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Kyoto

Mizai offers an exceptional kaiseki dining experience, blending seasonal flavors with traditional Japanese dishes. The ambiance, nestled in Maruyama Park, adds to the overall dining experience. However, some patrons have noted the high prices, particularly for sake, which can exceed market rates significantly.

Mizai: A refined kaiseki dining experience in Kyoto's heart.

Nestled in the picturesque Maruyama Park near Yasaka Shrine, Mizai is a culinary sanctuary where traditional Japanese kaiseki meets exquisite artistry. This intimate restaurant invites discerning food lovers to immerse themselves in a meticulously crafted dining journey that celebrates seasonal ingredients and cultural heritage.

From the moment you arrive, attending chefs greet guests with a unique palette cleanser featuring salted water and cherry blossom, setting the tone for an extraordinary meal. The courses feature masterful preparations — from velvety toro and fresh sashimi to delicate abalone and a stunning 74-fruit dessert salad that offers a burst of flavors in every bite.

. From the calligraphy adorning the space to the hand towels delivered warm from the steamer, every element enhances the serene and immersive atmosphere, making Mizai a must-visit for kaiseki enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

 Photography is discouraged to maintain the dining experience's integrity.

 No, Mizai operates on a cash-only basis.

What is the price of the Chef's Tasting Course at Mizai?

 The Chef's Tasting Course is priced at 88,000 yen per person, including tax.

How far in advance should I make a reservation at Mizai?

 Reservations are highly sought after and can be booked over a year in advance.

 Guests are advised to dress formally for the dining experience.

Mizai is widely praised for its exceptional kaiseki dining that balances traditional flavors with modern presentation. Guests often highlight the serene ambiance of its location within Maruyama Park and the impeccable seasonal ingredient selection. However, potential visitors should be aware of the premium pricing, especially the sake offerings, and the strict no-photography policy that preserves the intimate atmosphere.

Asia

Japan

Nestled in the historic heart of Kyoto, Mizai offers an unparalleled culinary journey that seamlessly blends tradition with artistry. Located at 618, 円山町, Higashiyama Ward, this renowned restaurant is a sanctuary for those seeking an authentic kaiseki experience that transcends mere taste, immersing diners in a world of cultural elegance and meticulous craftsmanship.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURiamNfQUtnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnds0DdsIAWARE0dXPUqNYkc/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURiamNfQUtnEAE

With substantial attention to tradition and culture, expressed through calligraphy, architecture and utensils, Mizai transcends your dining experience beyond tastes. Mark this restaurant in your bucket list.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREcDZUM2d3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnds0DdsIAWARE0dXPUqNYkc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREcDZUM2d3RRAB

Paying respect to the restaurant's wishes, no photos or video were taken of the food or interior except for a few rare exceptions made evident by the chef and staff.

Incredible atmosphere in the heart of Maruyama Park east gate near Yasaka Shrine.
Attending chefs greet you at the entrance and offer a palette cleanser of salted water and cherry blossom.
Hand towels are delivered seemingly straight out of the steamer.
Extensive Sake menu, juice versions of house wines are available for non-alcohol drinkers.
Sake list offered without price tags so expect to pay top dollar for top shelf libations.
The restaurant is cash only so come prepared to spend north of 40000 yen per person in cold hard cash.

First course, surprise twist with rice start for a kaiseki pair with a lovely miso soup and spring vegetables.
*Here is your only warning to come hungry.*
Next a phenomenol sashimi course complete with masterfully prepared tuna including toro (belly), squid, sea bream. Jellied soy sauce, sesame sauce, ponzu sauce and the lightest vinegar. Fresh wasabi was a real zinger.
A palette cleanser with dashi with housemade bonito flakes, dried seaweed.
Delightful sasame (?) beef from Chef Hitoshi's hometown. Served with punchy vegetables.A wasabi sorbet for the ultimate palette cleanser.
Next a medley of abalone and fish, sushi and pungent wasabi cream.
Another cleanser of toasted rice, regular rice and broth. Warm, comforting and aromatic.
End the night with lemon jelly, housed in the lemon it was made from next to giant red and white strawberries coated in wine jelly. Followed with a 74 fruit fruit salad. Yes, we asked multiple times in multiple languages that indeed 74 different fruits were used to prepare this dessert. As a result every bite is a different fruit and it was phenomenal.
End the night again with supreme matcha and seemingly endless roasted green tea.
Bring a fat stack of yen bills to pay up and then you are escorted back to the main park by lantern light by one of the certainly exhausted but proud sous chefs. Truly a once in a lifetime experience all around.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4MDV2UWh3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnds0DdsIAWARE0dXPUqNYkc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4MDV2UWh3RRAB

Warning!

