Inicio

Descargar

Nova Circle es tu espacio único para guardar y compartir las mejores recomendaciones de todo el mundo, mientras te inspiras con personas afines.

Nova Circle - Sin malas recomendaciones

Añadir

Kyoto

Asia

Japan

# Kichisen – Exquisite Kaiseki Dining in Kyoto, Japan
Kichisen, a renowned kaiseki restaurant located in Kyoto, Japan, offers an unparalleled dining experience that showcases the artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine. Nestled near the historic Shimogamo Shrine, Kichisen has earned its prestigious three Michelin stars, reflecting its commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant is celebrated for its meticulously crafted seasonal dishes, private dining rooms, and attentive service, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Guests often highlight the serene ambiance and the exquisite presentation of each dish, making Kichisen a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Kyoto's culinary heritage.

## History
### The story of Kichisen
Kichisen was founded with a vision to preserve and elevate the art of kaiseki dining, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and delicate flavors. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality has made it a cornerstone of Kyoto's culinary scene, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world.

### Milestones and growth
- Established as a kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto, gaining a reputation for excellence.
- Achieved its first Michelin star, marking its entry into the elite dining category.
- Earned a second Michelin star, solidifying its status as a top-tier dining destination.
- Achieved a prestigious third Michelin star, recognized for its exceptional culinary artistry and service.

### Cultural and local influence
Kichisen has played a significant role in promoting kaiseki cuisine as a vital aspect of Kyoto's cultural heritage. By sourcing local ingredients and incorporating traditional cooking techniques, the restaurant not only showcases the flavors of the region but also supports local farmers and artisans. This dedication to local sourcing enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to connect with Kyoto's rich culinary traditions.

### Continuing the tradition
Kichisen continues to uphold the traditions of kaiseki dining while also embracing innovation. The chefs regularly update the menu to reflect seasonal changes, ensuring that each visit offers a unique experience. This balance of tradition and modernity keeps Kichisen at the forefront of Kyoto's dining scene, appealing to both purists and those seeking new culinary experiences.

## Community
### Community involvement
Kichisen actively engages with the local community through various initiatives, including collaborations with local farmers and artisans. By sourcing ingredients from nearby producers, the restaurant not only supports the local economy but also promotes sustainable practices. Additionally, Kichisen participates in local events and festivals, further solidifying its connection to the Kyoto community.

### Community notion about the place
The local community holds Kichisen in high regard, viewing it as a symbol of culinary excellence and cultural pride. Many locals appreciate the restaurant's commitment to preserving traditional kaiseki cuisine while also welcoming visitors from around the world. This blend of local and international appreciation fosters a sense of community around Kichisen, making it a beloved establishment in Kyoto.

### Events and gatherings
Kichisen hosts various events and gatherings throughout the year, including seasonal tasting menus and special holiday celebrations. These events often draw both locals and tourists, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates Kyoto's culinary heritage. The restaurant's private dining rooms are also popular for special occasions, allowing guests to enjoy an intimate dining experience in a serene setting.

## Offerings
### What Kichisen offers
Kichisen offers a refined kaiseki dining experience that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. Each meal is thoughtfully curated, showcasing the best of Kyoto's culinary traditions. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every dish, making it a destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Kichisen is a journey through the seasons, with each course carefully crafted to highlight the flavors and textures of the ingredients. Guests can expect a harmonious blend of taste, color, and presentation, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The attentive staff enhances the experience by providing detailed explanations of each dish, ensuring that diners fully appreciate the artistry behind their meal.

### Events and packages
Kichisen offers various dining packages, allowing guests to choose from different price points and menu options. These packages often feature seasonal ingredients and special dishes that reflect the time of year. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special occasions, as Kichisen is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

### Facilities and features
- Private dining rooms for an intimate experience
- Traditional Japanese decor that enhances the dining atmosphere
- A serene location near the Shimogamo Shrine
- Attentive and knowledgeable staff to guide diners through the experience
- A carefully curated selection of sake to complement the meal

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Kichisen highlight both the exceptional quality of the food and the overall dining experience. Many guests rave about the attention to detail in each dish, the beautiful presentation, and the knowledgeable staff. However, some diners have noted that the experience can be quite expensive, and a few have mentioned that certain dishes may be too experimental for their tastes.

