◆Tankuma Kitamise Main Store, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Solo Trip Day 4❶ When in Kyoto, experiencing the authentic traditional Kyoto cuisine at this long-established restaurant has been a long-cherished ambition? (*ﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ It was also the purpose of my solo trip this time. I entered the restaurant at 12:30 on Sunday. The counter had 3 customers seated and no one behind. There were 4+α staff in the kitchen and 2 serving. ◆"Yuki" Kaiseki Course for 7,260 yen including tax (service charge included) + Lager beer for 968 yen including tax. Seated at the clean white counter, I had a perfect view of the cooking process. The carefully selected tableware added elegance, and the harmony with the dishes was simply beautiful. ▶︎Delicacies (Appetizers): Chrysanthemum and chrysanthemum flower, Grilled eggplant with scallop jelly, Vinegar-marinated saury sushi, Gingko bean cake with shrimp, shishito pepper, bonito flakes, Egg custard, Edamame. The seasonal delicacies were meticulously prepared and truly exquisite. It can be called "culinary art" without hesitation. ▶︎Sashimi: Tuna, sea bream, firefly squid. The tuna melted on the tongue, and the texture of the firefly squid was firm. ▶︎Clear soup: Shrimp, chrysanthemum, mizuna, yuzu. A delicate and lightly flavored soup, with the shrimp and yuzu zest adding a refreshing touch. ▶︎Grilled dishes: Salt-grilled sea bream collar with lemon, Grilled mackerel with fragrant seasoning. The sea bream was perfectly grilled, with a subtle and rich taste, while the mackerel had a delightful aroma. ▶︎Simmered dishes: Simmered turnip, Yuzu miso, Yuba, Pumpkin, Small potato, Red leaf wheat gluten, Silk pod. The vegetables were delicately seasoned with white miso, showcasing their refinement. ▶︎Rice: Seasonal chestnut rice. The abundance of seasonal chestnuts prompted me to have seconds, and I thoroughly enjoyed the deliciousness of the chestnuts. ▶︎Pickles: Assorted pickles of Shibazuke, Kombu, Turnip. ▶︎Dessert: Pear, Persimmon, Wine jelly & pomegranate seeds, Kudzu mochi & soybean flour. The cleverly crafted jelly combinations were delightful. The attention and care shown by the owner, head waiter, young staff, and servers were meticulous, especially the head waiter in the kitchen who made a sincere effort to engage with me. When leaving after the meal, the owner, head waiter, and servers escorted me to the entrance, bowing deeply in gratitude. Their dedication to hospitality was evident, focusing not only on serving food but also on providing exceptional service. It was a wonderful experience, and I confidently recommend this long-established Kyoto cuisine restaurant to anyone visiting Kyoto. I wonder why the restaurant has such low ratings on Tabelog? That's the only thing that puzzled me. It was a delightful dining experience. Gochisousama deshita (＾ω＾)

I strolled along the Kamogawa River and entered the restaurant. The atmosphere was exquisite. The lunch set with steamed hotpot and half-moon bento is a great deal. The steamed hotpot with matsutake mushrooms and three-leaf arrowhead in vinegar citrus sauce was delightful. The comforting aroma of matsutake mushrooms and the rich flavor of arrowhead made me feel like "Ah, autumn has arrived." Enjoying the bento was also a delightful experience. The original matcha drink paired perfectly. Ending with sweets and matcha was yet another exquisite touch. The service was fantastic, something you can only experience in Kyoto.

I tried this restaurant for the first time, it's located in Kiyamachi, closer to Shijo. It seems like they are related to Tankuma-san. This time, I had a meal with a lunch voucher. The summer dishes were great, especially the sweetfish. I was happy to eat it during the Gion Festival! It was delicious!

Visited with my elderly mother. She easily finished the half-moon bento and tempura set. Each dish was carefully prepared with seasonal ingredients, truly delicious. The restaurant was quiet, perhaps due to the resurgence of COVID-19, but it had an old-fashioned charm and a subtle hospitality. As we left, the head chef personally saw us off, bowing deeply and clasping his hands together, exuding the elegance and history of Kyoto's traditional establishments. Despite the challenges of today, I sincerely hope they can continue preserving their heritage.

