YASAKA Restaurant Kyoto: Sunset Fine Dining at Park Hyatt

YASAKA, the signature restaurant at Park Hyatt Kyoto, offers an unforgettable dining experience where teppanyaki meets refined French cuisine. Using premium local Kyoto ingredients, each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The restaurant's elegant setting features panoramic views of the historic Yasaka Pagoda (also known as the Tower of Yasaka) and Kyoto's traditional streetscape, creating a dining atmosphere that feels like stepping into a living masterpiece.

📍 Floor 1, Park Hyatt Kyoto, Kodaiji, Higashiyama Ward, 360 Masuyacho, Kyoto 605-0826, Japan

Our Dining Experience

We booked our dinner set menu half a month ahead through their official website, specifically choosing the evening slot to catch the sunset. We were blessed with perfect weather, and the views certainly lived up to expectations. While the setting is the star attraction, the cuisine, though well-executed, plays more of a supporting role. The wagyu beef and scallops showcased excellent quality, and the peach dessert was a standout.

Having mentioned my friend's birthday during booking, we were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary chocolate tart and photo service. The young waitress provided exceptional service with perfect bilingual abilities in English and Japanese, ensuring smooth communication throughout. We found it amusing when they explained their policy of keeping the blinds down until sunset - apparently a common practice due to high tourist interest. The chef, though slightly hesitant with English introductions, made every effort to describe each dish. The meal concluded with a lovely touch - the chef presenting us with canelés at the exit.

Views and Atmosphere

The sunset views are undeniably the restaurant's primary draw. The transformation from golden hour to blue hour creates a mesmerizing backdrop, while the illuminated Yasaka Pagoda against the night sky offers a distinctly different but equally enchanting atmosphere. The experience is more about the ambiance than culinary innovation, making it ideal for special occasions or romantic evenings rather than purely gastronomic pursuits.

Value and Price Point

At approximately ¥38,000 per person, it ranks among Kyoto's higher-end dining options. While serious food enthusiasts might question the value proposition, the combination of spectacular views, attentive service, and decent cuisine creates a memorable experience that many visitors to Japan will appreciate.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

Consider visiting Bar KOHAKU on the 4th floor of Park Hyatt Kyoto for pre-dinner cocktails and sunset views, as mentioned in my previous blog.

After dinner, take advantage of your location to explore the atmospheric Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes leading to Yasaka Pagoda. These historic streets take on a magical quality at night, offering a peaceful contrast to their daytime energy.

Booking Information

To secure your spot at YASAKA, make reservations several weeks in advance through their official website or TableCheck. Remember to adhere to the dress code - smart casual at minimum. Check the official website for specific dress requirements before your visit.