In 1870 (Meiji 3), a river fish merchant named Tsunasaburō Tanaka founded a catering business. As he primarily dealt incrucian carp (funazushi), he became affectionately known as “Funaya no Tsuru-san” (Tsuru of the Carp Shop). From this nickname, the establishment came to be called Funatsuru.

In 1922 (Taishō 11), the business relocated to its current location in Kiyamachi Matsubara. Master carpenters Kisaburō Ueda and Yonezō Yamamoto led a once-in-a-lifetime construction project. At that time, most nearby ryōtei (traditional Japanese restaurants) were single-story buildings, but the new Funatsuru was an enormous four-story, five-tier wooden structure. The ambitious project took three years to complete, and in 1925 (Taishō 14), a grand ryōtei that defied conventional expectations was born.

Whereas traditional ryōtei offered views of beautiful gardens, Funatsuru introduced a new scale of dining experience: guests could enjoy their meals while taking in the flowing Kamo River just beside them, with the majestic Thirty-Six Peaks of Higashiyama in the distance. The fact that such a large and historic wooden structure still stands along the Kamo River today is remarkable.

Recognizing its historical and artistic significance, Japan’s Agency of Cultural Affairs officially designated Funatsuru as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on April 21, 2012. With over 140 years of history, Funatsuru remains a beloved symbol of Kyoto.