Today's lunch was at "Ike no Chaya" in Higashisawa, Ukyo-ku. It's a tea shop located in front of a pond. The exterior looks like a set from a period drama. In front of the shop, there is a magnificent view of a historical preservation district, with the autumn leaves in full bloom. The narrow interior has tables and seating on tatami mats. When I visited, all the seats were taken, so I was guided to the backyard. The backyard was also beautiful, and the staff set up a table for me, suggesting I dine there due to the warm weather. I ordered the "Tempura Udon" for 700 yen, even though I couldn't see the menu in the garden. The dish arrived promptly, with a fragrant dashi aroma enveloping the air. The udon noodles were soft and chewy, with a good amount of bounce. The umami flavor of the dashi complemented the dish well. There were two large shrimp tempura, with a delicious dashi-infused batter. Yuzu peel was also served, adding a nice fragrance to the dish. I initially thought of this place as a tourist rest stop, but the food turned out to be quite impressive.

I wanted to have tempura udon, but they were sold out, so I had nyumen instead. The broth had a Kyoto-style taste. When you think of Kyoto, you might imagine a light flavor, but not just diluted with water. This place has a strong broth with minimal seasoning (like soy sauce), resulting in a subtle flavor. This is the true definition of "light flavor." Lately, even in Kyoto, there are ramen shops that are famous for just being watery, attracting visitors from afar and foreign tourists, which I find somewhat bitter. This is just "thin." "Light flavor" should have a deep, delicious taste with a lingering aroma in the throat and nasal passages, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. In contrast, "just thin" leaves a watery feeling in the mouth. I may not be a culinary expert, but I believe this to be true. The broth is rich, with a subtle touch of seasoning, allowing the aroma of the noodles and various ingredients to shine, making every bite delicious. The chicken, in particular, is exquisite. It feels like I'm tasting it for the first time. The owner manages the place alone and is quite elderly, so it might be best to try it while you can. Also, don't expect modern, attentive customer service. Additionally, the only cooling system is a fan, so it can get hot in the summer.

This is a simple and casual dining spot where you can enjoy light snacks and sweets. It is located by a pond in Hirosawa. In the summer, their shaved ice is delicious. The inside of the shop has a few tables and is not very spacious, but the garden is very large and beautiful. If the weather is nice, you can also dine outside. I tried the kitsune udon. The broth was refined and the udon had a Kansai-style taste. I was able to spend a relaxing and quiet time. Thank you for the meal.

Located by the famous scenic spot "Hirosawa Pond" in Sagano, this teahouse is a quaint establishment with a long history. It is said to have existed even before the establishment of Heian-kyo, although there are now various theories about its origins. The area around Uzumasa and Sagano is filled with historical sites like Horin-ji, making it a prideful area for locals. The teahouse is a short bike ride from the local area, surrounded by a mix of residential and rural landscapes. Hirosawa Pond offers various activities throughout the year, from fishing in the summer to "Koi-age" (pulling up carp) in early December. The teahouse serves light meals and sweets, and during cherry blossom season, it becomes a popular spot for hanami (flower viewing). The focus here is not just on the taste of the food, but also on appreciating the seasonal beauty of the pond and surrounding mountains. It offers a peaceful and luxurious experience, away from the crowded tourist spots of Arashiyama. The teahouse may have irregular hours, often closing from mid-December to after New Year's, but it is worth visiting during the right season and time for a true taste of Sagano's charm.