Hirasansou

Otsu, Japan

This wooden house, which is set in the forested foothills of Mount Hiei on the north-eastern tip of Kyoto, has been welcoming weary hikers since 1959. The property is beautiful, with a rippling water garden that's home to a 600-year-old shinboku or sacred tree, while inside is a combination of hinoki, chestnut and cedar woods and ambient, antique lighting. Takeji Ito, grandson of the founder, has transformed it from a traditional inn to an award-winning foodie destination, complete with a 1000-strong wine cellar. The many-course tasting menu changes regularly but may include the likes of venison loin marinated in sansho oil and grilled eel with myoga flowers (Japanese ginger). Don't miss the signature grilled sweetfish with a saline crust, which is served in a shallow pot, infused with the scent of dried bamboo leaves. You can even buy boxes of the fish to take away with you.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $229
• Lunch and dinner: Thur – Mon
• 81 77 599 2058
• Visit Hirasansou's Website

Location

Hira Sanso, 94 Katsuragawa Bomura-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-0475