At this grand dame of Kyokaiseki ryori, third-generation chef-owner Yoshihiro Murata excels at expressing the mood and flavors of the seasons. Once seated in a private dining room, you are brought a small sakizuke, (appetizer) the first of up to 14 courses, each exquisitely presented and delicious, yet always with an underlying robustness. The most difficult dishes to make are often the most simple; Murata does not shy away from these and even generously shares his years of perfecting and innovating techniques on a monthly television program. In order to entice all the senses, sometimes he will even light a few pine needles on the dish to release an aroma. This restaurant is on the northern edge of Kodai-ji temple. Evening courses start at ¥15,500, and lunch obento start at ¥4,200.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip