東大寺門前 和 Nagomi
Todaiji Monzen NAGOMI
A5 “Queen of Wagyu” — heifer-only Kobe, Yonezawa and Yamagata beef — in a 120-year-old house overlooking a Japanese garden.
Why NAGOMI
- Right at the gate of Todai-ji. “Monzen” means “in front of the temple gate.” We are inside Yumekaze Hiroba, a short walk from the Great Buddha Hall and the deer of Nara Park.
- A temple carpenter’s house, reborn. The 120-year-old home of a Todai-ji miyadaiku has been renovated into a refined, modern Japanese space. Above the teppan, folding-screen hoods hand-hammered by a Buddhist altar craftsman stand in perfect symmetry, and Japanese crafts are placed throughout the house. A garden view and a bar of fragrant Yoshino cedar complete the setting.
- A room for every occasion. A teppan counter that can be reserved privately for up to 8 guests, two fully private teppan rooms for 4, a private table room for up to 6, a special room set in a tea room, and an 8-seat Yoshino-cedar bar counter. Carefully selected ingredients from all over Japan are grilled one dish at a time.
- Best of the Best, two years running. Tripadvisor ranked NAGOMI #7 in Japan in 2025 and 2026, and more than 1,180 guests rate us 4.8 on Google.
Inside the House
The Queen of Wagyu
Why Japan’s top brands insist on heifers
- Fat that melts on your tongue. Heifer fat is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and melts at a lower temperature, so the richness is clean and sweet, never heavy.
- Silky tenderness. Finer muscle fibers make every bite softer.
- Time and patience. Yonezawa beef must be raised for at least 33 months, and only about 3,000 head are certified each year.
Why we serve only heifers
Japan has around 300 wagyu brands. Only a handful make heifers part of their definition — and they include the very top. At NAGOMI, you can taste Yonezawa beef, one of these heifer-only brands. And we go one step further: even for Kobe beef and Yamagata beef, which may come from steers, we choose only heifers — A5 grade, bought directly from producers or hand-selected at market. Our Kobe beef is genuine, traceable by its individual ID number.
Whatever you order — Kobe, Yonezawa or Yamagata — at NAGOMI, every steak is the Queen of Wagyu. Read more: why Japanese connoisseurs choose heifer beef →
A Wagyu Tasting Journey
- Kobe beef (Hyogo) — Japan’s most famous name, served as a genuine, ID-traceable heifer. Delicate marbling and an elegant, melting finish.
- Yonezawa beef (Yamagata) — one of Japan’s three great wagyu brands — by definition, only unbred heifers raised for 33 months or more. Enjoy it in our Yonezawa Teppanyaki Set.
- Yamagata beef (Yamagata) — sweet, fine marbling and rich yet light juices. The perfect place to start.
Order two or three side by side and share them at the counter. Kobe vs Yonezawa vs Yamagata: what’s the difference? →
Halal-certified Wagyu
We serve halal-certified wagyu (Kumano beef), cooked without alcohol using dedicated utensils and tableware. Please note that the restaurant itself is not halal-certified and serves alcohol. Let our staff know your needs when you order.
Why Our Group Is So Highly Rated
- Tripadvisor Best of the Best — NAGOMI (#7 in Japan 2025 and 2026) and our sister restaurant 創 SOU (#4 in Japan 2025, #13 in 2026).
- One standard at every restaurant — A5 heifer wagyu only, bought directly from producers or hand-selected at market, with genuine Kobe beef at every location.
- Hospitality, not just a meal — from welcome to farewell, our team turns your meal into a memory of your trip to Japan.
- Made for travelers — English menu, halal-certified wagyu, children welcome, all-day service and easy card or PayPay payment.
Menu
All Day, No Break
Weekdays 11:30–19:00, weekends and holidays 11:00–19:00.
The same menu and prices for lunch and dinner.
Chef’s Pick: Yonezawa Set
Fresh fish, abalone, Yonezawa fillet and sirloin, and wagyu sushi.
For 2 guests ¥25,000 · 3–4 guests ¥49,500.
Private Rooms & Buyouts
Two fully private teppan rooms for 4 guests each.
