Articles about Kyoto

A French Gastronomic Experience Proposed by Japan’s Premier Hotel Brand, Okura Hotels & Resorts

Nouvelle Epoque, meaning “new era” in French, offers a fusion of traditional French cuisine and Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. True to its name, the restaurant invites guests to experience a new chapter in dining.

This article showcases the abundant appeal of this exceptional experience, complemented by vibrant pictures.

Located in the heart of historical Kyoto, Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji has proudly held one Michelin star for three consecutive years. In addition to its top-quality cuisine, its warm hospitality and the stunning views from the restaurant where guests can overlook Kyoto's cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn foliage captivate many diners. In this article, the editorial team from OMAKASE, the official Michelin partner, will guide you through the exceptional experience that makes Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji a must-visit.

The OMAKASE editorial team, an official Michelin partner, has curated a list of nine exceptional fine dining restaurants where foreign visitors to Kyoto can experience the beauty of the autumn leaves while enjoying a memorable meal.

Kyoto, one of Japan’s oldest cities with a history of over 1200 years, boasts some outstanding Tempura spots. The OMAKASE editorial team, a Michelin partner, highlights 11 must-visit tempura restaurants in the city.

Kyoto, Japan's most ancient city, is renowned for its numerous fine dining destinations across various culinary genres, including kaiseki and Japanese cuisine. The Gion district, known as one of the country's best historical entertainment quarters, draws tourists with its stunning temples and shrines that showcase the beauty of Japan's four seasons, quaint back alleys with flagstone paths, and historic townhouses.

The ancient city of Kyoto offers a unique and rich cultural heritage, with many historical temples, shrines, and other buildings. Kyo-ryori, the cuisine of Kyoto, is no exception. Kyoto cuisine encompasses various styles, including banquet cuisine for nobles, plant-based cuisine for monks in training, ceremonial dishes, and kaiseki cuisine for tea parties. What stands out most in Kyoto cuisine is its reflection of the beautiful four seasons. In spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, bamboo shoots take center stage. Summer brings pike congers, followed by matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and puffer fish and crab in winter. These signature ingredients highlight the beauty of each season. Additionally, Kyoto’s local vegetables and flavors centered around rich soup stock offer a culinary experience distinct from that of Tokyo.

An increasing number of restaurants in Japan are now offering vegan menus, including fine dining establishments featured in the Michelin Guide. Traditionally, many Japanese kaiseki and shojin cuisine restaurants have focused on plant-based ingredients, making it easier for them to cater to vegan diets. Moreover, some sushi restaurants have started to provide vegan options as well. *Kaiseki cuisine is a traditional Japanese course meal comprised of many small dishes. Shojin cuisine refers to Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. In Kyoto, there's no shortage of kaiseki restaurants catering to vegan diets, while Tokyo offers a diverse array of dining options with vegan-friendly choices, from sushi and tempura to ramen. With these culinary delights, Japan offers ample opportunities to savor memorable dining experiences that will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip! In this article, the editorial team from OMAKASE, the only online culinary service provider in Japan that is officially recognized by the Michelin Guide, will guide you through a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants. Our selections include award-winning establishments featured in the Michelin Guide, as well as recommendations from Japan's largest restaurant review website, alongside casual and affordable dining options

Wouldn’t you love to indulge in exquisite sushi while traveling in Japan? Just like Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto boasts many attractive sushi restaurants, including luxurious ones awarded with prestigious Michelin stars. In this article, we will guide you through sushi restaurants in Kyoto across three price ranges: high-end (around 20,000 JPY), mid-scale (around 10,000 JPY), and budget-friendly (under 5,000 JPY).