Kadensho (Arashiyama Kyoto Japan)

When we travelled to the famous Arashiyama Onsen region near Kyoto, we stayed at the Kadensho ryokan. Little did we know that we were in for a feast.

Our included dinner featured a wide range of Japanese dishes, including all the traditional dishes from the Kyoto region. In addition, there was all-you-can-eat tempura that was made to order. Enough said.

If dinner was not enough, there were late night ramen noodles and dessert available. In addition, the breakfast buffet offered a wide range of Japanese and Western foods – including a chocolate fountain.

Details:
Kadensho
嵐山温泉 花伝抄
京都府京都市西京区嵐山西一川町5-4
Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
http://www.hotespa.net/hotels/kadensho/

Unagiya Hirokawa (Arashiyama Kyoto Japan)

We had lunch at Hirokawa, a 1 Michelin star unagi (eel) specialist, during our visit in the reputed hot spring region of Arashiyama, located 15 minutes from Kyoto.

On top of the grilled eel in the traditional sauce, known as kabayaki, we also ordered the sirayaki which was the plain version and the signature kimoyaki (grilled eel liver). The texture of fresh unagi was nice and firm, definitely not mushy like the ones in typical Japanese restaurants. And experiencing the actual taste of eel served plain, only lightly dipped in soy sauce and wasabi if required, was a revelation.

Details:
Unagiya Hirokawa
うなぎ屋「廣川」
京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺北造路町44-1
Kyoto, Japan
http://unagi-hirokawa.jp

Seike (Kyoto Japan)

When in Kyoto we decided to sample the unique Yuba cuisine which is a local specialty. Yuba is effectively the skin formed when boiling soy milk, also known as tofu skin. We went to the 1 Michelin star Seike Restaurant in the Nishijin district.

The base menu covers a large array of textures of Yuba/tofu over 7 courses. Many of which were well beyond our imaginations. The soup with yam and ‘sashimi’ were my favourites… and the ‘sashimi’ actually tasted like sashimi! The dessert tofu pudding was silky smooth – make sure to get a box of 8 when you leave.

Details:
Kyoto Yuba Zukushi Seike
京ゆば処　静家　西陣店
京都市上京区大宮通今出川下ル薬師町234
Kyoto, Japan
http://www.seike-yuba.com/nishijin.html