Extremely overpriced especially the sake! Big amount of food with normal tasting. The food doesn’t match with the price at all. Sake with no price on it, but in fact it is >10X the market price. Be sure to ask before you order any drinks. See the picture, one craft is more than 30000!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURaNF9EVUh3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnds0DdsIAWARE0dXPUqNYkc/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURaNF9EVUh3EAE

Love the sashimi and 八吋. Portion way too large though.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwbXMzUFVnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJnds0DdsIAWARE0dXPUqNYkc/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwbXMzUFVnEAE

Luxury Kyoto Dining at Mizai in Higashiyama's Maruyama Park

Mizai, located in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, is renowned for its exceptional kaiseki dining experience. The restaurant has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Tabelog Award 2025 Bronze and selections for Tabelog Japanese cuisine WEST 'Hyakumeiten' 2025. ([tabelog.com](https://tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26002279/?utm_source=openai))

A historical journey through mizai in kyoto's maruyama park.

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto's vibrant Higashiyama Ward, Mizai is more than just a dining destination—it is a living testament to the refined tradition of Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Situated within the serene surroundings of Maruyama Park, near the iconic Yasaka Shrine, Mizai offers guests an immersive cultural experience where every detail, from calligraphy to architecture, pays homage to Japan's culinary heritage.

celebrated culinary tradition and accolades

Mizai has garnered distinguished recognition for its dedication to traditional kaiseki techniques and impeccable presentation. In 2025, the restaurant proudly received the Tabelog Award Bronze, a testament to its excellence in the competitive Kyoto dining scene. That same year, Mizai was also honored as one of the 'Hyakumeiten'—a prestigious selection celebrating the top one hundred Japanese cuisine establishments in the western region, further cementing its reputation as a must-visit spot for discerning food lovers.

Guests at Mizai are invited to embark on a culinary journey that transcends taste. The kaiseki meals are crafted with seasonal ingredients and presented with artistry that reflects deep cultural significance. From the welcoming salted water and cherry blossom palette cleanser offered by the chefs to the carefully selected sake menu featuring rare top-shelf options, every moment is steeped in tradition and elegance. The meticulous attention to detail extends to the utensils and ambiance, making it an unforgettable experience in Kyoto's historic district.

 Maruyama Park, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan.

 Traditional multi-course kaiseki emphasizing seasonal ingredients.

 Tabelog Award 2025 Bronze and Hyakumeiten selection.

 Immersive atmosphere with attention to cultural details and seasonal presentations.

Dine In

Restroom

Reservable

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Mizai is a culinary gem in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, offering an exquisite kaiseki dining experience that reflects the changing seasons and the finest local ingredients. The serene atmosphere and meticulous preparation of each dish create a memorable journey through traditional Japanese cuisine.

Mizai

An exquisite kaiseki dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients, sashimi, stews, and traditional teas.

Chef's Tasting Course

Nestled in the historic heart of Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, Mizai offers an exquisite dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Famed for its dedication to traditional kaiseki cuisine, Mizai presents an extraordinary Chef's Tasting Course that celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients with meticulous craftsmanship and artistic presentation.

While the menu is primarily centered around the Chef's Tasting Course, this multi-course journey begins with delicate amuse-bouches that refresh the palate, such as salted water infused with cherry blossom and hand towels delivered fresh from the steamer. Guests are introduced to seasonal spring vegetables paired with a comforting miso soup, setting the tone for the culinary voyage ahead.

The centerpiece of Mizai's offering is the Chef's Tasting Course, a thoughtfully curated multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients prepared in the revered traditional kaiseki style. Highlights include masterfully presented sashimi such as premium tuna belly (toro), squid, and sea bream, accompanied by a variety of sauces including jellied soy, sesame, and ponzu, accented with the sharp zing of fresh wasabi.

Further enriching the experience are exquisite dishes like tender sasame beef from the chef’s hometown served alongside vibrant vegetables, a medley of abalone and fish paired with pungent wasabi cream, and comforting bowls of toasted and regular rice served with aromatic broth. These courses are interspersed with palate cleansers such as dashi with housemade bonito flakes and a refreshing wasabi sorbet to elevate each flavor profile.

The finale is a celebration of natural sweetness featuring a spectacular lemon jelly encased in the fruit’s own rind, accompanied by giant red and white strawberries glazed with a delicate wine jelly. The pièce de résistance is an astonishing fruit salad crafted from 74 different fruits, offering a unique bite with every forkful. This extraordinary dessert is perfectly complemented by supreme matcha and an endless flow of roasted green tea to close the meal with serene elegance.

