静寂と雅が織りなす、本格京懐石「華暦」 : Japanese cuisine Kyoto Hanagoyomi

"Japanese cuisine Kyoto Hanagoyomi" is a renowned restaurant that reinterprets the tradition of Kyoto cuisine with a modern sensibility. Each dish, crafted with seasonal ingredients, leaves an impression as if it reflects the beauty of Japan's nature and history within the plate.
The course I enjoyed was called "Irodori" (Color).
The appetizers featured a refreshing tomato jelly with sea urchin and conger eel, tender octopus, and edamame mousse, elegantly presented on a golden plate adorned with green maple leaves.
Each component captures the coolness and layered flavors of early summer, with the rich taste of sea urchin contrasting beautifully with the refreshing conger eel.
The soup dish presented a delicate egg tofu topped with abalone. The clarity of the dashi broth harmonizes beautifully with the umami of the abalone, showcasing the essence of Kyoto cuisine.
The sashimi selection included three types: grilled sea bream, striped jack, and squid. There was no compromise in the choice of garnishes, and the pure white porcelain dish highlighted their beauty.
The grilled sweetfish paired with Fushimi chili was also memorable. The freshness of the chili enhanced the mild flavor of the sweetfish, and the balance with the rich dashi sauce was remarkable.
The main dish featured roasted black-haired Wagyu beef cooked at low temperature. Paired with a slightly sweet sauce, the rich flavor of the meat stood out. The accompanying okra and leafy greens were also very effective.
For the rice course, grilled eel with tororo (grated yam) was served. This unexpected combination brought together the stickiness of the tororo and the savory aroma of the eel, enhancing the overall satisfaction. Both the red miso soup and pickles were of high quality, contributing to a well-rounded meal.
The dessert consisted of three items: mango yokan (jelly), a chilled sweet with red beans and peach cream, and seasonal fruits. The presentation was exquisite, leaving a beautiful aftertaste until the very end.
Hanagoyomi's space design evokes Kyoto's unique "waiting culture" and the beauty of "negative space," making it one of its charms.
From the table seats, guests can enjoy a view of the garden, and the experience of savoring the dishes in natural light transcends mere dining.
In the tranquil setting of Yase, where tradition and innovation quietly blend, the kaiseki cuisine crafted by Hanagoyomi truly deserves to be called "the art of Wa (Japanese culture)."
This is a rare establishment that I would recommend to both tourists and locals, offering a deep experience of the richness of Japanese cuisine.