Kyoto Kenninji Gion Maruyama Michelin 2 stars Kaiseki cuisine

While traveling through downtown Kyoto, I chased the occasional geisha and maiko along the Hanami-no-Odoi trails. The alleyways of this area are filled with surprises: seemingly impressive ryokan, and beautiful, delicious food nestled within traditional buildings. Gion Maruyama is a well-established restaurant in the area, a two-Michelin-starred establishment. Its founder, Yoshiaki Maruyama, previously worked at the renowned ryokan Kodaiji Doi and Kikunoi Kiyamachi (now Roan Kikunoi), and also served as head chef at Kodaiji Wakuden. He founded the restaurant in Gion in 1988, and ten years later, opened a sister restaurant of the same name in Kennin-ji Temple.

The first floor features six counter seats and a traditional Japanese-style private room. The rooms on the second floor are spacious and decorated with Wajima-nuri (Wajima-nuri, originating in the Kanbun era of the Edo period and designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 1977. Wajima-nuri was primarily used for festivals and other events among the common people, so its durability and strength are paramount. Incorporating techniques such as Maki-e and gilt-inking, it boasts a magnificent and elegant appearance.) The visual aesthetics of each dish at Gion Maruyama leave a lasting impression. During the spring and summer cherry blossom seasons, the dishes are presented like hairpins swaying from a geisha's head, both sumptuous and delicious. At Gion Maruyama, dining is a form of culture, a refined and opulent aesthetic of Kyoto. The diverse combinations of dishes, expertly arranged, create a lively dance performance. The order and arrangement of each dish flow seamlessly, seemingly rehearsed countless times by the chef, flowing seamlessly like a poem. Enjoying Gion Maruyama is not only about food, but also about visual delight.

*The chef will decide the content of the dishes based on the ingredients available that day to ensure diners get the best enjoyment. Therefore, please be aware that the ingredients and number of dishes on that day may change.