### Compliments and strengths
Guests frequently compliment Kichisen for its exquisite presentation and the harmonious balance of flavors in each dish. The attentive service and serene atmosphere also receive high praise, making it a memorable dining experience. Many reviewers emphasize that the restaurant is worth the price for a once-in-a-lifetime kaiseki experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some diners have expressed concerns about the experimental nature of certain dishes, which may not appeal to everyone. A few guests have also reported issues with service, particularly regarding reservations and communication. Despite these contrasts, the majority of feedback remains highly favorable.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Kichisen stands out as a premier kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto, offering a unique and memorable dining experience. The combination of traditional techniques, seasonal ingredients, and artistic presentation makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the depths of Japanese cuisine. While the price point may be high, many guests feel that the experience justifies the cost.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Kichisen is located in the picturesque city of Kyoto, specifically in the Sakyo Ward, near the historic Shimogamo Shrine. The restaurant's address is 左京区下鴨　森本町5, Kyoto, 606-0805. This area is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings, making it an ideal destination for visitors. Nearby attractions include the scenic gardens of the Shimogamo Shrine and the tranquil paths along the Kamo River, providing a perfect backdrop for a day of exploration before or after dining at Kichisen.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Kichisen serve** Kichisen specializes in kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dining experience.
**Is a reservation required at Kichisen** Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.
**What is the price range for dining at Kichisen** Prices for kaiseki courses typically range from ¥14,000 to ¥30,000 per person.
**Are there vegetarian options available** Yes, Kichisen offers vegetarian kaiseki menus upon request.
**What is the dress code for dining at Kichisen** Smart casual attire is recommended for a comfortable dining experience.

## Visit Kichisen Today
Kichisen offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines the best of Kyoto's culinary traditions with a serene and elegant atmosphere. With its rich history, commitment to quality, and strong community ties, Kichisen stands as a testament to the artistry of kaiseki cuisine. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a meal at Kichisen promises to be a highlight of your culinary journey in Kyoto.

87d0be80-9568-4c04-9a1b-c5b7ea87b012

If you could only experience one Kaiseki in Kyoto, this is the one! Seemingly simple dishes that bring out the very best of the season. Located by the Shimogamo Shrine, the private dining rooms are quiet and traditionally decorated. The carefully selected dining ware, attentive staff and a range of sake choices enhanced our dining experience even beyond the 3-star Michelin Kaiseki restaurant we visited. My wife and I are thoroughly impressed.

652a71c1-8469-4010-be26-5ed2e62d42cf

For a great traditional kaiseki experience, I'd highly recommend Kichisen. The staff is super friendly, including to foreigners, which I heard wasn't necessarily the case with other top tier kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto. We dined at the counter, and the chef gave us a ton of attention, taking time to explain each dish to us. This really added to the whole dining experience. When you arrive at the restaurant, a restaurant staff member is there to greet you as you get out of your car. You're then welcomed in, and invited to take off your shoes. You're then led to your room, and that's when your dining adventure begins. The meal is expensive (we went for the 23,000 yen/person kaiseki menu), but worth it if you want a once-in-a-lifetime true kaiseki experience. Our menu consisted of: 1) Sweet rice wine sorbet served on a Japanese rose petal 2) Welcome sake 3) Yamogi (seasonal Japanese vegetables) and sesame tofu dumpling with fresh uni. This dish was delicious. The uni was incredibly creamy, and dumpling was savory and refreshing. 4) Green peas and micro tomatoes. I've never seen tomatoes the size of a single green pea before. It was really sweet. 5) Hammo sea eel and Japanese plum with yuzu flower in dashi broth 6) Sashimi course: Sea bream, shrimp, squid, toro belly, and pickled clam with tobigo. Served with a shot of sour seaweed and ginger 7) Toro cheek with daikon radish 8) Red bean mochi rice with black bean 9) Tofu with river vegetables 10) Seasonal vegetables with sea bream eggs, and fish cake 11) Baby potato with Shitake mushroom in beef soup and yuzu 12) Grilled waygu beef and pineapple on hot stone 13) Japanese pickles with baby anchovy rice 14) Dessert #1: Orange panna cotta with jelly bubbles and flower petals, served with coffee-scented fog 15) Dessert #2: Red bean mochi 16) Dessert #3: Fresh strawberries, gooseberries, and cherries 17) Matcha tea 18) Roasted smokey barley tea

