Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen

In the 50-odd years since its origin as a humble 15-square-meter shop in Osaka in 1963, Ganko Food Service has since become responsible for some of the most vaunted restaurants in Japan. Particularly active in the Kansai region, its company philosophy is to introduce diners to top-quality traditional Japanese cuisine at accessible prices, from tonkatsu to sushi. According to Ganko, the environment is just as important to the dining experience as the quality of the food. This is the line of thinking that drove the creation of its oyashiki line of restaurants, which lets visitors enjoy Ganko’s signature high-quality Japanese cuisine in the architectural grandeur of historical mansions. Ganko’s Takasegawa Nijoen is the former residence of famed merchant Suminokura Ryoi. The restaurant is so named for the Takase River that runs through its grounds, and forms the backdrop for what is widely considered the quintessential Kyoto scenery. In autumn, the Japanese maples in the gardens are afire with crimson leaves, while a blizzard of plum blossoms swirls in the spring breeze. A particularly popular spot with Kyoto locals, it’s the perfect place for a pre- or post-meal walk.