Kenya Restaurant, Kyoto, Japan building renovation

Kenya Restaurant in Takaragaike, Kyoto

27 October 2026

Architecture: Fumihiko Sano Studio

Location: Takaragaike, Kyoto, Japan

Photos: Makoto Ito

Kenya is a Japanese restaurant in Takaragaike, Kyoto

A renovation project to convert a traditional Japanese house, situated along the Takano River, into a Japanese restaurant.

Passing through the gate from a narrow alleyway, one enters a waiting area where guests can sit and enjoy views of the Takano River. Beyond the garden lies the entrance hall, which leads to a space divided into a counter area and a tatami room.

The tatami room embodies the client’s vision that ‘dining out should fundamentally be a celebratory occasion for families or large groups, and the guests themselves should be at the centre of the experience’.

Whilst preserving the atmosphere and design of the existing machiya-style building, the space was reconfigured by incorporating new materials, such as a log of red pine with its bark intact in the tokonoma, and karakami paper on the fusuma that evokes the river. From the tatami room, guests can enjoy views of the gently flowing Kōya River and the garden.

The counter area features a raised ceiling and a solid cypress countertop measuring over 8 metres in length.

Diners can enjoy their meal whilst watching the chef at work and taking in the ever-changing seasonal views of the garden.

The space takes on different character depending on where one sits and the season, creating an atmosphere that combines elegance with a touch of playfulness.

Kenya Restaurant in Kyoto, Japan – Building Information

Architect: Fumihiko Sano Studio – https://fumihikosano.jp/

Project Name：Kenya
Address：12-3 Kamitakano Shimo-Aramaki-chō, Sakyō-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Use：Restaurant
Construction Company：Matsui Construction Co., Ltd.
Floor Area：225sqm
Completion Date：March, 2026

Photography：Makoto Ito

Kenya Restaurant, Kyoto, Japan images / information received 271026

Location: Kyoto, Japan