"Serving dishes from the head temples of Jodo sect, this traditional Japanese restaurant is a top recommendation. Located next to a chocolate shop I had been eyeing, their lunch set offers a three-tiered meal including sashimi, simmered dishes, boiled dishes, and soup for around 1200 yen. Each dish is carefully prepared and delicious, making it a great value. Just like Otonobun in Shimabara, the quality of lunch exceeding its price is truly unique to Kyoto. I am grateful for the culinary scene in Kyoto and will definitely visit again. It was delicious."

Founded in 1897, this renowned restaurant is frequented by locals and visitors to temples and shrines. Located near Heian Shrine, this Kyoto cuisine restaurant offers a serene setting with views of the changing seasons. Surrounded by famous landmarks such as Heian Shrine, Nanzenji Temple, and Ginkakuji Temple, it carries on the name of the historic Mano Shrine in Fukui Prefecture, associated with the ancient figure Nakatomi no Kamatari. The atmosphere is peaceful, with staff dressed in traditional Japanese attire, embodying the essence of Kyoto. The restaurant offers a luxurious New Year's feast, featuring premium ingredients and showcasing the craftsmanship of Kyoto cuisine artisans.

I originally planned to have a bento lunch at Rokusai no Te, but they were closed on that day so I ended up eating here. The lunch course was well-balanced and everything was delicious. I especially enjoyed the combination of shrimp tempura and yuba. The white fish and arare tempura were also tasty. The simmered sea bream was a bit salty, but the flesh was tender. If you like stronger flavors, you might not mind the saltiness. The sashimi was good overall, although the tuna was just okay. The wasabi in Kyoto has a nice aroma. The best dish here was the white sesame tofu. The ratio of tofu to sesame was perfect, and I wished I could have had more of it. The soba roll was also delicious. I love it. The miso soup was good, but it could have had a stronger dashi flavor to make it even better. Overall, I have no complaints, but that was the only area that could have been improved.

I saw a very delicious looking half-moon bento box in a guidebook and felt like trying it, so I went to Ajimano, a high-class restaurant. Despite not requesting a private room, I was graciously led to a calm tatami room with a tokonoma alcove. The bento box exceeded my expectations, with each dish being more delicious than the last. I was constantly surprised by the variety of tasty items inside. The miso soup with seaweed had a smooth and slippery texture that I had never experienced before. Every dish was meticulously prepared, and I felt happy while eating. I highly recommend this restaurant. The name Ajimano comes from a passionate love poem between Nakatomi no Yakamori and Sano no Ototogami no Otome, included in the Manyoshu collection. The restaurant is named after the exile location of Nakatomi no Yakamori in Fukui Prefecture, specifically in Ajimano (although the restaurant's website spells it as Ajima no). Ajimano has a beautiful Japanese garden called Ajimanoen, which I would love to visit someday. Ajimano Address: 33 Okazaki Kitagoshocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8336 Telephone: (075) 771-1123 Fax: (075) 752-4051 Business Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM Closed on Thursdays (open on public holidays) Original review source: Eternal Rose (http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/xix_artemis_xix/9418135.html)