Mar. 07, 2023 UPDATE
Pontocho Yakiniku Yamakawa Honten
- 先斗町 焼肉やまかわ 本店 -Traveler Friendly
Tableside ordering tablets have English and Chinese support.
Menu
English and Chinese
Languages spoken
English and Chinese
- Reservation Requests Available - Tap the button to make a reservation request.
Story & Recommendation
Pontocho Yakiniku Yamakawa Honten – Carefully selected Kobe Beef & Japanese black wagyu in Kyoto’s traditional Pontocho district
Located in Kyoto’s lively Pontocho district, Pontocho Yakiniku Yamakawa Honten is a yakiniku restaurant serving carefully selected Kobe and Japanese black wagyu beef.
Yamakawa purchases all their wagyu by the head, meaning that they can offer both thick and rare cuts at relatively low prices.
Beef from Japanese blacks, or as you might know it, wagyu, is known for its tenderness, and deliciously fatty yet not overpowering flavors.
In addition to wagyu, Yamakawa also offers Kobe Beef certified by the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association!
Retaining it's traditional Kyoto machiya feel, the refurbished, chic restaurant offers counter seating on the first floor and a welcoming atmosphere for solo diners. On the second floor, you'll find table seating perfect for dining with family and friends.
Orders are taken through tablets that support both English and Chinese, so you have nothing to worry about!
Some staff can also speak English and Chinese, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
In addition to both lunch and dinner courses, Yamakawa also offers a huge menu of individual dishes.
Whether you’re looking to try the much sort after Kobe Beef or Japanese wagyu, or a seasoned beef fanatic, Yamakawa has something for everyone!
So if you're thinking of getting some yakiniku in Kyoto, then Pontocho Yakiniku Yamakawa Honten is the place to go!
1Recommended
Assorted Beef Platter
/ ￥6,578 (inc. tax)
This is Yamakawa’s recommended “Assorted beef platter.”
While the premium sirloin is melt in the mouth, the short rib and skirt steak offer a bit more variety with their tender and chewy textures and umami-packed flavors.
A rare cut known as kainomi, which comes from an area between the tenderloin and short plate, offers a robust yet clear excellent flavor. The tender ribeye steak offers a fine quality of meat with an absolutely incredible flavor.
In addition to salt and yakiniku sauce, this platter also comes with a side of wasabi, so definitely give a bit of everything a try!
This platter is quite large, so we recommend sharing it between two to three people.
*bottles of the yakiniku sauce can also be purchased. See the staff for more details.
2Recommended
Assorted Kobe Beef Platter
/ ￥19,800 (inc. tax)
This is Yamakawa's "Assorted Kobe Beef platter" of premium Kobe Beef steaks.
The platter includes Kobe Beef sirloin, boneless short ribs, rib eye, strip loin, marbled boneless short rib, skirt steak, pumpkin and onions.
The Kobe Beef offers deliciously fatty and rich umami filled flavors, making it one of the most expensive varieties of beef out there.
If you're interested in trying Kobe Beef for the first time, then we highly recommend this assorted platter as it gives you a taste of everything.
3Let's Try!
Tomato Kimchi
/ ￥528 (inc. tax)
This dish combines the clear, acidic flavors of tomato with the spicy kick of kimchi.
The refreshing flavors make this dish the perfect side to Yamakawa’s delicious beef.
Other side dishes include kimchi and namul platters.
How to Order
At Yamakawa, orders are all taken through the provided tableside tablets which have English and Chinese support. Some staff members are from overseas themselves too so will be able to speak English and Chinese as well.
- Order Tips -
Yamakawa also serves alcohol, so grab yourself a beer or wine to go with your delicious beef!
