I enjoyed the traditional Japanese afternoon tea "Kotosen" at Sakano Uesama, a Kyoto cuisine inn. Located just up the hill from Yasaka Shrine, in a quaint alley lined with old townhouses, Sakano Uesama exudes a serene atmosphere. The afternoon tea, started last year, is served in a private room with a traditional Japanese architecture. The unique bento box includes beautiful Japanese dishes and sweets such as stuffed baguette, assorted sushi, pickles, sesame tofu, and more. The dessert selection features kinako pudding, matcha cake, orange mochi, Mont Blanc, and seasonal fruit parfait. The tea selection, supervised by a certified tea instructor, is free-flowing, with coffee, sencha, and juices also available. The attention to seasonal details, like the Setsubun-themed sweets, adds to the delightful experience. Overall, Sakano Uesama offers a high-quality and affordable afternoon tea experience in a quiet setting in the heart of Kyoto. I had a wonderful time and highly recommend this place for anyone visiting Kyoto.

Kyoto, Gion, Higashiyama Among the various areas in Kyoto, I personally feel that this area exudes elegance. The vermilion color of Yasaka Shrine, the light and shadow of Kodai-ji Temple, the stunning views of Kiyomizu Temple, there are plenty of things to see and enjoy here. I had the chance to visit Kyoto, so I decided to stay at a hidden inn in Shitokawara called "Sakanoue". I enjoyed walking through the streets of Gion, gazing at Yasaka Shrine while climbing up the hill, and wandering through the alleyways from Shitokawara Street. Although I intended to drive, I ended up getting lost. Eventually, I contacted the inn and they guided me over the phone. Apologetically, the attendant even came out to the front of the inn to find us. Upon arrival, we were promptly shown to our room. It was a cozy and tranquil room, typical of Kyoto. It was late autumn, a season filled with delicious foods, and I was looking forward to what I would be served. The menu for the day included: - Appetizer: Oyster jelly, green onion, ginger, silver bean paste - Side Dish: Blowfish sashimi, matsutake mushroom steamed in a pot - Simmered Dish: Sea bream and turnip with chrysanthemum greens - Grilled Dish: Miso-marinated horse mackerel and scallop in magnolia leaf - Hot Pot Dish: Steamed red snapper with Tanba region style - Deep-fried Dish: Taro and shrimp tempura with shrimp oil - Rice Dish: Matsutake mushroom rice - Soup: Red miso soup - Pickles: Persimmon, water yokan - Dessert: Seasonal fruits and water yokan As autumn was coming to an end, I savored the matsutake mushrooms to the fullest. The aroma, texture, and taste were all delightful. Each dish was delicious, but what stood out the most was the combination of the food, the ambiance, and the leisurely time spent savoring it all. It was a satisfying experience of enjoying the cuisine, the atmosphere, and the time spent in that space. The food was delicious and the setting was perfect for a relaxing time.

I had lunch at "Sakanoue," a traditional Kyoto inn serving Kyoto cuisine, located on a street just off the stone-paved path near Yasaka Shrine. The inn is situated in a narrow alley lined with high-end restaurants and hidden bars, creating an atmosphere often referred to as the "back parlor of Gion." Upon entering through the gate and removing our shoes, we were led to a spacious tatami room overlooking an inner garden, with tables set up for two and four guests. There was only one other group of diners present. We ordered the "Sakanoue Gozen" set meal for 2000 yen and quenched our thirst with bottled beer priced at 1026 yen. Soon, our meal arrived, consisting of simmered pumpkin and taro, three kinds of miso-marinated tofu and konjac, tempura with shrimp and mushrooms, grilled fish, rolled omelette, rice topped with yuba and shredded dried fish, and apple jelly neatly arranged on the tray. This restaurant offers a delightful dining experience in a historic setting, making it a hidden gem worth revisiting. I would love to come back again. Lunch is served from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm (last order).

I will upload a photo of when I had lunch in Gion, Kyoto (*⌒∇⌒*). There are many elegant ryokans and inns around, so the prices are quite high (‾ー‾；). I visited "Kyono Yado Sakanoue" for lunch. I don't usually stay there, but you can enjoy lunch there without any hassle (⌒-⌒). Inside, I was guided to a spacious tatami room with several tables where we could dine. Since we arrived a bit late, there were no other customers, so we had a very relaxing time. We ordered the "Michikusa Bento" for 3150 yen. As you can see in the photo, it was a luxurious bento box and very delicious. The cost performance may be questionable, considering it's in Gion. I recommend everyone to have a leisurely and elegant lunch in Gion (●⌒∇⌒●)

Here's a nostalgic photo from over 10 years ago when I went on a business trip to Kyoto. Back then, laptops cost around 400,000 yen. During my trip, I stayed at a business hotel provided by the company. But since I was in Kyoto, I decided to pay for a nicer accommodation myself. I had never stayed at a place that cost 20,000 yen before. The service was different - the staff was attentive, explained the dishes, and even poured beer for me. In Kyoto, tofu and pickles are highly recommended. PS... If you ever visit, you should definitely check out this restaurant.

I stayed at the hotel.