Gan San Yakiniku Kyoto Review: Kiyamachi's Hidden Gem

Hey there, fellow food adventurers!

On a recent trip to Kyoto, after a light dinner in Kawaramachi, we decided to explore the vibrant Kiyamachi area.

As evening falls, Kiyamachi truly comes alive, bustling with izakayas, bars, and fantastic restaurants, creating an absolutely incredible atmosphere.

While strolling through the charming streets, a craving for yakiniku hit us, and that's how we stumbled upon Gan San.

We walked in without huge expectations, but the beef tongue (gyutan) turned out to be surprisingly delicious, leaving us thoroughly satisfied with our spontaneous find.

Restaurant Information

Name

Gan San

Address

ABC Museum 1F, 71-22 Daikokucho, Sanjo Sagaru, Kawaramachidori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Hours

5:00 PM ~ 11:00 PM

(Last order 10:00 PM)

Closed

Wednesdays

(Always recommend checking their latest hours before visiting!)

Prime Location in Kiyamachi

Gan San is nestled right within the lively Kiyamachi entertainment district.

It's super easy to walk to after a shopping spree in Kawaramachi, and it's also incredibly accessible from Keihan Sanjo Station, Sanjo Keihan Station, and Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, all within about a 5-minute walk.

Its convenient location makes it perfect for continuing your evening at nearby bars after your meal, fitting seamlessly into your Kyoto itinerary.

No Wait, Even on a Friday Night!

Considering it was a Friday evening, we expected a crowd, but thankfully, we were seated immediately without any waiting.

While reservations are available, we dropped in for a second round of dinner and found the atmosphere quite relaxed.

Ordering was a breeze – simply scan the QR code at your table.

Menu and Pricing

At Gan San, you can choose between set courses or order à la carte.

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We opted for à la carte, ordering one serving of beef tongue, one serving of kalbi (short rib), and drinks, which came out to a total of approximately ~$44 USD.

While it's not the cheapest yakiniku spot, considering you're enjoying charcoal-grilled meat in the heart of Kiyamachi, the price felt quite reasonable.

Each meat dish typically comes with about 6 pieces. The portions aren't huge, so if you're quite hungry, two people might want to order 2-3 meat dishes plus an additional meal item, like rice or soup, to feel fully satisfied.

The Beef Tongue Was a Major Win

The beef tongue arrived first, simply seasoned with just salt.

Grilled lightly over charcoal, it was incredibly tender with a rich, savory flavor.

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This place is actually known for its beef tongue, so it’s an absolute must-try!

Looking at other reviews, it seems their signature dish is Bōtan (棒タン), a thick-cut beef tongue. While I love gyutan, diving into such a thick cut felt a bit too adventurous for me at the moment...

I stuck with the regular beef tongue this time and was thoroughly pleased.

Next time I visit, I'll definitely be brave enough to try the Bōtan!

Kalbi Was Delicious, But a Missed Opportunity

After the beef tongue, we added an order of kalbi (short rib).

However, we had already had a light dinner in Kawaramachi before coming here for a second round.

After enjoying the beef tongue, we found ourselves surprisingly full, and unfortunately, we had to leave some of the kalbi behind. Thinking back, it's such a shame!

The quality of the meat and its marbling looked fantastic, leaving me with the regret that I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had visited on an empty stomach.

While it's perfectly fine to drop by for a light second round like we did, if you truly want to savor the full yakiniku experience, I highly recommend making it your primary dinner choice.

Overall Verdict

If you're searching for yakiniku in Kyoto, Gan San in Kiyamachi is a welcoming spot that's easy to visit.

Its proximity to Kawaramachi makes it convenient to incorporate into your travel plans, and the fact that we got a table without waiting on a Friday evening was a huge plus.

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The beef tongue, in particular, exceeded our expectations, and I'm definitely looking forward to trying their signature Bōtan next time.

Whether you're planning a full dinner or a second-round meal in Kiyamachi, Gan San is definitely worth checking out for an authentic yakiniku experience.

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