Gion Kawakami — Restaurant in Kyoto

My recent dining experience at the Kawakami Kaiseki Restaurant, masterfully helmed by Chef Kato in the enchanting Geisha district of Gion, Kyoto, transcended mere culinary excellence to become a symphony of flavors and artistry. During my visit in March 2023, each moment was imbued with an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible impression on my palate and soul.

Chef Kato's creations are not just meals; they are a journey through the seasons of Japan, with each dish embodying the essence of its ingredients. The harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and aromas in every course spoke volumes of the meticulous attention to detail and the profound respect for nature's bounty. The atmosphere of the restaurant complements this culinary odyssey perfectly, offering a serene yet luxurious setting that is both quintessentially Japanese and comfortably welcoming.

A standout memory for me was the delicate yet flavorful snow crab, a testament to Chef Kato's skill in elevating a simple ingredient to sublime heights. It was not just food, but a narrative of the sea, told through the language of taste.

Moreover, the staff's attentive yet unobtrusive service added another layer of enjoyment to the experience, making me feel both honored and at home. It's rare to find a place where every element converges so perfectly to create an unforgettable experience.

As I reflect on my time at the Kawakami Kaiseki, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the art of Japanese cuisine. The beauty, elegance, and perfection encapsulated in each dish are a true embodiment of the Japanese culture's dedication to excellence.

I eagerly anticipate my next visit, hoping to relive the magic and wonder of this gastronomic gem. Until then, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Chef Kato and his team for an experience that was not just a meal, but a cherished memory.

どうもありがとうございました (Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita) - Thank...

This is probably one of the best meal and best deal in town. Went there for lunch. This place was hard to find. Google map isn't the most helpful. A local helped show the way, but keep in mind, they speak little English. I spoke enough Japanese to get by. I made reservations months before and if you have kids, they would usually give you a private room at no cost. When we got there, my two boys were asleep in the stroller. Our server made a makeshift futon bed for them to sleep in the private room. He even helped carried my boys to the room and helped stow away my stroller! I really appreciate all the help I can get as I was traveling alone with my two kids. I'm touched by their hospitality. Above and beyond, impeccable service.

On to the food. It was sooooo good. For most of the time I know what I was eating, but some I don't. Again the explanation of the dishes were in Japanese. I knew just enough to understand what goes in my mouth. Either way it didn't matter cos they were so good. The timing between dishes were not too fast and not too slow. The daikon puree with chicken was the best. The kids meal were almost as good as the adult meal for half the price. At the end of the meal I felt a little sad it was over. Vow to come back again next time. Spent less than $50 for an adult and a kid's meal plus a sake. Very cheap considering this is a Michelin...

We went here as soon as we arrived in kyoto to have kaiseki and booked for a mini kaiseki lunch for 2 days after at 1 pm. I suggest to do the same as they only have 9 seats at the counter. The staff is extremely polite. We had 7 dishes each person plus different green teas throughout the meal. It was around 7000 Y per person. The price is very reasonable being a 1 star michelin. The mini kaiseki was definitely enough for us. We asked what the dishes were and the chefs explained and even made us try some more food when they were prepping for the evening kaiseki. The chefs even made some smaller plates for me because I couldn’t fit anymore food in my belly. The “captain” gifted us some green tea and even a tea pot. When we left they all came out of the door to tell us goodbye. At this point I cried. It was so amazing how they treated us and I hope to learn to be like them...