A private table room for up to 6, a special tea room, and private counter hire for up to 8.
Access
Steps from the deer of Nara Park and a short walk from the Great Buddha Hall.
On the same grounds, our hanare stand serves matcha lattes and wagyu skewers.
Menu & Prices
- Yamagata Wagyu Sirloin Steak — 80g ¥4,500 / 120g ¥6,600 / 200g ¥11,000
- Yamagata Wagyu Fillet Steak — 80g ¥6,000 / 120g ¥9,000 / 200g ¥14,000
- Kobe Beef Sirloin Steak — 80g ¥10,000 / 120g ¥15,000 / 200g ¥25,000
- Yonezawa Beef Teppanyaki Set — 2 guests ¥25,000 / 3–4 guests ¥49,500 (Chef’s pick)
- Yonezawa Set: fresh fish, abalone, Yonezawa fillet and sirloin, wagyu sushi
- Halal-certified Wagyu Steak Set — 100g ¥7,500
- Halal-certified Wagyu Steak Set — 200g ¥15,000
- Sake, wine, beer and cocktails at our Yoshino-cedar bar
All steaks are A5 heifer wagyu. The same menu and prices for lunch and dinner. Prices are a guide and may vary by season.
Shop Information
Shop Name
東大寺門前 和 Nagomi
Todaiji Monzen NAGOMI
Address
Inside Yumekaze Hiroba, 16 Kasugano-cho, Nara 630-8212
Access
At the gate of Todai-ji Temple, next to Nara Park. About 15 minutes’ walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
Hours
Weekdays 11:30–19:00
Weekends and holidays 11:00–19:00
No afternoon break
Closed
Open daily
Phone
0742-27-0753
Seats
36 (8-seat teppan counter with private hire available, two private teppan rooms for 4, an 8-seat bar counter, a private table room for 6 and a special tea-room table room)
Payment
VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, UnionPay, PayPay
Parking
Paid parking at Yumekaze Hiroba.
FAQ
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome when seats are available. Counter seats and the private room fill up quickly, so we recommend booking online.
How close are you to Todai-ji Temple?
We are right at the gate of Todai-ji, inside Yumekaze Hiroba — a short walk from the Great Buddha Hall and the deer of Nara Park.
Can I watch the chef cook?
Yes. At our teppan counter, the chef grills each dish right in front of you — and is happy to chat about the ingredients.
Do you have private rooms?
Yes. We have two fully private teppan rooms for 4 guests each, a private table room for up to 6 and a special room set in a tea room, and the teppan counter can be reserved privately for up to 8. Please reserve in advance.
Do you close in the afternoon?
No. We are open all day with no afternoon break — weekdays 11:30–19:00, weekends and holidays 11:00–19:00.
What is the “Queen of Wagyu”?
It is our name for heifer wagyu — female cattle that have never calved. Heifer wagyu is more tender, with fat that melts at a lower temperature for a cleaner, sweeter taste.
Can I eat Yonezawa beef at NAGOMI?
Yes. Our Yonezawa Beef Teppanyaki Set includes fresh fish, abalone, Yonezawa fillet and sirloin, and wagyu sushi — ¥25,000 for 2 guests, ¥49,500 for 3–4 guests.
Is your Kobe beef genuine?
Yes. Our Kobe beef is genuine and traceable by its individual ID number — and, like all our wagyu, it is a heifer.
Can I compare different wagyu?
Yes. Order Kobe, Yonezawa and Yamagata beef together and taste the difference between regions.
Do you have halal options?
Yes. Halal-certified Kumano wagyu, cooked without alcohol using dedicated utensils. The restaurant itself is not halal-certified and serves alcohol.
What is special about the building?
It is a 120-year-old house once home to a Todai-ji temple carpenter, restored in a modern Japanese style, with a garden view and a bar lined with Yoshino cedar.
Is there parking?
Yes. Paid parking is available at Yumekaze Hiroba.
How can I pay?
VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, UnionPay and PayPay are accepted.
Can I bring my children?
Of course. Families with children are always welcome.
Do you have an English menu?
Yes. We have an English menu and English-speaking staff.
Sister Restaurants
Reservation
Reserve online, or walk in when seats are available.