About Us
The Story of Kyomachi Yamamoto-ya
The birth of Kyomachi Yamamoto-ya is a story of "transporting the essence of Kyoto life into Taipei."
Nestled within Rongjin Gorgeous Time—originally a complex of official dormitories from the Japanese colonial era—this space has been restored into a cultural landmark. Our team envisioned recreating the authentic living pulse of a Kyoto Machiya within these historic timber walls, rather than simply opening a "Japanese restaurant."
"Kyomachi" symbolizes the everyday scenery found along the streets of Kyoto;
"Yamamoto-ya" carries the warmth and craftsmanship of a traditional Japanese family lineage.
Together, the name evokes the spirit of a multi-generational shop tucked away in a quiet Kyoto alley.
OUR VISION
Not Fine Dining, But Kyoto's Everyday Life
Kyomachi Yamamoto-ya does not focus on elaborate Kaiseki, but rather on authentic Kyoto-style home cooking, such as:
- Obanzai (Traditional Kyoto Home Cooking)
- Ochazuke and Matcha Soba Noodles
- Matcha Desserts and Wagashi
What we wish to convey is—
The warmth of a quiet meal in a cozy shop on a Kyoto street corner.
This essence deeply reflects the Kyoto values of "simplicity, refinement, and seasonal sensibility."
Transforming Culture into Experience
Japanese culture is not just about decoration; it's about the sense of living.
Kyomachi Yamamoto-ya is more than just a restaurant; it has evolved into a hub for cultural exchange:
- Matcha workshops and tea ceremony events
- Handmade Wagashi (Japanese sweets) classes
- Japanese seasonal festivals and rituals (e.g., Shime-nawa making, Mochi pounding)
It allows guests to go beyond being "consumers" and become active cultural participants.
Masato Yamamoto
Director, Chiehyuan Enterprise Co., Ltd.General Manager, 108 MATCHA SARO Co., Ltd.
Founder, Yamamoto F&B Consulting
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. After gaining extensive experience in operating various restaurant formats in Japan, he moved to Taiwan in 2005 to assist in the market entry and local operations of Japanese F&B brands. In 2008, he relocated to Hong Kong to lead a new business venture for the premium retail chain "City'super," focusing on the regional expansion of artisanal Japanese confectionery brands.
Returning to Taiwan in 2015, he was appointed CEO of the Hokkaido-based brand "108 MATCHA SARO," successfully launching its Taiwan flagship at Qsquare.
Under his leadership, the brand expanded across Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In Taiwan, he currently operates multiple locations and actively pursues strategic collaborations. Notable projects include supervising the nationwide launch of Matcha and Hojicha sweets at over 1,080 PX Mart locations, as well as high-profile collaborations with 7-Eleven and Mister Donut. In 2022, he participated in the Taipei City Bureau of Cultural Affairs' renovation project of 100-year-old historic Japanese residences. This led to the opening of "Kyomachi Yamamoto-ya" in September 2022. Following the success of numerous Japan-Taiwan cultural exchanges, he opened "Hakoniwa Yamamoto-ya" in June 2025 at 0km Mountain Hub, a heritage site originally serving as the Governor-General’s Forest Management Bureau dormitories in the 1930s.
Mimi Kao (MIMI)
Chairperson (Okami), Chiehyuan Enterprise Co., Ltd.Yamamoto F&B Consulting
Born in Taiwan. Lived in Japan for 13 years and Hong Kong for 7 years.
Graduate of Kanazawa Kinjo College and Osaka University of Arts, Japan.
After working for a design and planning firm in Japan, she returned to Taiwan in 2005.
She has been deeply involved in translation, interpretation, design planning, and local operations for Japanese companies and organizations in Taiwan.
In 2015, she was appointed Brand Manager for the Matcha brand "108 MATCHA SARO" and subsequently oversaw its business expansion across Asia.
In 2022, she participated in the Taipei City Bureau of Cultural Affairs' 100-year-old historic Japanese residence renovation project. In September 2022, she opened "Kyomachi Yamamoto-ya" as the Okami. Her successful implementation of Japan-Taiwan cultural exchange concepts led to an official invitation from the Economic Exchange Division of the Kyoto Prefectural Government.
In June 2025, she opened "Hakoniwa Yamamoto-ya" at 0km Mountain Hub, a heritage site originally serving as the Governor-General’s Forest Management Bureau dormitories in the 1930s. As the Okami and business leader, she also serves as Creative Director, Lead Designer, and Head of Public Relations. She is an online Japanese language instructor, a certified Kimono Kitsuke (dressing) specialist, and an Auditor of the Japan-Taiwan Sweets Craftsmanship Exchange Association.
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