Located about a 3-minute walk north from the intersection of Shijo Kawaramachi in Kyoto, this restaurant was a place I had wanted to visit for a while, and I finally got the chance. After struggling with the menu when making a reservation, I decided on the half-moon bento and the round hot pot, as they offered the option to share the hot pot. Upon arrival, I took off my shoes at the entrance and was led to a private room on the second floor. The room was spacious with a table and chair seating in a traditional Japanese style. Since I had parked the car first, drinks were already ordered for me. A staff member handed me a hot towel with an embroidered bear design, which caught my attention. The meal started with sesame tofu as an appetizer. The half-moon bento included sesame tofu, half-moon-shaped dish, red miso soup, and a palate cleanser. It was delicious! Soon after, the round hot pot was brought out, cooked in a clay pot with delicious soup containing softshell turtle. The harmony of leeks, tofu, rice cake, and other ingredients was exquisite! I wish I could have tried the porridge too, but maybe next time. The half-moon bento was then served, containing various dishes such as sashimi, simmered vegetables, grilled eggplant, rolled omelet, and sweetfish simmered in sweet sauce. The rice was topped with sesame salt, chili pepper, and dried baby sardines, adding a nice touch of flavor. Finally, I enjoyed dessert with kudzu mochi and tea, leaving me completely satisfied. It was a truly delicious meal. Thank you very much.

I went to Kyoto. It was a day trip. For lunch, I had a bento at a traditional Japanese restaurant for the first time in a while. The Hangetsu Bento costs 3,850 yen and includes an assortment of dishes like sashimi, simmered dishes, rice, sesame tofu, and kudzu mochi with black honey. Kyoto cuisine is truly delicious. Everything was prepared meticulously, and I was impressed by every detail. The simmered dishes were each cooked differently. I especially loved the Nishikyo-yaki here! The fish was fatty and delicious. Since it was summer, they served me conger eel sashimi, which made me happy. Instead of the bell pepper kinpira rice, this time it came with edamame and corn! The atmosphere of the restaurant made me feel the history behind it... you can truly experience the charm of a historic traditional Japanese restaurant. Even though it was a tatami room, having tables and chairs was quite convenient. I'm glad I could visit after a long time!

I thoroughly enjoyed the sophisticated meal and time. The dishes in March were perfect for celebrating Hinamatsuri, udo, nanohana, white fish, shellfish, and other spring delicacies. Alongside the grilled fish, there was a side dish of rapeseed and daikon, lightly scented with wood sorrel, which was also very delicious. From start to finish, I was satisfied, even with the matcha at the end.

I visited Tankuma-san in Kawaramachi, Kyoto for the first time! My friend made a reservation for us and we had lunch there. We ordered the "Kaiseki Cuisine Yuki" course today, which costs 8,228 yen per person (drinks not included). The course includes appetizers, sashimi, soup, grilled dish, simmered dish, rice, pickles, and dessert. It was a generous lunch course! It's been a while since I had Kyoto cuisine, and it was delicious as always! The simmered dish had just the right balance of flavors. The restaurant has counter seats, private table seats, and tatami rooms. We chose a table seat this time. We were able to enjoy our meal in a calm and quiet atmosphere, and we were very satisfied! It was delicious! Thank you for the meal!

As you pass through the noren of the restaurant with the appearance of a detached house, you will see a large entrance in front of you. It seems that the classic way to enjoy this restaurant is to take off your shoes here and have a course meal in a private room on the second floor. There is a counter with only seven seats on the first floor, and this time, we had a few dishes from the course menu as individual items there. I was overwhelmed by the dignified work of the head chef working in front of me, and I couldn't fully appreciate the supposedly delicious dishes (sweat).

A renowned restaurant in Kyoto visited for a celebration. High-quality dishes kept coming one after another. Particularly enjoyed the matsutake mushroom and conger eel hot pot, and the salmon roe and salmon parent-child rice bowl. A very lovely establishment that provides impeccable service without any frowns, even with small children. It's no wonder that it was frequented by Junichiro Tanizaki.

I had the Hantsuki Bento for lunch in a spacious private room. The room can accommodate about 10 people, making it great for business meetings as the service is good and you can relax. I forgot to mention it was a celebration, but they promptly added red rice, which made me happy (^^) The portion may look small, but it was just right.

Kyoto Lunch I was full from breakfast, so getting a bento was a great choice Eating quietly in a private room with chairs in a Japanese-style room, enjoying the scent of tatami slowly is luxurious♡♡ Everything is truly beautiful and delicious! The broth is rich, so even with less salt, it feels just right (lol) The flavors of Kyoto shine in the Matsukado bento! Personally, the white miso soup was a hit! Kyoto miso soup is sweet and salty, can't get enough of it... lol!! The black sesame kuzu dessert was pitch black and amazing For black sesame lovers, the richness is irresistible... Next time, I want to try the kaiseki meal here.

I heard from a friend that while there are many famous restaurants, the dishes here are of very high quality and can be enjoyed at a reasonable price for a kaiseki dinner. I requested a reservation for my mother's birthday celebration. We visited at the end of February, where a special winter kaiseki menu was offered at a great price. The server was very gentle and attentive, and the dishes were all perfectly seasoned with exquisite flavors. In particular, the sesame tofu was so delicious, with a refined yet irresistible richness that I couldn't quite figure out. Additionally, this kaiseki meal comes with the restaurant's signature dish, the Marunabe. It had a light yet deep flavor, with a wonderfully tasty broth. Towards the end, they served a porridge made with this broth... I wanted to savor every last drop of it! While it may not be a casual dining option due to the price, this is a restaurant worth visiting at least once a year to experience the changing seasons. As we were deeply moved and about to leave the restaurant, the owner, along with the server, escorted us out...!! The owner had a sophisticated and warm demeanor, reminiscent of a tea master, which was truly charming. Ah, it was a night filled with so much value in many ways.

