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Gion Hitsuji is a cozy restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food was beautifully presented with seasonal decorations, and it was clear that a lot of attention was paid to the ingredients and presentation. My favorite dishes were the lotus root with bacon, plum and shiso, and the daikon radish and konnyaku with spicy cod roe butter. I was also pleasantly surprised by the yuba, which had a lovely creamy texture. The steak was delicious and another highlight of the meal, although I felt the sauce slightly overpowered the natural flavor of the meat. The tempura was also very good, but I would have enjoyed having a traditional dipping sauce in addition to the matcha salt. A small dessert or seasonal fruit at the end would also have been a nice finishing touch. The staff were friendly, polite, and attentive throughout the meal. Overall, I really appreciated the seasonal ingredients, beautiful presentation, and variety of dishes. With a few small improvements, I think the experience could be even better, especially for international guests.

The first thing that stood out to me was how beautifully the food was presented. My favorite dish was the fried Daisen chicken and fresh yuba, which I really enjoyed. Overall, I found the flavors to be on the stronger side. The tempura was wonderfully light and crispy, while the sashimi tasted very fresh. The wagyu was also excellent - very tender, and the sauce paired with it really well. Even the wasabi had a pleasant sweetness to it, which I really liked. The only slight disappointment was the nyumen at the end of the meal, as the noodles felt a little too soft and overcooked, although the broth itself was delicious. I was also surprised by the combination of dishes served as the appetizer. Considering the season, I had expected something like Murasaki Zukin edamame, which I think would also be approachable for international guests, or perhaps a small grilled fish. But I was pleasantly surprised by the lotus root and bacon stir-fried with ume and shiso, it was actually one of the most memorable dishes of the meal. The staff were very friendly and approachable, and they helped make the whole experience fun and enjoyable. Although some of the dishes were a little strongly seasoned for my personal taste, the food was generally very delicious, the portions were generous, and I left feeling very satisfied.

The food was beautifully presented and carefully prepared. My favorite dish was the wagyu, which was incredibly tender and paired perfectly with the sauce. The flavors were well balanced, with plenty of umami without feeling too heavy. I also enjoyed the variety of textures, especially the crispy tempura and crunchy lotus root. The matcha salt served with the tempura was unexpected but worked beautifully and felt distinctly Kyoto. I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed the lotus root with ume seasoning, as it gave the dish a refreshing flavor. The staff were friendly and warm, making the experience very welcoming. Because of the seating layout, I think the restaurant is especially suited to solo diners or couples. Overall, I really enjoyed the balance of flavors and textures and the thoughtful way familiar Japanese ingredients were prepared.

The restaurant itself features beautiful Japanese-style design, creating an authentic Japanese dining experience. The food was amazing! I actually don’t usually like duck, but I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was. I was also impressed that they served matcha salt as a dipping sauce for the tempura—it was my first time trying it, and it was such a unique experience. The presentation of the dishes was beautiful, with leaves and seasonal details that really captured the feeling of autumn. Most importantly, the staff were incredibly kind, friendly, and accommodating. They could also communicate well in English, which made the experience even more comfortable and enjoyable.

Yesterday, we went as a couple to this lovely experience making okonomiyaki- about 40 minutes away from our home. That morning, we skipped breakfast to save ourselves for the meal- and it was so worth it! Yayoi-sensei was such a wonderful teacher to us, and didn't spare any details explaining the route of the process. Both of them were such warm and friendly hosts who accommodated us every step of the way. 5 stars! I'd love to visit again.

Lovely and educational Experience I booked the Vegan Shojin Ryori Buddhist Cuisine Cooking Class because I was interested in something different than Sushi, Ramen or Gyoza which many people offer in Tokyo. I am very glad I did because I could spent a few hours with Yuka who is an excellent host and teacher! I learned quite a lot about Shojin Ryori as we cooked a handful of dishes together. Especially the Sesame Tofu is something I can now do with confidence at home! As I also booked the trip to the supermarket with Yuka she could show me all the ingredients needed for the dishes we did prepare together. Not to mention I brought many of those home with me! I also would like to mention that Yuka’s English is very good and I quite enjoyed spending the time with her as she can teach you a lot and has many stories to tell. Also do not be afraid that the cooking course is a bit further away from the City center. I quite enjoyed walking around in Setagaya which is quite cozy compared to busy Shibuya, Shinjuk etc. All in all a lovely and educational experience which also was very authentic as we did cook in Yukas cozy home kitchen!

Reina was an excellent guide, very informative and friendly!

Excellent tofu making class! Marie explained everything well and answered all of my questions. She is very kind and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed the making procees, I learned a lot, and the tofu turned out really tasty. Highly recommended! Thank you Marie for a wonderful and memorable experience.