4b901361-7612-4a1b-b9ec-76626b34565d

Visually stunning, creative, and for the most part, delicious dishes. We opted for their most expensive course menu at around $300 USD per person, though prices start at around $150. Our dining room was extremely spacious, I was in a party of three, but the room could have seated 8 comfortably. Wait staff is polite and extremely quiet- actually, the whole restaurant was dead silent. Onto the important part...the food: All the appetizers were amazing, abalone, dobi mushi, shiitake soup, and the most amazing hon maguro o-toro. All the plates were tied to the seasons, in our case right in between fall and winter. The main courses were just ok in my book. "Hassan" is their mixed platter, served in a house dish. Consisted of tofu, egg cooked to look like a persimmon, salmon sushi, tarako, duck meatball, and marinated kyoto beef. This came right after the sashimi courses so I was hoping to get something warm, but everything was cold. The duck meatball was the best, but the rest wasn't impressive. Crab meat on the other hand was fantastic, sweet and just a hint of saltiness. Their crab miso in white vinegar was the perfect pairing. Tai Nabe was just ok, we already had 2 sashimi courses with Tai so I was hoping for a different fish for the nabe. Unfortunately the Kyoto beef that night was not up to par. It was cooked perfectly medium rare and had some good marbling but our pieces were full of gristle. We sent that dish back, but did not receive anything in its place. Overall the course progression is well thought out with a good balance between light and rich dishes. Pacing is good, though I suspect that has to do with the fact that there is a camera in our room and they timed the dishes based on how fast we were eating. Unlike most restaurants, the wait staff will instruct you on how to eat each dish, and from which order to eat them. I actually prefer that way so I can experience each dish as intended, some may find it annoying though. There are several dessert dishes that follow, the most memorable and delicious was the melon. You are literally served 3/4 of a melon...per person! We couldn't help but laugh at the gigantic portion, but wow was it delicious. So ripe that you can eat to the rind, and an intense melon flavor that you sort of doubt it's real. It's topped with dessert wine which adds an extra layer of flavor and a different kind of sweetness. It works really well. Overall, I had a wonderful time dining here, the quality of food and innovative dishes were well worth the $300 price tag.

fc444975-6d2f-4992-93ac-9671beb0aeb5

I came here about a year ago for a Kaiseki dinner. Though pricey I saw the 3-Michelin star rating and said I can't wait to try this. The staff, the environment, and food were all great but I have to say some of the dishes were a little off to my group because there were very experimental. I had read that some Michelin star restaurants chefs get tired of having to create really experimental foods to keep their rating and give them up because they want to have the option to make delicious traditional food. As a diner, before you invest your money into an expensive meal, you want to know if you are an experimental dinner. Not a "I like different types of food" but a "I like to try things that may taste weird or confusing to my palate and I am OK with that." Again, this is not a negative aspect to the restaurant by any means, just a FYI about knowing what is "right" for you when you are here. There are times where I have wanted to experimental and eaten things like blood ice cream, balut, cow's tongue, ect. When I was at Kichisen, I realized after taking the bullet train from Tokyo, getting settled at my hotel, then taking a long bike tour through the city, I was not in an experimental kind of mood when I got to dinner.

83dedef5-18f1-40a8-beb5-6e2cb930f848

Kichisen was my very first 3 Michelin star experience, and wow, what an experience it was. This review is a little late because I actually went to Kichisen for Oshogatsu (The New Year). First things first: getting a reservation to this place requires that you either: 1) Ask your hotel to book it for you through their concierge, 2) Know Japanese and book it yourself, or 3) Have someone who knows Japanese make the reservation for you. Because my family and I were staying at an AirBnb, I asked a friend of mine who speaks Japanese fluently to email them and make a reservation for us for the new year. They were very prompt and getting our reservation was fairly simple! I recommend you book a few months in advance, and for special occasions like the New Year, at least 4 months in advance to guarantee a spot. Oshogatsu is a huge deal in Japan and most of the time, fancy kaiseki restaurants and hotels are already booked the year before. My family and I originally wanted to have the 14,000 Yen course, but we were informed that the price was going to be 17,000 Yen for that specific day because it was a special holiday and the meal would be different. We readily agreed and booked the date. When we arrived, there was someone waiting outside the restaurant (which has a small gate in front of it but it's fairly nondescript and easy to pass) who had a notepad and was expecting us. We then were asked to remove our shoes and ushered into a private room. And then, lo and behold, the meal began. Despite the language barrier, Kichisen's staff did everything they could to try to describe the food to us and to inform us what was the proper way to eat it. Each dish was immaculate, and one of my favorite things about the overall experience was being able to see how the dishes enhanced the food they held. There were some gorgeous pieces of pottery used throughout our meal, including a particularly cool Ram-shaped pot that was placed next to a monkey-shaped pot. This was used to symbolize going from the Year of the Sheep to the Year of the Monkey! I won't go into every dish we were served (we ate a LOT!) but among my favorites: - Red bean chestnut rice with himalayan salt - Rice porridge with fish and seaweed - Blue fin tuna sashimi on ice The meal ended with a tea ceremony and they gave us our Kichisen cloth napkins to take with us! I walked away from this meal with a memory that I will never forget and hopefully will have the opportunity to come again. 100% worth the price.

