare with plenty of juices, but if you have a preferred level of doneness, you can ask for it.
The Wagyu beef used by Bungo is "Oita Wagyu" from Oita Prefecture, which has won awards at Wagyu beef fairs. Since they carefully select high-ranked whole cows, you can have your fill of good cuts. In addition, the fat component (oleic acid) is healthy and of high quality, so even if you eat a lot, it will not make your stomach upset. It is perfect for those who are not accustomed to eating Wagyu beef.
Since Bungo is affiliated with a teahouse, Geisha and Maiko may come to meet you during your meal. If you make a reservation, you can watch Geiko dance and play traditional games with them in your private room. It is not easy for tourists to meet and talk with Geiko and Maiko, therefore we recommend Bungo to those who want not only to eat delicious Wagyu beef, but also to have a gorgeous cultural experience.
1Recommended
Gion Wagyu Beef Course - 10 Dishes (Chateaubriand)
/ ￥18,700 (inc.tax)
The course begins with an appetizer using traditional Kyoto vegetables, followed by all kinds of Wagyu beef dishes, including Wagyu beef sashimi, tail soup, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and chateaubriand steak. The small portions can be enjoyed as a tasting menu. During the course of the meal, each table is provided with a bowl of rice cooked over an earthen pot, so that those who have not eaten enough can have another bowl.
For dessert, in addition to the seasonal plates, there is also a customized experience where you can choose your favorite flavor of the popular Kyoto souvenir "Yatsuhashi" (a sweet made from red bean paste sandwiched between rice cake sheets kneaded with cinnamon). *Sold as "Shogoin Yatsuhashi" at souvenir shops.
*For those who don't like raw meat, there is also a grilled course available.
2Recommended
Gion Special Wagyu Beef Course - 12 Dishes
/ ￥22,000 (inc.tax)
In addition to the 10 dishes menu, this luxurious course includes a "pickles plate" to refresh your palate during the meal and "roast beef in dashi broth chazuke" to finish off your drinks. Bungo also has an extensive liquor menu, which is recommended for those who want to enjoy wine, sake, or Japanese whiskey with their food.
*For those who don't like raw meat, there is also a grilled course available.
3Let's Try!
Maiko Ozashiki experience (2-8 people, reservation required)
You can have the Geiko and Maiko all to yourself in a private room for the "Ozashiki" experience. For about an hour, you can freely spend time watching dances, playing simple games, and taking commemorative photos. If you ask in advance, you can have a Maiko give you a bouquet of flowers or a gift, which is recommended for an important family anniversary or birthday surprise.
*Please contact us for more information. Hours are from 5:00 p.m. / 6:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m.
How to Order
Two items of raw meat in the course. The fresh meat is kept in a special refrigerator, so you can eat it with peace of mind, but if you do not like it, please order the grilled version of the menu. It is best to let them know at the time of reservation.
If you have the chance to meet a Geiko or Maiko, wait for her as she goes around the seats in turn.
The kimonos and ornaments they wear are very expensive and not easily replaced, so please do not touch them without permission.
You can ask her to pour alcohol, take a commemorative photo, and enjoy the extraordinary space.
- Order Tips -
