Kikuno I Honten (菊乃井 本店) Kyoto

To celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary with my wife, we visited a Michelin three-star restaurant for lunch for the first time in our lives. We chose the most affordable lunch course, and I had my doubts beforehand, thinking it wouldn’t be a private room and that the dishes wouldn’t be that impressive. However, all my expectations were completely overturned. As a special touch for our anniversary, they served us red rice and namasu at the beginning, which was truly remarkable. Everything else was equally outstanding. Each dish was exquisite, showcasing the true essence of kaiseki cuisine without holding back on the ingredients. I genuinely felt like I experienced the wonderful flavors of this culinary art. The quantity was just right, including a medium-sized beer and a 180ml serving of Japanese sake (I left a little to avoid getting too tipsy), allowing us to leave the restaurant in high spirits. The private room, the view of the garden from the window, and the service from the staff, including the nakai (waitstaff), were all exceptional from start to finish. While I was completely satisfied when we left, I couldn’t help but wonder if the restaurant was okay with those prices, which made me a bit anxious. I sincerely hope to visit again in a different season. Less

I finally visited Kikuno I for dinner. From the moment I entered, the service was efficient and smooth. The Orchid Room offers a serene view of the courtyard, creating a calming atmosphere. The dishes reflect a beautiful sense of wabi-sabi. Starting with the first course, the appetizers were presented in a lovely hōzuki (Japanese lantern) which added to the excitement. On a lotus leaf, the sashimi was served, and the striped jack was delicious, beautifully covered with a lotus flower. The chilled dish of junsai (water shield) and tomato featured smooth, sweet tomatoes and yuba (tofu skin), creating a perfect harmony with the crunchiness of the junsai. When I mentioned it was my daughter's birthday, they kindly celebrated with a red and white namasu (pickled vegetables) and sekihan (red rice), which was a thoughtful gesture. As expected from a Michelin-starred restaurant, they not only excel in cuisine but also in their attentive service. Less

I visited for lunch with two friends and enjoyed a course priced at JPY 33,000 per person over about three hours. Given the hot summer, the dishes were refreshing, featuring various items served in a hōzuki (Japanese lantern plant) and sashimi of Ise lobster and Akashi sea bream on a lotus leaf—everything was exceptional. What surprised me the most was the sweetness of the fresh water eggplant placed under the sashimi; I never expected it to be so flavorful, with zero bitterness typical of eggplant. The grilled sweetfish was presented while still lively before being charcoal-grilled. When they brought it to the table, the smoke from the charcoal was delightful. The aroma of charcoal in summer is simply irresistible. High-end ingredients like red beef, soft-shelled turtle, eel, and shark fin were all featured, creating a veritable exhibition on the table! Each dish felt like a pavilion, providing outstanding entertainment. Additionally, they innovatively incorporated Western ingredients like olive oil into the sauces and other dishes, making me wonder at times if it was French cuisine. Yet, it remained firmly rooted in Japanese cooking, surprising me with its creativity without straying into the unconventional. The matcha shaved ice served at the end was of higher quality than that of specialty shops! It must have used top-grade matcha. Even the supporting ingredients were meticulously prepared, resulting in flawless dishes. The staff were friendly and smiling, and the owner even came out to serve sake from a bamboo tube. This experience truly exemplified what a Michelin three-star restaurant is all about. I now understand why people come to Kyoto from all over Japan and the world in search of gourmet food. It was a great meal! Less

I visited to experience the essence of Japanese cuisine.I ordered the JPY 55,000 course.Upon entering the traditional entrance of this long-established restaurant, I was greeted by a surprisingly spacious interior. The tatami room I was shown to was a calm yet refined space, naturally heightening my anticipation for the meal.The hassun featured vibrant hōzuki (Chinese lantern) fruit, which was quite impressive. Everything was delicious, but the jade ginkgo nuts had a perfect saltiness and a pleasantly chewy texture.The sea urchin tofu harmonized beautifully, with the rich umami of the sea urchin complementing the soft tofu and the refreshing aroma of the wasabi sauce.The sashimi of Ise lobster and Akashi sea bream was incredibly fresh, especially the Ise lobster, which paired excellently with the miso soy sauce. The hamo (pike eel) was fluffy in texture, elegantly accompanied by a plum sauce that balanced its acidity. The grilled sashimi was enhanced with a combination of plum jelly and wasabi, resulting in a fresh taste.The steamed winter melon was a luxurious dish, enveloping the flavors of soft-shelled turtle and shark fin in a gentle sauce infused with ginger and yuzu.The abalone grilled with seaweed was remarkable, with the seaweed standing out alongside the abalone. The liver soy sauce further enhanced its umami.The kuzusomen (kuzu noodles) combined abalone, tomato, and caviar, offering a refreshing aftertaste while still being rich in flavor.The most memorable dish was the grilled beef tenderloin with fig. The aroma of fig leaves, the richness of miso, and the acidity and fragrance of the fig sauce intertwined with the umami of the beef tenderloin, creating a depth of flavor that couldn't be achieved with each element alone.The sweetfish rice was generously portioned, providing a high level of satisfaction until the very end.The dessert, Uji Kintoki, featured a rich matcha ice cream that tasted as if I were eating pure matcha. Combined with the matcha syrup on the shaved ice, it was enjoyable until the last bite.Not only were high-quality ingredients used, but the carefully designed sauces, dips, and garnishes that enhanced each component were also impressive. I felt the delicate technique unique to Japanese cuisine, which elevates the completeness of each dish through the combination of ingredients.The attentive service from the waitstaff and the charming atmosphere of the tatami room made this renowned restaurant a special experience, not just for the food but for the entire duration of my visit. Less

