Dinner on this day was at Kamishichiken. It was our first time dining at Kamishichiken. I had heard from a previous review that there was a tea house-run kaiseki restaurant at Kamishichiken, and I had always wanted to visit. However, I had read that it was a members-only establishment, so I had given up on the idea. But this time, as I was searching various restaurants online, I saw that there was an available reservation slot, so I immediately made a reservation. Kamishichiken is the oldest hanamachi in Kyoto. It is located along the beautiful stone pavement that leads to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Next door is a tea house called "Ichi." The owner of this restaurant also owns "Bunraku." Whenever we go to a Japanese restaurant with a counter seat, we always choose to sit at the counter. This time, we were seated at the counter, where the chefs do not stand. The owner, a very stylish man, elegantly wore a kimono. We received his business card, which had a very nice family name. When my husband mentioned that it was a rare name, the owner said, "Is it? We use our family name as the shop name." It turned out to be a well-known shop with outlets in Kyoto city and department stores. The meal was a traditional and simple kaiseki course. It was delicious without fail, and the portion was just right. The highlight was the tai chazuke served as the last course. I mentioned that I had wanted to visit for a while but had read reviews stating that it was a members-only establishment, so I had given up. The owner was surprised and said, "We have never had a members-only system here. We want various people to enjoy our food. The tea house next door requires a referral though." I felt a little confused, and I realized that posting vague information could cause trouble for the restaurant, so I decided not to mention it. It was a quiet night at Kamishichiken. We had a wonderful time. Thank you for the meal!

I stopped by after watching the Kitano Odori today. It's located on the first floor facing Kamishichiken Street. It's next to a tea house in Kamishichiken, so it's directly managed by the tea house. The lady inside mentioned that if you like it, you might even debut as a tea house. As for the food, I had a very innovative kaiseki meal after a long time! The appetizers were quite delicious! The soup was also delicious with a clean and precise dashi taste! Maybe because I've been having classic kaiseki meals lately!? The next duck tataki was also exquisite. It was cold, but didn't feel like it, and the vinegar dish had an elegant flavor and was delicious! And above all, the red vinegar sushi for the finish was again!!!!!! The kaiseki meal was so impressive that even the maiko I was with was very satisfied! The conclusion is that I will definitely visit again. The only downside is that it's far from Kitano.

I found out through a certain women's magazine's Kyoto feature that Kagai Bunraku in Kamishichiken had started serving lunch, so I decided to visit. From the intersection of Kamishichiken, heading west towards Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on the stone-paved road, you can see a white noren curtain. When you slide open the lattice door, you can smell the pleasant scent of incense. Lunch reservations are required at least two days in advance. I sat at the counter and first enjoyed a warm roasted green tea. Since it was a cold day, I opted for a warm appetizer, which included sautéed turnips, taro, fried eggplant, and crab and watercress in a thick sauce. The scent of yuzu stimulates the appetite. The soft turnips, lightly grilled eggplant flavor, sticky taro, and savory crab sauce with dashi combine perfectly, making it a wonderful first dish. The second dish was bonito caught in the Goto Islands...not skipjack tuna, but another name that I forgot, I'm sorry! The garnish of myoga and the perfect amount of fat made for an excellent pairing. The third dish was fried food...with tsubugai, small taro, eggplant, and ginnan with a sweet and spicy sansho sauce. The tangy sansho pepper enhances the flavor. And the finale was seared mackerel sushi...small in size but with a rich and melty deliciousness. It was the best mackerel sushi I've ever had (in my opinion). For dessert, there was a large persimmon with a fig sauce. The different textures of the persimmon were a delicate touch! It might be a bit lacking for men, but just right for women...after the meal, strolling around Kamishichiken and having the luxury of eating amazake mochi.

Today's lunch was at Bunraku in the eastern side of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, where the traditional Kyoto atmosphere is deeply preserved. We opted for the course menu this time, and of course, we made a reservation. The quiet atmosphere of the restaurant allows you to enjoy your meal while soaking in the tea house ambiance. Each dish served had a unique twist and was presented with a free and innovative approach. Every dish was delicious, but the grilled mackerel sushi at the end was particularly surprising. It was incredibly delicious. I would love to visit this restaurant again with each changing season.

Located in the heart of the geisha district of Kamishichiken in Kyoto's Kamigyo Ward, "Bunraku-san" is a restaurant next to the tea house "Ichi" managed by the same owner. This is a reservation-only, members-only restaurant. Kamishichiken is Japan's oldest geisha district. When you slide open the beautiful sliding door of the traditional Japanese house, you are greeted by a wonderful atmosphere created by the owner's great sense of style and impeccable service. The simple kaiseki cuisine served here is delicious and perfect for women. The geisha from "Ichi" next door also serves as the owner and hostess here. It is rare to find such a wonderful restaurant these days. The dishes, presentation, and service are all impeccable. I simply say, "Thank you for the delicious meal." I will definitely want to come back for the delicious and beautiful dishes. If you have time, please visit the tea house "Ichi" next door for a drink after clarifying your identity.