About FUNATSURU

History of FUNATSURU

The roots of FUNATSURU stretch back to 1870, at a time of dynamic change in Japan's history when the Tokugawa Shogunate had ended and the Meiji Period had just begun. Its founder, Tsuruzaburo Tanaka began a restaurant which specialized in funa, or crucian carp, a type of freshwater fish. Taking the first character of his first name, "Tsuru", he named his restaurant "FUNATSURU".

FUNATSURU grew into a large Japanese inn and restaurant in 1922, when it was relocated to its present location. At a time when a building over two stories was a rarity in Kyoto, FUNATSURU was newly erected as a three-story wooden structure. Particular architectural engineering was required for this feat, so Tsuruzaburo hired miyadaiku, the same architects who built the great shrines we still see today, who completed the building over a three-year span.

Kyoto's restaurant culture changed drastically upon the completion of the new FUNATSURU. It had always been a Japanese cultural tradition to dine with a garden view, and many Japanese inns and restaurants competed for the most beautiful gardens. Despite this, FUNATSURU had no garden. Instead, what lie outside its windows were the beautiful waters of the Kamogawa and beyond that the Higashiyama mountain range, whose peaks stretch out into the distance. By offering a view not of a tiny garden on the premises but of Kyoto's magnificent Higashiyama itself, FUNATSURU became an inn and restaurant of incommensurable magnitude for the times.

Visitors who had heard FUNATSURU's praise came from across Japan, which led FUNATSURU to add a five-story annex in 1934 and two more additions since then. Revolutionary for the times, FUNATSURU often catered for party with up to 500 people. FUNATSURU's historical and artistic value has been highly acclaimed as a time-honored, large-scale work of architecture on the banks of the Kamogawa, and has been registered as a tangible cultural property of architecture by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs as of 2012.

FUNATSURU Map

First Floor

Entrance

A Entrance

The cobblestone entrance preserves the historical feel of FUNATSURU. At night, an illuminated bamboo grove welcomes guests.
Kawadoko

C Kawayuka

Experience the beauty of "Sanshi suimei", the harmonious marriage of the Kamogawa and Higashiyama mountains, from atop a terrace facing the Kamogawa. From May 1 - September 30, this terrace is used as a Kawadoko, a Kyoto seasonal tradition for dining during the summer months.

F Bridal Salon

A space especially reserved for our wedding guests.
Lounge

B Lounge

Feel free to relax in the modern interior of our lounge while waiting to be escorted to your seat.
Dining

D Dining

FUNATSURU's main dining hall. Taste our world-class chef's specially-arranged French cuisine in a striking art deco interior.

Second Floor

VIP Room

A VIP Room

Perfect for smaller party of up to 32 people or a family dinner. The Japanese paper interior decoration envelopes the room in a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.
Gallery Room

C Gallery Room

On the ceiling is the famous painting of seven carps swimming in the Kamogawa by Taiun Omura. The room can receive party of up to 70 guests.

B Foyer

When using the Gallery Room or VIP Room, the foyer may also be used as a reception for party or a waiting space.

D Waiting Room

A space borrowing deeply from FUNATSURU's inn and restaurant days. It can be used as a waiting room for guest speakers or executives when using our facilities for meetings or training seminars.

Third Floor

Grand Ballroom

A Grand Ballroom

FUNATSURU's high-ceilinged main banquet hall offers an open atmosphere. Enjoy a commanding view of Higashiyama with World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera from its windows facing the Kamogawa. Maximum capacity of 170 people.
Foyer

C Foyer

When using the Grand Ballroom, the foyer may also be used as a reception for party or a waiting space.
Coved and Coffered Ceiling (Oriage-gō Tenjō)

B Coved and Coffered Ceiling
(Oriage-gō Tenjō)

The coved and coffered ceiling of the Grand Ballroom is in the traditional architectural style of "Oriage-gō Tenjō", its scale rivaling even that of the grand room of Ni-no-maru Goten used by former shoguns at Nijō Castle.

D Waiting Room

A space borrowing deeply from FUNATSURU's inn and restaurant days. It can be used as a waiting room for guest speakers or executives when using our facilities for meetings or training seminars.

Fourth Floor

A Karahafu-style Gable

An elevator-containing building which features the same Karahafu­-style gable as that used in Japanese castle keeps architecture. Its stately appearance bespeaks the precious value of an elevator at the time of construction.
Open Space

C Open Space

Adjacent to the Ceremony Space is an Open Space with a panoramic view of Kyoto City. It can be used for various purposes such as welcome party, etc.
Elevator

B Elevator

Vintage elevator built in 1934 together with the annex and still used today. The door is hand-operated.
Ceremony Space

D Ceremony Space

Uses vary widely, from wedding and awards ceremonies to fashion shows. With windows on three sides, the space has a sense of openness.

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