Wagyu teppanyaki steak house
Kiyomizu 創 SOU
A5 “Queen of Wagyu” — heifer-only Kobe, Yonezawa and Yamagata beef — in private-style rooms.
Why SOU
- A hidden retreat by Kiyomizu-dera. Skip the crowded restaurants downtown. Just a 2-minute walk from the temple, step upstairs into a calm hideaway and rest after walking Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
- Private-style dining. Most of our seats are private-style rooms, so you can relax and talk freely. A private room for up to 8 guests is perfect for families and groups.
- The flambé moment. When your wagyu is finished with a dramatic flambé, our staff will invite you to the teppan to watch. Only 3 counter seats sit right at the teppan — ask for them when you book.
- Best of the Best, two years running. Tripadvisor ranked SOU #1 in Kyoto and #4 in Japan in 2025 and #13 in 2026, and guests rate us 4.9 on Google. Many guests return more than once on the same trip.
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. Fewer heifers, raised longer — that is what the very best wagyu takes.
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 SOU, 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.
Whatever you order — Kobe, Yonezawa or Yamagata — at SOU, 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. Delicate, fine 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, with only about 3,000 head certified each year. Our chef’s recommendation.
- Yamagata beef (Yamagata) — deep beef flavor with a clean finish. The perfect place to start.
Order two or three side by side and share them in your private room. Kobe vs Yonezawa vs Yamagata: what’s the difference? →
Halal-certified Wagyu
We serve halal-certified A5 wagyu, 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 — SOU: #1 in Kyoto and #4 in Japan (2025) and #13 (2026); our sister restaurant 和 NAGOMI: #7 in Japan in both 2025 and 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 — halal-certified wagyu, all-day service, and easy payment including QR and IC cards.
Menu
All Day, No Break
Open from 11:30 with no afternoon break.
The same menu and prices from lunch to dinner — perfect between temple visits. English and Traditional Chinese menus are available.
Chef’s Pick: Yonezawa Beef
One of Japan’s three great wagyu brands, heifer-only by definition.
Try it side by side with Kobe beef.
Private Room for up to 8
Most seats are private-style rooms.
Our private room seats up to 8 — ideal for families and groups.
Access
Your quiet stop between Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka and Yasaka Pagoda.
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
- Yamagata Wagyu Chateaubriand — 120g ¥11,000
- Yonezawa Beef Sirloin Steak — from ¥10,000 (Chef’s pick)
- Yonezawa Beef Fillet Steak — from ¥12,000
- Kobe Beef Sirloin Steak — 80g ¥14,000
- Halal-certified Wagyu Steak — 100g from ¥7,500
- Set (rice, miso soup, grilled vegetables, appetizer) — from ¥1,200
All steaks are A5 heifer wagyu. Same menu and prices for lunch and dinner. Prices include tax; a 10% service charge is added. Prices are a guide and may vary by set and season.
Shop Information
Shop Name
Wagyu teppanyaki steak house
Kiyomizu 創 SOU
Address
2F, 2-258 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862
Access
2-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, near Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
Hours
Open daily 11:30–20:00 (last order 19:00)
No afternoon break
Hours may change during Kiyomizu-dera’s evening illumination.
Closed
Open daily
Phone
075-708-7511
Seats
23 (3 counter seats at the teppan, private-style rooms, private room for up to 8)
Payment
Credit cards, PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d-barai, au PAY, IC transport cards, contactless (NFC)
Parking
Not available. Please use nearby coin parking.
FAQ
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome and we are open every day. To secure a private room or one of the 3 counter seats at the teppan, please reserve online.
Do you have private rooms?
Yes. Most seats are private-style rooms, and we have a private room for up to 8 guests.
Can I watch the teppan?
Yes. When your wagyu is finished with a flambé, our staff will invite you to the teppan to watch. For the whole show, ask for one of our 3 counter seats.
Do you close in the afternoon?
No. We are open from 11:30 with no afternoon break, so you can drop by any time between temple visits.
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.
Is your wagyu really A5?
Yes. We serve only A5-graded heifer wagyu, bought directly from producers or hand-selected at market.
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 wagyu, cooked without alcohol using dedicated utensils. The restaurant itself is not halal-certified and serves alcohol.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Our private-style rooms are comfortable for families with children.
What time is last order?
Last order is 19:00. Hours may change during Kiyomizu-dera’s evening illumination — please check Google Maps for the latest hours.
How can I pay?
Credit cards, PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d-barai, au PAY, IC transport cards and contactless (NFC) payments.
How far are you from Kiyomizu-dera?
Just a 2-minute walk, on the slopes below the temple near Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
Why do Japanese connoisseurs prefer heifer wagyu?
Heifer beef is more tender, and its fat — rich in unsaturated fatty acids — melts at a lower temperature for a smooth, sweet finish. That is why Japan’s most prestigious brands, Matsusaka beef and Yonezawa beef, are heifer-only by definition.
Can we come as a group?
Yes. We have 23 seats, including a private room for up to 8. Please reserve in advance for groups.
Do you serve sake and whisky?
Yes. We offer carefully selected Japanese sake and whisky to pair with your wagyu.
Sister Restaurants
Reservation
Reserve online, or walk in from 11:30.