** Traditional Kyoto Mountain Cuisine Dinner (Winter) at Miyamasou 美山荘, Kyoto JAPAN

Hoba Miso with Ginkgo

The meal at Miyamasou focused on offering Tsumigusa (“freshly picked”) cuisine. Within the deep forest of Kyoto mountain, you will be able to taste the local herbs and wild fish in a set of refined courses. The meal is delicious, unique, and I get to learn a lot about the local ingredients along the way.

Ryokan Inn Breakfast at Miyamasou 美山荘, Kyoto JAPAN

Rice, Pickles, Grilled Mackerel, Miso Soup, Ume Tea

Vegetable Nimono (Simmered dish) with red carrot!

Breakfast at Miyamasou actually looks simple and casual, not the luxurious ones that you would think of from most Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). The meal is humble, primarily based on freshly picked local resources and Japanese mountain cuisine. Overall, breakfast is light and comfortable. Ingredients are simple, but prepared in a fine manner. It makes you cherish every single piece of vegetable.

Shoyu Ramen, Tori Paitan, & Karaage at Touhichi らぁ麺 とうひちKyoto, JAPAN

Shoyu Ramen

Karaage (Fried Chicken)

While browsing Google Map in Kyoto, I found a very high rated ramen shop far away from the city center. Before the shop opened for dinner, a line is already formed at shop front. Everything I ordered here are undoubtedly really good! Plus, I found one of the best karaage I've ever had!

あんみつ Anmitsu, 羊羹 Yokan, 抹茶 Matcha, and 最中 Monaka Souvenirs at 虎屋 Toraya, Kyoto JAPAN

Seasonal Yokan served with Matcha

Anmitsu Dessert - fruits, flavored jelly, red bean paste, and syrup

During my stay in Kyoto, I visited a traditional Japanese dessert cafe (the tea ceremony) for the first time. The place is called 虎屋菓寮 TORAYA Confectionery Cafe. (meaning tiger) They served traditional dessert such as 羊羹 Yokan (Bean Paste Block) and "Anmitsu," which consists of fruits, agar jelly, sweet azuki paste, and sweet syrup. 

After dessert at the cafe, I bought some souvenirs at the shop too. The yokan block I got is beautiful and huge! As you can see below, the texture of pink, black, and whole bean makes it really appetizing to enjoy with a cup of hot tea right away! :)

Yokan Souvenir