I ordered a 30,000 yen meal for 3 people at Hankyu Department Store, 2nd floor. I ordered here last year and had no complaints, so I decided to come back this year. The flavors are not too strong, not too unconventional, just classic and very easy to eat. I don't drink alcohol and have kids, so the fact that there are fewer appetizer options is perfect for my family.

I did not have it included in the lunch course, so I had the half-moon bento and marunabe. Since it was May, the interior was decorated with authentic helmets. I enjoyed it with both my eyes and mouth. For more details, please refer to my blog at https://bishokuclub.info/2019/05/20/tankumakitamise/.

◆On the first day of my study trip to Kyoto, following last year, I learned about Kyoto from a famous ramen shop owner at "Menya Tae" thanks to Mr. Chiken's recommendation. Enjoyed the elegant Kyoto kaiseki cuisine at "Tankuma" with a delicate range of flavors. A promising start to my Kyoto journey. ◾︎ Foodie Maro http://instagram.com/maro.j.maro

Osechi! Two servings. The appearance is luxurious, and each dish is carefully prepared with changing flavors, making it delicious. Truly well-made. It didn't have a lot of high-end ingredients, but it did have abalone. My 3-year-old's favorites were salmon roe and black beans. I was satisfied with the ample chestnuts. Overall, it was a satisfying experience.

After returning from Osaka, I realized the Gion Festival was happening and decided to visit Kyoto after a long time. I made a same-day reservation at this restaurant to have lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant. I was a bit worried because the phone response was a bit formal, but when I visited, the owner was calm and kind, and even recommended many highlights of the Gion Festival. The dishes were elegant and seasonal, typical of Kyoto cuisine, and the pike conger eel and plum dish were especially delicious. Each dish was meticulously prepared, allowing me to enjoy a luxurious time from lunch onwards.

Tan Kumakita Main Store is a traditional Kyoto cuisine restaurant located about 190 meters north from Exit A1 of Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, along Hachinofune-iri Street. The restaurant was established in 1928. Today, our group of 13 people arrived at the restaurant around 12:30 and were seated in a second-floor tatami room near the staircase. We started with a toast with bottled beer. The ordered meal was the Matsukado Bento for 5,500 yen, and the dishes were served in the following order: - Appetizer: Sesame tofu and mochi served in a covered ceramic dish, resembling chawanmushi. The rich sesame tofu had a strong aroma and intense sesame flavor, whetting our appetite. - Hassun (assorted appetizers): Beautifully presented sashimi of conger eel and striped jack in a blue dish, bite-sized portions. The conger eel paired well with plum sauce, and the striped jack was fresh and firm. - Suimono (clear soup): A white miso soup with thickened broth, containing nama-fu (wheat gluten) and trefoil. The sweet miso broth was not the usual white miso flavor, more like a mix of amazake and white miso soup, a taste I've experienced several times in Kyoto. - Matsukado Bento: The bento box was divided into four sections, each containing different dishes. The otsumami section had tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), nanohana with white sesame dressing, pumpkin, kombu rolls, green beans, and koya tofu, all with a traditional Kyoto flavor. The futamono section included simmered conger eel, hojizuki (ground chicken balls), edamame, cod, lotus root, and dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet), with adorable hozuki (Chinese lantern plant). Perfect for early summer. The shiizakana section featured roasted duck, eggplant with miso, cherry tomatoes, and fresh vegetables, with the rich flavor of the roasted duck enhancing the overall meal. The gohan section had two servings of yukari rice and two servings of mixed fish and sansho pepper rice, along with simmered mountain yam and pickled daikon radish. Both rice options were delicious, but the mixed fish and sansho pepper rice stood out. I must buy some mixed fish and sansho pepper on the way back. For dessert, we enjoyed panna cotta and Tanba bean jelly, both sweet and delicious. Very satisfying.

A long-established ryotei located a short distance from Kiyamachi and Kiyamachi-dori in Kyoto's Kamiyacho area. They offer Kyoto cuisine that reflects the elegance of the four seasons at their founding location. This time, we enjoyed a lunch kaiseki meal. Starting with the hassun, we savored the sashimi, soup, grilled dish, simmered dish, rice dish, and dessert. Being one of the top-class traditional restaurants in the Kyoto cuisine scene, the setting was splendid, and the hospitality was excellent. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

I am delighted by the elegant and traditional dishes at this long-established restaurant. The food is exquisite, and the plates that accompany it are also wonderful, truly a work of art. Thank you for a great dining experience today! ^ ^