Restaurant Name: Kyowa Budget: 20,000~ yen per person Address: 359 Masuyacho, Kodaiji Minamimon, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Kyowa is a long-established traditional Japanese restaurant founded in the 10th year of the Meiji era. On this day, we used it as a venue for the meeting of both families for my sister's wedding. Before the meal, you will be overwhelmed by the sophisticated atmosphere and hospitality. The Japanese-style room with a garden, which can be called the essence of Japanese culture, and the high-level service are fantastic. The cuisine is a top-notch Japanese full course meal made with top-quality ingredients. The sashimi, soup, and grilled dishes all have a gentle flavor, showing an attitude of listening to the voice of the ingredients. In particular, the sashimi of spiny lobster was a surprising dish. It had a good elasticity and aroma typical of spiny lobster, and the deliciousness was impressive. I would like to use it again for events or important business meals. Thank you for the wonderful meal. #Kyoto #Higashiyama #Kodaiji #Kyowa #JapaneseCuisine #Kaiseki #JapaneseRoom #Garden #Meeting #LongEstablished #Restaurant #Sashimi #Tuna #SpinyLobster #BambooShoot #WagyuBeef #RedSnapper #GreatAtmosphere #Hospitality #Majestic #KyotoGourmet

This is a super long-established ryotei founded in 1877. Located within the Park Hyatt premises, the Michelin Guide has awarded one star to the mountain lodge "Kyoyamato". The beautiful panoramic view of Yasaka Pagoda and the city of Kyoto is the best. Personally, I think daytime is better than night. I believe it is the most perfect place for special occasions.

Park Hyatt guests can choose Kyoto-style Japanese breakfast, so we decided to try it. Each person's rice is cooked in a clay pot, so it takes a little time to be served. The rice is delicious, and the two-tiered meal includes tofu, sautéed burdock root, and rolled omelette, sticking to traditional Japanese cuisine without any surprises. Thank you for the meal.

This restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Kyoto 2022 edition. It is located within the premises of Park Hyatt Kyoto. Although the hotel and the restaurant are not directly related, staying at the hotel allows for easy access to the restaurant through a shortcut door. The restaurant offers spacious and elegant surroundings in a vast garden. On this particular day, we were able to reserve a private room for two people. The food was delicious, and this restaurant could easily be considered a top-notch establishment deserving of even higher praise.

During the state of emergency due to the pandemic, it's a mystery why the restaurant is listed as "pending" on Tabelog. I will propose to the Tabelog office to lift the "pending" status, as it seems even Kyoto-san is not aware of it. It's a bit sad for a restaurant that has received a Michelin star to be in pending status. Now, let's talk about the beauty of the Park Hyatt Kyoto next to the torii gate at the entrance of Kodai-ji Temple, and the breathtaking view of Yasaka Pagoda at dusk, reminiscent of a Hiroshige ukiyo-e print. This is all made possible because Kyoto-san has been leasing the land owned by their ancestors to Park Hyatt Kyoto for joint development. The design and construction were done by Takenaka Corporation, and everything is truly magnificent. Park Hyatt Kyoto is a rare place where you can fully experience "Kyoto" with all your senses without even leaving the hotel. Located above the Bar Kohaku is the longstanding traditional Japanese restaurant since 1877, called "Kyoyamato." There are two entrances, one from Park Hyatt Kyoto and another on the right side of the approach after passing through the torii gate. You can enjoy high-quality Japanese cuisine that appeals to everyone and meets the necessary standards at this luxurious hotel in Kyoto. However, with such a location and building, I would personally strive to refine the cuisine even further to reach the top 1000 restaurants in the world. Perhaps Kyoto-san is content with the current situation because they are making enough profit from local corporate entertainment or other rental income from leasing the property to Park Hyatt Kyoto. Therefore, they are not aggressively aiming for the top, which I interpret as Kyoto's modesty and kindness (laughs). But hey, with such a location and building, it's embarrassing not to aim for at least one Michelin star. Since it is connected to Park Hyatt Kyoto, it is smart and convenient to meet in the hotel lobby for entertainment or business dining. I highly recommend combining it with a visit to the Bar "Kohaku" at Park Hyatt Kyoto for a stylish gathering before or after your meal. Park Hyatt Kyoto plays a significant role in Kyoto tourism, distinguishing itself before and after the opening of Park Hyatt Kyoto. Like The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Hilton Kyoto's Roku toko, Aman Kyoto, and Hoshinoya Kyoto, Park Hyatt Kyoto is one of the wonderful villas/hotels that make you not want to leave and still experience Kyoto without going out. In that sense, I am very grateful to Kyoto-san. The cuisine and service can surely be improved. Please have more "pride." It is recommended for entertainment, family use, or dates. *The bento box is also delicious. *There is room for improvement in the level of customer service. *When it comes to Kyoto bento boxes, you can't miss "Hishio."

