Valentine's Day in Kyoto sees the sought-after restaurants taken during January. Looking for a free table on the day leaves you almost nothing to choose from.
Plenty of people would rather mark it quietly than make a production of it. Here is the booking timing and the second venue, sorted by what you are after.
For the weekend around 14 February, move during January
In a year when Valentine's falls at the weekend, the private rooms go first. Even on a weekday, demand shifts to the Friday and Saturday either side, so by February the field has narrowed.
Even without a fixed date, holding two candidate dates and asking about a provisional booking changes how many venues you can choose from.
- Have two candidate dates when you enquire
- Demand moves to the weekend either side, not only the day
- Check the date cancellation charges start
Shift away from the busiest hours
Between 6pm and 9pm, diners concentrate in every area. The travelling alone eats into the evening and cuts the time you have to talk.
Either start dinner early and give the hours after 9pm to a second venue, or start late. Leaning one way or the other makes getting around easier.
Choose a table the two of you can talk at
To talk without the noise around you, a fully private room; if you also want some openness, a semi-private booth. Think in terms of how many can sit comfortably with bags beside them, not the maximum capacity.
You can also match the sofa, the lighting, the volume and the drinks to what you both like. A minimum session length may apply on the day, so check the terms first.
If you are bringing a gift, ask about storage and staging
Bringing chocolates or flowers, it helps to know how long the venue can hold them and how they will be kept. Food in particular varies from place to place.
If you want music or a message, ask in advance what the venue can actually do. Some people would rather not be the centre of an elaborate gesture, so take the lead from them.
- Fully private or semi-private
- Whether a minimum session applies
- The terms for bringing and holding a gift
A Valentine's evening in Gion
Gion Country Club is an indoor golf and bar lounge three minutes on foot from Gion-Shijo Station, open from 5pm until 5am. The fully private VIP room with karaoke takes up to ten guests.
Bringing a cake and the like is free of charge if you raise it in advance. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so check the opening for your date.
Frequently asked questions
When should we book for Valentine's Day in Kyoto?
The weekend around 14 February starts filling during January. Enquire in January with candidate dates in hand.
Can we bring chocolates or a cake?
Raise it in advance and we will take it free of charge. We ask you not to bring drinks.
Can two people use a private room?
That depends on availability and the plan. Check the minimum numbers and the minimum charge.
