Japanese Restaurant Saijiki Toshigami — Restaurant in Kyoto

One of the two best meals I have had in Kyoto in the past one week!

Such a wonderful experience from food/drinks, to service and atmosphere. I almost forgot I was in the tourist hot spot - Gion :)

Each of the 8 courses was unique in flavor and representing the season. The highlight of the night for me was definitely the grilled fish - a colorful ensemble of saikyo miso mackerel (?), ayu (aka sweet fish), shirako (my favorite!) and grilled ginkgo. The shirako, milky and buttery, is almost impossible to find in the States and the quality and texture is usually subpar.

Just as I thought my night couldn't get better, I was told they serve hirezake here! I haven't had it for years this is the perfect drinks to keep you warm in a cold winter night. An umami bomb like no others.

The dessert was warabimochi, served along with an earthy gergenmaicha(?) So good~

Pacing of the meal was well managed; wait staff was courteous and explained each course to me.

Chef/owner spoke good English and very engaging. While one can have good food in many other places, hospitality is what makes this place special and ensures me coming back :) better try the menu in every season...

A real Kyoto food experience. I had been searching the Gion area for a kaiseki meal experience but I was finding many places that had the feel of a tourist trap, maybe charging excessive prices for food that didn't seem that interesting. Eventually I widened my search a little further from Gion, near to Kiyomizu and found this restaurant and I'm glad I did. We enjoyed a meal by a friendly and creative chef (and his assistant) who served us a multi course omakase meal, literally hand made in front of us. It all tasted great, carefully prepared and also creative. One of the most memorable meals of the trip and I'm glad we chose to come here. We were also able to have a chat with the chef too about his background and the ingredients used, which made the meal feel personal and not just another tourist stop. Highly recommend. Booking recommended unless you get lucky and there are...

We had an incredible evening at Saijiki Toshigami. My husband went with the 8-course “special” omakase, and I chose the chef-recommended Option B with sake pairing. Every dish was thoughtfully crafted and absolutely delicious—from the pristine sushi and sashimi to the more unique entrees that kept surprising us throughout the night.

The sake pairing was spot-on, enhancing each course without overpowering. What really made the night special was the chef himself—so warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about his craft. We chatted with him throughout the evening and felt genuinely cared for. The staff were just as lovely: attentive, kind, and professional.

It was one of those rare dining experiences where everything just clicks—food, atmosphere, hospitality. Can’t...