Mizai

Kyoto, Japan

Allow plenty of time to find the beautiful house tucked away in the peaceful Maruyama Park in Kyoto's Gion district, surrounded by lantern-lit temples and cherry blossom trees. Mizai means 'no limits' and this restaurant lives up to its name. Once inside, take a seat at the 15-spot counter and watch chef Hitoshi Ishihara and his team meticulously prepare tea kaiseki (a refined, multi-course meal served before a formal Japanese tea ceremony) using ultra-fresh ingredients. Begin with freshly steamed rice, soup and a side dish on a wooden tray before working through sashimi (it might be thinly sliced sea bream liver, yellowtail, tuna or squid) and other delights such as barracuda or beef in a peppery sauce, ending with matcha tea, each cup prepared by the head chef. All diners are seated promptly at 6pm for the three-hour meal, so be sure to arrive on time and dress formally - this place has a sense of occasion.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $402
• Dinner: Thur – Tues
• 81 75 551 3310
• Visit Mizai's Website

Location

613 Maruyama Park, Yasaka Torii-mae, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0071