f3526af7-2e97-47bf-ab2f-1e72c1a83fda

Kichisen is a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto. It was also the worst fine dining experience I had in Japan. The entire meal costed around $260 and the food was inferior to every other Michelin-level kaiseki restaurants I've had (e.g., SanGenCha in Kyoto, Ryugin in Tokyo, Kahala in Osaka). After eating at Kichisen, I lost my faith in the Japanese Michelin inspectors. Granted, the food was still good (and with fantastic presentation I must add), but the taste was subpar to other restaurants in the same price range. Here is my detailed review of each dish: Plum sake (5/5) -- Course started off with a small shot of plum sake. This was very refreshing and boosted my appetite. Appetizer box (4/5) - The appetizers (mushrooms, uni, chestnut, apple) were served in a beautifully decorated picnic box. The food tasted average, but the presentation was outstanding. I usually don't care about presentation but this dish was like an art. Cold soup (4/5) - Wine jello with figs. Again, a very refreshing dish. Hot soup (3/5) - Mushroom with grated ginger and fish. Very average soup compared to the one I've had at Miyoshi and Kahala. Sashimi course #1 (5/5) - Ika (squid) and Hamachi sashimi. The squid was extremely creamy to the point that it tasted almost like a paste. I was told that to make it this creamy, they had to put the squid to sleep for an entire day before killing it. Sashimi course #2 (5/5) - Sweet shrimp with toro. Probably the best sweet shrimp I've had, after eating the shrimp, we were asked to suck out its brain juice (which was even more delicious than the shrimp itself). Kyoto style pressed sushi (3/5) - This was good, but nothing mindblowing. Crab three ways (cold) (4/5) - This dish had 2 pieces of crab legs, a bowl of special crab sauce, and some body meat. The crab sauce was made out of crab brain and crab roe. To eat it, you mix the sauce and dip the leg meat in the sauce. I thought it was pretty decent, but I was hoping for some warm dish at this point, this dish still felt like an appetizer to me. Grilled matsutake mushrooms and fruits (2/5) - This was supposed to be one of the main courses, but I found it lacking in every aspect. First, the ingredients were grilled in front of me with nothing added to it (no seasonings, no sauces, nothing). Second, the matsutake mushroom did not taste good grilled, it was hard to chew and a bit dry. Fish soup (2/5) - I'm not sure what this dish was called, but it was a thick fish soup with wasabi on top. It did not taste good. Rice with mushrooms (5/5) - I actually liked the rice dish a lot. It was extremely aromatic and the rice was soft and fluffy. Apple with sorbet (3/5) - very average. One of the biggest problems with this meal was that I felt like it lacked a "main course". The grilled course didn't seem like a proper conclusion to the meal. Also, it was quite expensive for the quality of food I got.

5a780e35-68da-4180-bfc5-609c478887d2

Super, ultra, hyper-traditional is the best way I can find to describe Kichisen- it earns and proudly displays its 3 Michelin stars with a lot of grueling, detailed work that goes into every hand-crafted dish. Not every bite agreed with my (admittedly) Western tastes- lots of karasumi (compressed, dried fish eggs), pickled fish, etc. But, if you can get over that, you're in for one of the best meals ever. Service is attentive and English skills were pretty good- I sat at the chef's counter and got handed everything over the transom, which was a little weird but not atypical. Everyone was extremely polite, took the time to answer questions, etc. Food was, as I mentioned, EXTREMELY traditional. Sashimi, vegetable and fish soup, etc. A real high point was a huge, delicious Kobe beef steak cooked on a hot stone with a pineapple slice- absolutely incredible flavors. For more photos and details, I invite you here: ow.ly/jCrv300NwLM If you're in Kyoto and you want to get a feel for what life was like here 300 years ago, give this place a whirl. But, bring your wallet.

