Kyo-Suiran is located in the Arashiyama area’s Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, an area of abundant nature and an especially famous spot for autumn leaves.

The restaurant is about a 6-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Randen (Keifuku Electric Railroad) and within walking distance of notable sightseeing locations like Togetsukyo Bridge and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Kyo-Suiran’s Japanese garden makes it possible for patrons to dine with a view of the idyllic autumn leaves.

The restaurant is a renovated historic mansion originally built as a businessman’s villa about a century ago. The spacious wood-floor dining room has a modern Japanese atmosphere, and its vermilion chairs further evoke the vivid scenery of the garden’s autumn leaves.

The seating arrangement offers safety against infectious diseases, and private rooms are also available by reservation for the further enjoyment of the garden and Arashiyama.

The attractive menu combines the traditional Japanese kaiseki technique with the aesthetics of French cuisine. The first-class hotel’s dishes make the best use of Kyoto’s seasonal vegetables and seafood.

The “Kinshu” dinner course, offering a total of 11 dishes, including sea urchin, prawns, and Japanese beef, is a masterpiece for 26,565 yen. A reasonably priced lunch, the “Atago” course consists of eight elaborate dishes for 6,325 yen.

Reservations are required and can be made online. Both the website and table menus are available in English.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Restricted admission, reservation system in place - Masks required/temperature check enforced

The Takao area, in the northwestern suburbs of Kyoto, is surrounded by mountains and is another well-known as a spot for autumn leaves. At the famous Takao Kinsuitei ryokan inn, riverside “kawadoko” tatami mat seating allows guests to listen to the river's murmuring while appreciating the Yamamomiji leaves in a natural setting.

The drive along the mountain road to the inn and its view of the fall leaves is impressive. From JR Kyoto Station, ride the JR bus bound for Togano for about 50 minutes and get off at the last stop, “Togano.” Kinsuitei offers a day trip plan (with kaiseki cuisine for 7,700 yen), and for those who don't wish to drive, there’s a shuttle bus that will pick up guests at JR Nijo Station.

Most of the meals consist of foods that are standard at Japanese inns. Lunches are reasonably priced, like the 4,760 yen “seasonal bento,” which includes Kyoto-grown vegetables, and for an additional 800 yen, yudofu (boiled tofu) can be added.

If you go at the end of the leaf-viewing season from late November to early December, 8,800 yen “Botan Nabe” is recommended for a taste of wild boar meat (reservation required). The hot pot dish is only served in fall and winter, matching fresh boar meat from local mountains with mushrooms and vegetables. (*Serving for four pictured above).

Day trip plans, seating, and food reservations can be made on the inn’s website in English, traditional Chinese, and Korean. Kosanji Temple, a World Heritage Site famous for its autumn colors, is within walking distance, so be sure to stop by after your meal.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Restricted admission, reservation system in place - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

Kyoto is one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations and is famous for its autumn colors. At many restaurants, you can appreciate the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves and delicious food at the same time. And be sure to check out other leaf-viewing spots before and after your meal to fully appreciate the fleeting season!

Text by: K.K. Bikoo Kobo
*The information in this article is accurate as of November 2021. Please check official websites for the latest information.

English translation by Gabriel Wilkinson