Kagurazaka Yumeji

Nestled in the atmospheric backstreets behind Zenkoku-ji Temple—where Bishamonten is enshrined—Yumeji is a refined kappo restaurant housed in a former geisha residence from the time when Kagurazaka flourished as a hanamachi (geisha district).

Named after renowned Taisho-era artist Takehisa Yumeji, the restaurant evokes a romantic, aesthetic charm with its interior decorated in early 20th-century style—featuring stained glass lighting, vintage carpets, and displays of Yumeji’s iconic bijin-ga (portraits of beautiful women).

Each morning, the owner personally visits the market to hand-pick the freshest seasonal Japanese ingredients, crafting elegant kaiseki courses that reflect both the time of year and an eye for detail, including presentation and choice of tableware. A certified sake sommelier is also on hand to recommend pairings from a curated selection of sake, wine, and shochu.

The first floor offers open seating, while the second floor has a variety of private rooms accommodating 2 to 10 guests. Each room has its own unique character—whether it's glass-paneled walls, ornate ceilings, sofa seating, or traditional horigotatsu (sunken-floor) tatami spaces—making each dining experience distinct and memorable.