Mizai boasts an extensive sake menu featuring top-shelf selections that reflect Japan’s rich brewing heritage. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, exquisite juice versions of the house wines are available, ensuring a refined pairing for every course. Guests should note that the sake list does not display prices, underscoring the premium nature of the offerings.

 - A meticulously crafted multi-course meal showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients in traditional kaiseki style.

Experience the pinnacle of Kyoto’s culinary artistry at Mizai, where each dish is a harmonious blend of tradition, seasonality, and refined technique designed to delight the senses and honor the spirit of Japanese hospitality.

Savor exquisite dishes at Mizai in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward. Experience authentic flavors and serene ambiance. Book your table now!

Mizai Kyoto: Exquisite Dining in Higashiyama

Kyoto Municipality

A meticulously crafted kaiseki menu offering a harmonious blend of seasonal flavors and traditional Japanese dishes.

Discover mizai in kyoto's higashiyama ward: A premier kaiseki dining destination.

Nestled in the tranquil heart of Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, Mizai offers an unparalleled kaiseki dining experience that captivates both the palate and the spirit. This exclusive restaurant embraces centuries-old Japanese culinary traditions, crafting exquisite multi-course meals that celebrate seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique. Mizai stands out not only for its exceptional cuisine but also for its dedication to cultural authenticity, visible in every detail from calligraphy adornments to the elegant architecture and traditional utensils employed throughout your meal.

At Mizai, each kaiseki course is a masterful composition, designed to highlight the best of Japan’s seasonal bounty. Diners are treated to a beautifully orchestrated progression of dishes—from delicate sashimi featuring premium cuts like toro and fresh wasabi, to innovative palate cleansers such as cherry blossom-infused salted water and refreshing wasabi sorbet. The meal unfolds with harmonious pairings including miso soup with spring vegetables, expertly prepared sasame beef, and a medley of abalone and sushi enhanced by pungent wasabi cream. The experience culminates in unforgettable desserts, including a vibrant 74-fruit fruit salad and lemon jelly served in its own rind, paired with supreme matcha and roasted green tea.

Complement your meal with Mizai’s extensive sake menu, featuring a carefully curated range of top-shelf sakes from Japan’s finest breweries. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, juice versions of house wines offer flavorful alternatives. Please note, the sake menu does not list prices, reflecting Mizai’s focus on premium quality, so plan accordingly for a luxurious dining investment that can exceed expectations.

Located near the iconic Yasaka Shrine and the serene Maruyama Park east gate, Mizai offers an intimate atmosphere where attentive chefs personally greet guests. The restaurant enforces a respectful no-photography policy, ensuring that your attention remains on the immersive dining experience and the elegant surroundings adorned with traditional Japanese artistry.

 is required to secure a seat due to limited availability.

 is cash only, with an approximate cost of 88,000 JPY per person for the full kaiseki experience.

 is serene and reflective, perfect for a memorable evening immersed in authentic Japanese culture.

What to expect from your dining experience at mizai

Expect an extraordinary culinary journey that transcends mere taste. From the moment you step inside, chefs provide personal greetings and introduce unique palate cleansers like salted water infused with cherry blossom. Steamed hand towels add a touch of traditional hospitality, while each dish showcases masterful preparation and seasonal freshness. This is a feast for all senses, perfectly harmonizing flavors, textures, and presentation in an intimate setting that honors Kyoto’s rich heritage.

 include premium toro sashimi, miso soup with spring vegetables, sasame beef from the chef’s hometown, and a stunning dessert featuring 74 different fruits.

 is enhanced by the no-photography policy, traditional décor, and the attentive service that honors Japanese hospitality customs.

 special occasions, discerning travelers, and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure in Kyoto.

Kyoto Prefecture

Discover Mizai in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, offering exquisite traditional kaiseki with seasonal ingredients, serene ambiance, and renowned Japanese cuisine.

Kyoto Mizai Restaurant - Authentic Kyoto Kaiseki Experience

Experience luxury dining at Mizai in Kyoto's Higashiyama neighborhood, known for its exceptional seasonal ingredients, detailed presentation, and tranquil atmosphere.

Kyoto Mizai - Fine Dining in Higashiyama District, Kyoto

Visit Mizai in Kyoto for award-winning kaiseki featuring seasonal ingredients, rich history, and a serene setting near Maruyama Park, ideal for special occasions.

Luxury Kyoto Dining at Mizai in Higashiyama's Maruyama Park

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