SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen National Garden — Restaurant in Kyoto

I was ignored by staff from the moment I walked in. The sign as you enter instructing customers to first go to the counter (around the back of the store, not within eye contact of the sign) is all in Japanese. I understood it, but it was still confusing and the two staff people that I walked past neither made eye contact or spoke to me. Luckily, the sign has a small diagram showing where the counter is. I seem to have made the mistake then of putting my belongings down at an empty table before going to the counter, but I didn’t know that immediately because even at the counter, no one spoke to me. I was dressed in sportswear while the other customers were dressed in what could be described as casual tea (just below high tea), which probably didn’t help my case either. Neither my nationality or clothing matched the surroundings. The latte was fine, the dorayaki was ok, but the service was appalling. Beautiful area though. This is a new cafe space that just opened on the grounds of the imperial palace, so god help them when actual tourists start filling this area again. For whatever reason, I wasn’t made to feel welcome. I haven’t had this feeling for quite a while in Japan. I’ll bring a picnic lunch next time and...

. A well-known wagashi shop with beautiful presentation and long-standing history, but the overall experience felt more about aesthetics than flavor. The sweets are elegant and seasonal, but quite subtle — perhaps too subtle for those used to more bold or modern desserts. Service was polite but distant. Worth visiting if you’re a fan of traditional Japanese sweets, but not necessarily a must-visit unless you’re deeply into Kyoto’s...

Tea was burned and awful tasting. Really bitter. The staff got our order wrong and then were very slow and unwilling to help making it right. I had to complain sturdily to get our order corrected. Also the chairs are the pinnacle of bad design. So uncomfortable! Maybe to make you leave quickly? Also, very expensive for what it is. Disappointed and dissatisfied, given that Japan is such a...