You can’t talk about Japanese food culture without mentioning white rice—and Kyoto no Ryotei Hachidaime Gihey specializes in showcasing its depth and flavor. Seasonal vegetables and fresh fish round out the menu, which you can enjoy alongside a view of Kyoto.

The lunch lineup includes several beautifully prepared set meals, including limited seasonal offerings and signature rice dishes like the beloved “Miyama Lullaby” egg and rice.

At Hachidaime Gihey, no rice is served more than ten minutes after it finishes cooking. Brothers Takashi and Koji Hashimoto oversee each batch, using traditional clay pots and carefully tasting to ensure every bowl meets their high standard of “silver rice.”

There are English-speaking staff, and the menu includes English notation.

Near Hanamikoji-dori in central Gion, Gion Iwamoto stands out among the many restaurants and cafés offering both Japanese and Western fare. While culinary trends evolve, this restaurant remains dedicated to crafting distinctive kaiseki meals that delight its guests.

Lunch and dinner courses are available at various price points, providing a refined experience tailored to different occasions.

Meals featuring high-quality fish sashimi and local Kyoto vegetables allow diners to appreciate seasonal dishes and the flavors of Omi wagyu and Omi Shamo chicken are highly praised. Come taste the changing seasons of Kyoto!

Japanese Cuisine Sagano, located inside the Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto, offers a refined dining experience in the heart of the city. Surrounded by temples, shrines, and business districts, it’s ideal for both sightseeing and formal occasions.

Guests can enjoy an elegant multi-course meal in a serene, upscale setting.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes to suit different tastes, with set meals featuring generous portions of fish, vegetables, and meat among the top recommendations.

A summer favorite is “Hamo Hayashi Noodles,” highlighting the rich flavor of hamo, a prized ingredient in Kyoto cuisine. Dinner options include multi-course meals crafted with seasonal ingredients and the chef’s expert touch.

All Sagano staff wear masks, and guests are asked to do the same, use hand disinfectant, and have their temperature checked when entering. Tables are now widely spaced and the number of diners allowed to enter private rooms is limited.

Tsudaro is located on Hanamikoji-dori in a former teahouse where geisha and maiko once performed during the Taisho era, preserving the charm of old Kyoto.

Here, you can experience the elegance of Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in a setting rich with cultural history and traditional ambiance.

Seasonal vegetables and fish are put to good use in daytime and evening dishes that are selected and prepared with the discerning tastes of the owner, Masayuki Murata. At dinnertime, shakuhachi and shamisen performances will make you feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time.

On the 1st floor, geisha and maiko welcome guests to Tsudaro while shakuhachi and shamisen play in a dreamlike setting.

Kyoto is a complex city with many large and small streets and Gion is especially complicated. One side street, Gokomachi-dori, is home to Kaiseki Kinmata, which is found in a traditional “Kyomachiya” house with a history of more than 200 years.

From June to September, Tsudaro offers private room kaiseki lunches and dinners featuring seasonal vegetables and seafood in beautifully prepared courses like soups and deep-fried dishes.

A mini kaiseki lunch is also available at the counter, and the restaurant does its best to accommodate vegan and vegetarian guests.

Starting July 1, 2020, Tsudaro began offering two types of take-out lunch sets, allowing guests to enjoy authentic seasonal Kyoto flavors from the comfort of their hotel room.

Each set is carefully prepared to reflect the elegance and seasonality of traditional kaiseki cuisine.

Kinmata has staff who can speak English and free Wi-Fi.

The building tells a long history and is said to be a “national tangible cultural property.” If you want a first-hand experience of Japan's history while dining, be sure to visit.

Maruyama Park is a beloved spot for Kyoto locals, especially during cherry blossom season, and its beauty continues through summer and fall. On the park’s north side, Kyo Cuisine Shigure is a well-known destination for savoring seasonal kaiseki in a relaxed setting.

Recommended dishes include the elegant “Shigure Gozen” and a variety of beautifully named kaiseki courses like “Snow,” “Moon,” and “Flower.” In winter, comforting hot pots such as “Shigure Nabe” and “Chanko Nabe” are also available.

The menu is available in English and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and there are English-speaking staff and free Wi-Fi. If requested when making your reservation, vegetarian and halal meals can be prepared.

Shigure also offers a selection of bento boxes for takeout, perfect for enjoying a meal in one of Kyoto’s scenic parks, such as near the famous Gion weeping cherry tree.

Founded in 1913, Shigure has upheld the traditions of Kyoto cuisine for over a century—blending kaiseki, nature, and history into a truly memorable experience.

Even though they all serve “kaiseki cuisine,” these restaurants have their own unique styles and tastes that have been passed down through the years and there’s a different appeal to each. Be sure to visit Gion and experience the tradition of kaiseki in Kyoto!

Written by Manabu Kato, Dali Corporation