Kyoto-based Startup Opens 'KARAAGEYA,' a Specialized Fried Chicken Shop Offering 'Karaage Omakase Courses' in a Traditional Townhouse.

Overview of KARAAGEYA KARAAGEYA is a specialized fried chicken shop based in Kyoto, offering unique 'Karaage Omakase Courses.' Located in a 115-year-old traditional Kyomachiya (Kyoto townhouse), the shop serves fried chicken using carefully selected chickens raised over long periods.

Led by a head chef from a traditional Ryotei restaurant and an owner who previously managed a fried chicken bar in Ghana, the team meticulously prepares and fries each piece. They rely on subtle changes in the sound of the frying oil and the condition of the chicken to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients to their fullest.

Concept: 'Slow Fried Chicken Shop' In an industry dominated by fast-food symbols like fried chicken, KARAAGEYA operates under the concept of a 'Slow Fried Chicken Shop.' By embracing nature's blessings and facing the chickens head-on, they aim to maximize the distinct flavor and personality of each bird. Starting with karaage as its core, the brand plans to develop various business formats and aims for the global market as a fried chicken brand originating from Kyoto.

Drinks Specialized for Karaage Pairing The shop offers a drink menu centered around karaage, including original canned lemon sours developed in collaboration with local distilleries and lemon sour specialists. The base spirit of this original lemon sour is distilled using aromatic ingredients like Kyoto's 'Kyo no Kisinju' chili and stone-ground 'Yama-Asakura Sansho' pepper. Finished as a canned beverage at a specialist shop, it offers the refreshing清涼感 (coolness) of Miyazu lemons from Kyoto, leaving a refreshing 'condiment-like' aftertaste that enhances the umami of the fried chicken.

Revitalizing a Kyoto Machiya Many Kyomachiya (traditional townhouses) are at risk of disappearing due to aging, a shortage of craftsmen, and rising maintenance costs. KARAAGEYA has renovated a 115-year-old townhouse, providing a space where guests can enjoy karaage while feeling the breath of history. Experience a special moment at this intersection of history and the present.

Shop Information - **Address:** 169-2 Higashihashizume-cho, Shimotachiri-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 602-8044 - **Access:** 12-min walk from Subway Marutamachi Station; 2-min walk from City Bus Horikawa Shimotachiri; 6-min walk from City Bus Horikawa Marutamachi. - **Reservation Site:** [TableCheck](https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/karaageya/reserve/message) - **Official Instagram:** [@karaageya.jp](https://www.instagram.com/karaageya.jp/)

Profile of Representative (Kento Sekine) Born in Saitama and based in Kyoto. After working at a financial institution, he began his culinary journey at 'le sputnik.' Following the establishment of 'ANTCICADA,' he recognized the profound potential of karaage in rural Ghana and founded 'YOOFIN,' which operates a karaage bar and poultry farm. In 2025, he established 'KARAAGE Inc.' in Kyoto to share Japanese culture with the world through fried chicken. He was selected for Forbes JAPAN's '30 Under 30' in 2022.