《Kyoto Gion Matsuri Month ⑯》The highlight of my trip to Kyoto was the meal at Kikuno I Main Branch.The Michelin Guide for Kyoto and Osaka started in 2010, and since then, Kikuno I has consistently earned three stars every year, becoming a name recognized nationwide.It truly stands out as one of the top establishments among long-established restaurants.Grilled SweetfishI’ve had this dish a few times, but it’s always delivered with a smoky aroma from being wrapped in bamboo leaves, filling the room with a delightful scent.The yuzu vinegar varies in acidity and flavor from restaurant to restaurant, but Kikuno I’s version includes olive oil, making it rich and mild.*In all dishes that use vinegar, there’s no harshness, and the acidity isn’t strong. Yet, you can still feel the tanginess, which enhances the ingredients.Even my husband, who isn’t fond of sour flavors, finds it easy to enjoy.Chilled Lemon SoupWhen I saw this on the menu, I couldn’t imagine the taste.But after the first sip, I thought, "Wow!"The acidity and bitterness of the lemon blend perfectly with the delicate aroma of the dashi.The bowl is chilled, and the junsai (water shield) adds a smooth texture that delights the palate.I was truly moved by this unique flavor.Each dish engages all five senses.A few days later, I returned to Sapporo and had Japanese cuisine at a kaiseki restaurant, but it lacked the same impact; it felt like just familiar flavors.The taste of Kikuno I is something I can’t fully express as an amateur, but it left a lasting impression.It was a great meal!♪*Reservation made by phone in advance.Total cost: JPY 37,950 (service charge and tax included) + drinks.For three people, it was about JPY 46,000 per person. Less

I visited the main branch of Kikuno I for the first time. It's no surprise that this renowned restaurant has maintained its three Michelin stars for many years! From the elegant exterior and the atmosphere of the private rooms to the attentive service from the staff and the owner, every aspect was truly satisfying. The food was, of course, delicious, but the experience went beyond that. The ambiance of this historic establishment, the serene garden with a view of the waterfall that embodies the essence of wabi-sabi, the tranquil Japanese-style room that exudes history, and the warm hospitality of the owner all came together to create an unparalleled dining experience that can only be found at Kikuno I. Less

One of Kyoto's most renowned restaurants, this kaiseki dining experience allows you to truly savor "the culture of Japanese cuisine" through seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentations.From the appetizers to the eight delicacies, the soup, and the sashimi, each dish is meticulously crafted to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in an elegant taste. The deliciousness of the dashi broth was particularly exceptional, and I was moved by the delicate seasoning that is characteristic of Kyoto cuisine. The serene sukiya-style setting and attentive service were also remarkable, making it perfect for a special occasion. If you visit Kyoto, this is a must-try restaurant. Less

【Enjoy High-Quality Japanese Cuisine at a Leisurely Pace】I used this restaurant for a wedding. Each dish, from the appetizers to the sashimi, was meticulously prepared, allowing us to truly appreciate the quality of the ingredients. The sashimi, in particular, was impressively fresh and had a refined flavor. The presentation was vibrant and added a sense of occasion, making it perfect for a celebratory event. While the price range is on the higher side, the quality of the food justifies it. This is a place you’ll want to choose for a special day. Less

Kikuno I is said to be a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. I went there for a lunch kaiseki as part of a family appreciation outing. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations, thinking it might just be a name, but after tasting the dishes, my main impression was "I was truly impressed!" Each dish was incredibly delicious.The only thing I found a bit off was that the tea served was roasted bancha (which seems to be a standard in Kyoto). The strong aroma of the roasted bancha was so intense that I almost mistook it for the smell of tobacco, and it filled the room, which was a bit overwhelming...That said, it was truly a restaurant worth visiting. Less