This is a traditional restaurant where we often go as a family for celebrations and memorial services. The food is authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine with subtle flavors. We have used this restaurant for celebrating our children's milestones, birthdays, and also for memorial services. The private rooms offer a magnificent view of Kyoto, allowing us to enjoy our meal in a relaxed atmosphere. We usually have a large group, so I am not sure about the seating for small groups, but I would like to visit with 2 or 3 people sometime. ^_^

Visited Kyoyamato for a banquet for the first time and was extremely satisfied. The chefs personally saw us off as we left, which was very moving. If I have the chance to come to Kyoto again, I will definitely stop by again.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from Kawaramachi (although very few people would walk there due to the nature of our establishment). As you pass by Yasaka Shrine and head towards Kodai-ji Temple, you will naturally arrive at this traditional restaurant with over 130 years of history. The Suikoken Hall, which we used on this day, is said to have been a meeting place for shishi (patriots) such as Sanjo Sanetomi, Katsura Kogoro, and Sakamoto Ryoma, making it a must-see for fans of the Bakumatsu period. The view from the room includes the streets of Kyoto, Yasaka Pagoda, and uniquely, both the Adamski-type Kyoto Tower, creating a surreal atmosphere that I personally love. The hospitality is top-notch, making it great for business meetings as well.

History: In the first year of Enryaku (782), a temple called Tokoji was established, which later became the villa of the Gonaisho Takana during the Kamakura period, and eventually became the sub-temple of Nishi Honganji before becoming the current Kyoyamato in 1949. In April of Heisei 27, I visited this place as a guest of the top pearl brand M. Upon arrival, I was amazed by the breathtaking view overlooking Kyoto with Yasaka Tower in front of me. I climbed up the garden to the main building on the second floor. The view from here is truly spectacular. However, the level of service from the staff was poor. While it is good to take pride in working for a long-established establishment, it seemed like they had forgotten the spirit of hospitality towards guests and became arrogant. There was hardly any explanation of the dishes, and even with the main course of abundant dishes in the jubako, they quickly finished with just a couple of explanations, saying "I think you can understand without me saying more..." The beautiful view was overshadowed. The lunch kaiseki starts from 15,000 yen, but the view is worth more than that, although the taste and service are not up to that level. It seems like a place where you can enjoy the atmosphere through the scenery.

On the first night in Kyoto, I went to a traditional Japanese restaurant that I had been looking forward to. This restaurant, called Kyoyamato, is located very close to tourist spots like Maruyama Park, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kodai-ji Temple. I had purchased a bento box from the Isetan department store in Kyoto, and it was so delicious that I wanted to visit this restaurant. The restaurant offers a special evening event called Yūsuzumi-kai on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from July to August, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine and the night view. First, I was impressed by the garden visible from the entrance gate. The gatekeeper welcomed me, and I enjoyed the view from the observation deck before having my meal. Each dish was delicious, and the presentation of the food, tableware, and the service by the staff were all excellent. After finishing the meal, I strolled through the garden. I also got to see the building where historical figures like Katsura Kogorō, Sakamoto Ryōma, and Kusaka Genzui used to gather. The gatekeeper's explanations were very clear, and the garden's illumination was lovely. This night in Kyoto made me love the city even more. It was truly a wonderful memory. Thank you for the delicious meal.

Memories of Kyoto Yamato. It has been a long time since then, but it has become a very good memory. We chose this restaurant as the venue for our engagement ceremony. We decided based on the reviews and atmosphere of the restaurant on Tabelog and the website, as well as the tradition. We were torn between this restaurant and "Harisei," another highly regarded Kyoto cuisine restaurant, but we were both very attracted to the location's splendid view on the high ground of Gion, as well as the high status and historical building that has hosted many foreign dignitaries. Now, our family got lost wandering around Gion after walking from Shijo Kawaramachi, while the groom's family arrived smoothly by taxi. For first-time visitors, the slopes of Gion can be tough, so it may be a good idea to use a taxi. It was a very cold rainy day in February, but it was a very charming place. We were guided through creaky corridors in the solemn building and finally arrived at our room. The process was very Japanese-like and remains a memorable part of our experience. We exchanged greetings in a separate room and then moved to the dining room. We briefly held the engagement ceremony and enjoyed the meal while engaging in delightful conversations. The following food report is subjective, so please excuse any bias. Each dish was exquisite, with intricate touches that were not immediately apparent in the ingredients, making it visually enjoyable and delicious to eat. There were many dishes, each with a small portion, so we felt very satisfied. Unfortunately, the groom was in the midst of a strong cold and could hardly taste anything. What a pity! We would love to visit again with our family someday. The staff were very friendly and helped to ease the tension, sharing information about the food, the building, and its history. After the meal, we were guided through the spacious building. It seems that the venue can also be used for weddings, and the room with a view of Kyoto from the high seat was very elegant and lovely. It is a wonderful place full of great memories to enjoy the food and atmosphere.

