Kodaiji Jugyuan

The building which houses Kodaiji Jugyuan is over 100 years old — quite old by Japanese standards, as much of the historical wooden buildings have the unfortunate habit of catching fire every few decades or so. This Gion establishment has been spared such a fate, and now thrives as one of the best traditional Japanese restaurants in town. The restaurant is classified as a ryotei: a high-class Japanese restaurant which represents the pinnacle of Japanese cooking and hospitality. The design is based on traditional sukiyaki architecture, and has large windows looking out over the 6,600-square-meter Jugyuan Garden. Fall and spring are the best times to visit, but the grounds have a spectacular beauty year round. Three different set menus are available at lunch, and two continue through to dinner. You’ll be served up a plethora of traditional dishes, including fresh fish purchased from the market that very morning. A range of premium sake from Kyoto and further afield completes the meal at one of Kyoto’s most prestigious traditional restaurants.