Eat in Higashiyama, Kyoto

Kikunoi Honten

• ★ 4.9
• 3 MICHELIN stars
• Kaiseki
• ¥¥¥¥

The defining three-Michelin-star kaiseki room in Kyoto. Third-generation Yoshihiro Murata runs Kikunoi Honten, a 1912 ryotei below Kodaiji. Priced at ¥¥¥¥.

Mizai

• ★ 4.9
• 3 MICHELIN stars
• Kaiseki
• ¥¥¥¥

Hitoshi Ishihara opened Mizai in a corner of Maruyama Park, Kyoto, after years at Kitcho Arashiyama. One nightly seating, all guests served in sync.

Sushi Wakon

• ★ 4.7
• Sushi
• ¥¥¥¥

Edomae sushi inside the Four Seasons Kyoto, in Higashiyama. Eight counter seats and a ten-course omakase from the team that opened the original Sushi Wakon.

Azuma Sushi

• ★ 4.5
• Japanese Sushi
• ¥¥

Order Tokujo nigiri lunch with side of saba bo-zushi

A mid-range Edomae sushi counter in Higashiyama, Kyoto. The chef trained in Tsukiji; lunch sets sit around 3,500 yen, and the saba-zushi is exemplary.

% Arabica Higashiyama

• ★ 4.3
• Café
• ¥

Order Kyoto Latte

The minimalist white-tile espresso bar that put Kyoto on the global coffee-tourism map. Slayer-pulled lattes and the Hokkaido Slayer milk programme.

% Arabica Higashiyama Roastery

• ★ 4.5
• Coffee roaster
• ¥¥

% Arabica's roastery cafe in Higashiyama, Kyoto, on the Yasaka Pagoda slope. Their global beans roasted on-site for the city's 23 sister bars.

Imobou Hiranoya

• ★ 4.2
• Street food
• ¥

Try Ebi-imo and bo-dara

A Kyoho-era (1716-1736) stall and counter beside Maruyama Park in Higashiyama, Kyoto. Open 10:30-20:00. At Higashiyama-ku. Booking recommended.

Kyoto Wagashi Workshop Kanshundo

• ★ 4.3

Kanshundo's wagashi-making workshop in Higashiyama, Kyoto, a 160-year wagashi maker. Shape three seasonal nerikiri sweets and a tea-ceremony pour.

Tea Ceremony Camellia

• ★ 4.4

Camellia's tea-ceremony class in a Higashiyama machiya in Kyoto. 45-minute English-led workshop with whisking matcha, paired with a single seasonal wagashi.