This was my third visit. Located next to the Kodai-ji Temple overlooking Higashiyama in Kyoto, this restaurant truly feels like a time slip once you pass through the mountain gate. Within the premises, there is the "Soyotei," a place where supporters of the Imperial Restoration gathered in the third year of the Bunkyu era just before the Meiji Restoration. It feels like being in the presence of historical figures such as Katsura Kogoro, Takechi Hanpeita, Kusaka Genzui, Inoue Kaoru, and Makino Tsunemasa, mainly from the Choshu and Tosa domains. As I was guided past the Soyotei and into the room, I was struck by the historic building itself. Dining in this space adds to the charm. On this day, the hostess kindly prepared a room with a view of autumn leaves. The sound of rain and the dampness of the moss created a wonderful atmosphere. The garden is also magnificent! It's a feeling that perhaps only Japanese people can truly appreciate. The food and service were impeccable. I paid 15,000 yen for the meal, starting with appetizers and including dishes like ayu and carp during this season. There is a reason why this long-established restaurant thrives. I am grateful for the hostess and the existence of this restaurant. I will definitely visit again.

I visited on a hot weekend afternoon during the peak of summer. Despite arriving about 30 minutes early, a staff member who seemed like the head waiter greeted me at the entrance. The tranquility of the garden and the calm demeanor of the staff provided a refreshing feeling in the midst of the hot day. The building, which used to be a separate building of the Honganji Temple, exuded a dignified yet gentle atmosphere, showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture in various ways. Now, onto the food. I didn't have high expectations for summer Japanese cuisine due to the difficulty of sourcing quality ingredients, but I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful dishes. Above all, the Kyoto-style pottery was exquisite, shedding light on why Japanese cuisine can be expensive. The carefully selected pottery, the meticulous preparation of ingredients, and the transformation of everyday ingredients like tofu, eggplant (Kamo eggplant), and sweetfish into high-class hospitality dishes truly showcased the essence of traditional Japanese hospitality. The attentive service, akin to a shadow in the background, complemented the dishes perfectly. While it may not be a place I can visit frequently, I would love to return to savor the garden and cuisine once again.

It's like the power and acceleration of a 300 horsepower car going from cruising at 80 km/h to passing. The young genius chef, or rather, the culmination of hard work. The wonderful meal made me forget about the passage of time. I visited in February, so unfortunately the garden was very lonely, looking up at bare branches and imagining how beautiful it would be during cherry blossom season or autumn leaves season. The room I was seated in was named "Momiji" (Japanese maple), with plenty of maple trees outside the window. I can imagine how beautiful it must be during the season. With the Ryoma boom helping, the outside of the lively restaurant was surprisingly quiet inside. It's amazing how you can't hear any noise from the bustling tourist area across the street. Cherry blossoms, wisteria, autumn leaves, camellias, and snow must create a truly magnificent view. The presentation and taste of the soup dish were so delicious that time seemed to stop for a moment. The sashimi was excellent, with a perfect balance of lean and fatty cuts. Eating it with traditional salted kombu was a harmony of flavors that captivated my heart. The dishes served in a two-tiered container were visually appealing and a delight to eat. The large pot of bean rice was indescribably delicious. It would be a shame to let only the elderly enjoy this place, as it showcases the talent of a young chef within the nostalgic traditions of Kyoto. I truly enjoyed the meal and would like to visit throughout the seasons. The service was impeccable, from the young servers to the hostess.

