The entrance façade decorated with fish, shellfish, seahorses, sheep, and other decorations heightens the anticipation of the meal. Although everyone in Kyoto is familiar with the Toka Catering Restaurant, surprisingly few people know that it was originally a beer restaurant, Yaomasa, when it was first completed in 1926.
The building was designed by American architect William Merrell Vories. He designed many schools and churches, but few commercial facilities, and this is the only restaurant he built during his lifetime. It is a Western-style Spanish Baroque building with an eight-pointed star, plant patterns, and geometric patterns.

Looking at the art-like architecture and furnishings, such as the grand banquet hall with its exotic lanterns and private rooms with carved wooden arches, you will feel as if you were transported back to the glamorous Taisho Era. In summer, the rooftop beer garden as well as the kawadoko (riverbeds) are a tradition, and you can enjoy the same dishes as in the restaurant on an a la carte basis without paying for a seat. For a souvenir for the family, take-out boxed lunches are available from 1,620 yen.

Not only the walls and floors, but also the ceilings of each room are very individualistic; the ceiling on the 4th floor goes well with the lanterns.

Mr. Vories also designed the chaise longue, flower stand, and side tables that match the architectural atmosphere.

The eight-pointed star, a star-shaped polygon with eight horns, often seen in the museum, symbolizes rebirth, infinity, etc.

Elevator. only the 5F indicator has an arrow pointing downward.

The sweet and sour taste of the tender pork is perfect for the hot and humid Kyoto summer. Sour-and-sour pork for 1,650 yen to be washed down with beer.