This was the highlight of our Japan trip 5 years ago, and after all these years, Steak Otsuka hasn't changed. You'll need a reservation to get in (make them online or sign up in person early). It's well worth the wait. I'd recommend the wagyu A5 steak (the phantom beef, where only 80 cows are available per year for it). The steaks range from about 4700 to 7400 yen, depending on how much meat or quality of meat you'd like, though you can't really go wrong here (personally, I'd pay more for better food here). The short plate beef bowl set is the best value in terms of pricing at 2200 yen, and it's scrumptious as well. You're getting a full meal for about $60 USD at the priciest as of now (and without the usual tip/tax in the States). The meat is melt-in-your-mouth soft, and you'll barely chew to eat your food. Highly recommend using the different sauces (teriyaki, salt/wasabi, and ponzu). We were sad to finish our last bites because the food was so tasty. Service was extremely quick and helpful. Staff speaks English fluently. My only complaints would be that the rice was a tad mushy, and they're also only open for lunch. However, definitely a must-try in Kyoto, and it'll be a mainstay in my go-to places in Japan for years to come.

Melt in your mouth! The best steak we've ever had. We got the hirai sirloin steak - premium a5. It was so good and exactly what you would hope for when you search for wagyu in Japan. The steak was fresh and cooked perfectly. The sauces paired nicely with the steak. The rice and salad on the side helped with the richness of the steak. It was the perfect meal. We stopped here for lunch before walking to the bamboo forest. It was nice and clean inside with kind and quick service. We still think about the steak to this day and can't wait to come back. (:

Treat yourself to the Murasawa premium A5. You won't regret it. Steak was like butter.

Hands down the best wagyu steak!! I would recommend this place better and half the price than Kobe . Get the Murasawa steak, you'll never regret it!

The best steak I had in Japan, long wait time but was worth it. I'm not sure if it changed much since my visit back in 2016, but it was small and cozy with very hospitable and seemed to be a family owned restaurant. I have it saved for my next visit to Japan and I always recommend it to anyone when I hear they are traveling to Kyoto

We're here for the Ghost beef. Absolutely delicious, melt in your mouth wagyu. A must stop if you're in Kyoto. This place is tiny so be prepared to wait. But it was worth it!

I'm not really a huge steak person, mainly because I struggle finding the right way on how I like my meat cooked. BUT THE MEAT HERE!! Oh man it's AMAZING!! The waiting staff were amazing as well! If you're a native English speaker, the waiting staff have great English skills! The atmosphere of the restaurant I can really appreciate. For being a small restaurant, it gives it a really intimate vibe but also for them only being open for 3 hrs make sure to get there early! Ittekimasu!!!

I'll probably not order a steak from a restaurant for a long time. This is because my favorite steak restaurant is halfway around the work from me. I went on a Friday for Lunch after visiting the Bamboo Forest. I put my name down, and was at my table in less than 15 minutes. The service was impeccable. We managed to communicate well, despite my little command of the Japanese Language. Everything (Menu, drinks, food) was served with clocklike precision and a smile -- this restaurant takes pride in what they do. The food. The Steak! All was top notch! I will dream of this steak for many moons to come! They presented it with a sauce and just plain salt and pepper. Do yourself a favor and try all sparingly. Just a little salt and pepper bring out the flavors of the Premium A5 Wagyu Beef. Better than Kobe I'd like to add. As for the ambiance, this is not your Chicago/New York Steak house. Clean Residential is how I'd put it -- Modern and new, like a model home. I ordered their most expensive meal and a beer, and still paid less than $60 for a meal that would've costed me $200+ anywhere else in the world. On a scale of 1 to 10, this restaurant goes to 11!

Take all of money! I don't even care. Thank you for never disappointing me every time. They moved to a different location from last time I was in Japan. It holds more people now, and so the stress to get there at 9AM even though they open at 11AM to put your name down is not as bad! Although, I've tried all of the Wagyu, I think my favorite is the Hirai, but try them all :)

One of the most amazing steak experiences I've ever had in my life. I came here maybe 15 minutes after they opened and luckily the place was pretty empty and there was no wait. I ordered the Hirai Sirloin Steak (premium A5 grade) and my boyfriend got the Mirasawa Sirloin Steak (also premium A5 grade). I personally enjoyed mine a little more because I liked the fact that it was cut into smaller pieces. But both were absolutely MELT IN YOUR MOUTH DELICIOUS. So tender and flavored well.. this was possibly the best meal I had in Japan. Bill came out to around $120 USD but completely worth it.