This was a moment that truly embodies the traditional beauty of Japan! I enjoyed the unique Kyoto cuisine with delight. The soup dish was unexpectedly flavorful. I thought it might be mild because it's Kyoto, but the aroma and broth were exceptional. Each dish not only evoked a sense of the season but also the soup bowls were decorated to reflect the season, which was truly impressive. This time, the bowl was themed around plum blossoms. By the way, they change it according to the season. Normally, meals have various flavors, but today every dish had the perfect taste. From the aperitif to the dessert, time flew by quickly. The sesame tofu with crab inside was delightful, and the cute touch of a mushroom on top was charming. The soup dish was my favorite, the broth suited my taste perfectly, and the plum pattern on the bowl was elegant and seasonal. The sashimi with salted kelp was delicious, enhancing the natural flavors of the fish. Various side dishes made with Kyoto vegetables like burdock and Japanese leek were a delight. The bean rice was filled with large beans, and I shamelessly had seconds. The dessert with plenty of fruits and black syrup was a treat, the syrup and jelly complemented the fruits' sweetness perfectly. It felt sweet but had a refreshing aftertaste. It would have been even more amazing if the season had been a bit different for a stunning garden view. I'll consider the season next time I visit.

I enjoyed an authentic kaiseki meal at a long-established traditional restaurant in Higashiyama, Kyoto, with a history of over 120 years. This place is popular among guests from all over the world, and it's not easy to visit privately. The location, food, and value for money were all top-notch, as expected from a long-standing restaurant. In Kyoto, geisha are called "geiko" and apprentices are called "maiko." After about two years of training, maiko spend a month as apprentices practicing with senior geiko at tea houses. With permission from the okiya proprietress and the teahouse association, they can officially debut as maiko. In the banquet rooms, they mainly serve as hostesses, performing traditional dances such as Gion Kouta in the Gion Kobu district or other styles like Wakayagi-ryu. Regardless of their hometown, they are taught to speak in a unique Kyoto dialect (Gion dialect). Typically, customers inform the restaurant of their desire to have geisha entertainment, and the restaurant arranges for geisha based on the budget and preferences. It is also possible to request specific geisha once you become familiar with the system. However, not all restaurants can arrange geisha entertainment, so it's important to choose a suitable place. *Permission granted by Kosuzu-san and Mamehana-san for sharing this information.

I was invited to the best entertainment of my life. From the chaos of a power outage at JR Kyoto Station, I took a taxi and told the veteran driver "Kyoyamato," to which he responded, "I haven't been there, but it's near Ninen-zaka." As we climbed further up the slope from the entrance of Kodai-ji Temple, we saw the sign for Kyoyamato. Surrounded by long-standing and newly established ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), this place stood out as a special space with a special presence. The attendant informed us that the building has been around since the Nara period and was once a villa for the hospitality of the Western Pure Land Temple. Even just hearing about where historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi sat in the room where I was seated (not the head seat) made this venerable establishment worth visiting. Walking along a long path from the gate at the top of the steep slope to the entrance, we were greeted with a view of Yasaka Pagoda. The property covers 3000 tsubo (Japanese unit of area), but it was hard to grasp the size until we saw the maple trees reflected in the pond. The first course was sakura-yu, a clear soup with a hint of cherry blossom flavor that was surprisingly delicious. The confidence with which they presented the tofu from Kyoto's Toyokake and the exquisite taste of the dish left me impressed. The next course was tofu with cherry blossoms inside, served in a bowl with cherry blossom leaves made from edamame paste. The soup contained cherry blossoms and cherry blossom leaves made from udo (a type of plant). The attention to detail in the dish was remarkable. The sashimi consisted of Ise shrimp, sea bream, and ark shell, with the sea bream being surprisingly thickly sliced. The daikon radish garnish was prepared in a unique way, with the attendant explaining the intricate process behind it. The hassun (assorted appetizers) included fried whitefish, marinated moroko fish, and sushi made from young bamboo shoots. Each dish was prepared with meticulous care and attention to detail. The yakimono (grilled dish) featured tilefish, conger eel, and kogomi (a type of fern). The kogomi, which I mistook for zenmai (another type of fern), was prepared in a special way that highlighted its unique texture and flavor. The sunomono (vinegared dish) included shrimp and ark shell served with a rich egg yolk vinegar. The nimono (simmered dish) featured bamboo shoots, sea bream roe, and butterbur, all cooked to perfection. The meal concluded with clam rice, a dessert of matcha ice cream, papaya, strawberries, and warabi mochi. The matcha ice cream was rich and flavorful, and the strawberries were sprinkled with white chocolate instead of sugar to preserve their freshness. The warabi mochi was served in a smooth red bean paste, complemented by a delicious genmaicha (brown rice tea). I also enjoyed the original sake from Kyoyamato, which was smooth and easy to drink. Overall, the experience at Kyoyamato was unforgettable, with each dish showcasing the skill and dedication of the chefs.