6cab4d3e-bcfc-409f-b0c1-78fe6f9894fb

Waiting outside for us and tell us it's raining outside, very considerate. Every dish with beautiful and different tableware, nice and simple positioning. The welcome drink is not good, the soup ok, sashimi overall ok, the sweet dessert is too sweet, the rest is good.

97519555-c028-4d39-8cc3-8a2de1676b4f

Best meal I had in my life.... Seriously.... We thought for once we would go to Michelin starred restaurant, and this one with 3 Michelin star. Ritz Carlton Kyoto recommend this one, and arrange it for us. You have to tell them few days in advance which menu you want. The menu only consist of price, $170, $200, $240, $270 and $300 per person. We picked the $170. I thought that was extremely pricey.... After the experience, we thought it was a bargain.... I can't believe I would say that. Put it in perspective, ticket going into Disneyland is now $100, not including meals!!!! Arriving to restaurant with taxi, they have someone greet us and opened the door for us.... Guide us into a private room that you have to "crawl" into it. The meal took 2 hrs.... Include the pics down below.... They gave us an explanation in detail what we're going thru in a letter and DVD to take home, since they don't speak very good English. They tried though, so you do know what's going on. Presentation is impeccable, taste was out of this world, and portion is perfect. You won't go home hungry.... Started with sake, ended with matcha. In between were all the fantastic meal with different premium ingredients. At the end of the visit, our waiter take us to the front, and got on his knee and bowed to us like we're royalty.... Of course the taxi already waiting outside for us.... It really is a treat.... Highly recommended.... Make it perfect by staying at Ritz Carlton Kyoto....

1c4cdcc2-7bfe-4e06-ae2d-647e5d0946dd

I give 1 star for the food & decor. But the rest, 0 star. They were really really rude. I didn't feel like they respected their customers at all. I visited there in the middle of my international trip. Because I wasn't familiar with the city, and, to respect them, (I really worried that I would be late for my 6:00 pm reservation), I ended up arriving there at 5:25 pm. We changed our shoes and waited at the entrance. Then, the only English speaking guy came out and asked us to leave and come back at 5:50. I told them it's winter, really cold outside, also, it's pretty much in residential area, and there was no where else we could go. We would have to just standing outside the door in cold weather for 35 min . So I asked if we could just wait at the hallway close to the entrance. But they insisted to kick us out. Then both me and my mom had to change our shoes back on. My mom is old, and she was slower than me. So I just stood next to her to wait for her. But the guy even asked me to leave first!!!! He didn't even give me like 1 min to wait for my mom to put her shoes on! How rude these ppl were! I would never expect such terrible attitude from any restaurant. We still had to go back because we had already made the trip there and spent $50 on the cab. However, I would never recommend this place to anyone. I really want to tell them that-- you don't make yourself superior by showing contempt on other ppl. Especially ppl who paid for both food and service.

Discover Yoshizumi in Kyoto, a charming restaurant in Sakyo Ward offering authentic Japanese cuisine. Experience unique flavors and warm hospitality. Book now!

Kyoto Restaurant Yoshizumi in Shimogamo - Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Kyoto City

吉泉

Kyoto Prefecture

Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at 吉泉 in Kyoto's Sakyo-ku. Enjoy a unique dining experience near historic sites. Book your table now!

Experience Kyoto's Traditional Flavors at 吉泉 in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

Learn about 吉泉, a renowned Japanese restaurant in Kyoto's Sakyo-ku. Experience the rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality. Visit us today!

About 吉泉, Kyoto - Authentic Japanese Dining in Sakyo-ku

Opening hours for 吉泉, Kyoto. Find opening hours for 吉泉, Kyoto on 5 Morimoto-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.

Menú de Kichisen en Kioto

Platos Destacados

Bebidas y Maridajes

Opciones Dietéticas

Recomendaciones del Chef

Experimenta el Menú en Kichisen

Kanga-an

Yoshoku to Wine No Omise Asai Shokudo

Fukutai Chubo Qanat Rakuhoku