Hyoue — Restaurant in Kyoto

I recently stayed at Hyoue in Kibune, Kyoto, and it was truly the highlight of our entire trip to Japan! From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of magical. Our traditional Japanese room offered breathtaking views of the river and forest, and the soothing sound of the flowing water created a serene atmosphere that was simply enchanting.

The room itself was spacious, beautifully designed, and well-equipped with all the amenities we could need. It was the perfect blend of comfort and authenticity, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the traditional Japanese experience.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed with a delightful snack of monaka (azuki sandwich) and matcha, which set the tone for our stay. The thoughtful touches like this made us feel truly special and appreciated.

The service at Hyoue was exceptional. The owner was incredibly sweet and made us feel right at home, while our host, Akiko, was genuinely caring and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our stay.

The food was another highlight—both dinner and breakfast were delicious, showcasing local flavors and ingredients. We also loved the option to borrow yukata (casual kimono) to wear during our meals, adding an extra touch of authenticity to the experience.

As night fell, the bustling tourist town transformed into a peaceful oasis. We enjoyed the unique opportunity to visit nearby shrines without a single person in sight, creating a tranquil and almost ethereal atmosphere.

Overall, Hyoue provided us with an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever. I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Kyoto. It truly was the highlight of...

A must visit during the summer. Having lunch On the river (yes ON THE RIVER, not beside it, not close to it but actually ON a stationary platform set up over the river) is an experience to be had. There are many others in the area and many sites may suggest to try the 流し素麺 (that place is always crowded and has limited eating time) but here, you can take it slow and actually enjoy the meal, done and they included.

Though wear shoes that can ad easily slipped on and off.

The set meals are all delicately presented, using seasonal ingredients. Must try is the 鮎 (ayu) when in season. You do have to mate the reservations beforehand, both on the number of people and the meal choice. If you're allergic to anything, do tell them and they can make adjustments to the dishes. They are very helpful in that regards. Even if if you're having the allergy-friendly meals, you're not missing out on anything as they pay attention to all the details.

Wash the whole meal down with a drink of Sake and trust me, it's one of those experience that leaves you extremely satisfied and you'll find yourself wanting to go back...

We had a special kaiseki meal here based on the local cuisine with many locally-foraged items, like sansai (nettles, I believe), bamboo, mushrooms, aiyu fish, venison, etc. The taste and presentation of the food were exquisite, and the service was otherworldly. The staff were very attentive and conversational, and by the end of the meal I had shown them photos of my baby and husband. It was a very rainy night, and the staff were concerned about how we would get back to the city since the roads were considered too dangerous for taxis. The ryokan staff ended up organizing a shuttle to a train station very close to the city. We were incredibly touched by this act of generosity, and will forever remember the lovely experience we had at...