Top 4 Kaiseki Cuisine restaurants in Kyoto

The cycle of the seasons of the year and the gifts of nature, and wagashi food perfectly integrates their essence into delicious cuisine, and kaiseki cuisine is the source of traditional wagashi.

2024 / 5 / 17

# Kyoto Japanese food

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In the Edo period, there was a proverb that said", "If you eat seasonal food, you can live for 75 days longer." This is because food contains the so-called "ki" (vital energy), and it is important to follow the seasons, selecting limited ingredients that are available only once a year, and feeling the change of the seasons through the food. This is what Kaiseki cuisine is all about.

For Japanese food, the highest level of enjoyment is to be able to create a picture in your mind's eye through cooking, and based on this feeling, enjoying the food will be even more delicious. The aesthetics of kaiseki cuisine is beyond the existence of food, and the sense of superiority of kaiseki cuisine comes from this elegant and understated insistence. Not only does it have a high level of philosophy and culture, but it also gives you a sense of the fusion of nature and people.

Kaiseki cuisine is usually a multi-course set meal, which generally includes an appetiser, main course, soup, boiled food, grilled food, sour food and dessert. Each dish is delicate and refined, and usually does not use a lot of fat or seasonings, pursuing the taste and nutritional value of the ingredients themselves.

Strolling through the old alleys of Kyoto and savouring the deep Zen-like flavours of kaiseki cuisine is an excellent way to experience Japan. Kyoto's best kaiseki restaurants attract many international diners, and reservations are required months in advance. We recommend four Kyoto kaiseki restaurants that are highly rated on Ikyu and Hitosara.

01
Hyotei

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Located near Kyoto's Nanzenji Temple, the over 400-year-old Hyotei, originally Matsubayashi Tea Shop, evolved from serving temple worshippers to offering kaiseki cuisine to Kyoto’s elite. Known for its signature Lady-tei Tamago porridge, Hyotei excels in traditional Kyoto dishes, featuring Akashi female snapper with Tosa soy sauce and sour tomato sauce. Since the 14th generation took over, it has earned three Michelin stars and switched to using dried tuna for a more flavorful broth.

Address: 京都府京都市左京区南禅寺草川町35
Business hours: 8:00 - 10:30 (enter) 12:00 - 15:00 (enter) Open Sundays
Price: 30000-39999 円

Hyotei

30000-39999 円

Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama「Japanese Cuisine」

3.92

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02
Owatari

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Gion Dado, an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant in Kyoto's historic Gion district, specializes in kaiseki cuisine. Praised for its sophisticated use of dried tuna shavings, the restaurant highlights simple, classic dishes featuring local ingredients like Kyoto daikon radish and Hamasaka snow crab.

Address: 京都府京都市東山区祇園町南側570-265
Business hours: Night] 18:00 - 21:00 Open Sundays
Price: 0-39999 円

Owatari

-- 円

30000-39999 円

Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama「Japanese Cuisine」

4.28

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03
Gioneguchi

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Gion Guchi, led by Chef Takahiro Eguchi from Kyoto KITCHO, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in Kyoto. Known for its affordability and meticulous attention to ingredients, tableware, and space, the restaurant serves a set menu featuring seasonal, natural ingredients. Specialties include the 'suppon dish' priced at ¥8,250, with two other set menus available at ¥6,200 and ¥8,250.

Address: 京都府京都市東山区清本町369 かつみビル　１Ｆ
Business hours: 17:00-23:00
Price: 0-14999 円

Gioneguchi

-- 円

10000-14999 円

Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama「Japanese Cuisine」

3.12

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04
Gionasadaya

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At Gion Asadaya, Chef Asada offers a unique dining experience with just six seats at a sunken bar made from a single wood piece. He uses premium ingredients like kawachigamo duck and siroamadai fish from Ehime, along with organic vegetables from Fushimi and artisanal salt. The highlight is the duck sushi, seasoned with kombu and grilled to perfection, creating a melt-in-your-mouth aroma.

Address: 京都府京都市東山区新門前通花見小路東入る中之町247
Business hours: Lunch] 12:00 start [Dinner] 18:00 - 21:00 (*Reservations are limited to 2 groups per day) Open Sundays
Price: 10000-19999 円