Temari Sushi and Nihoncha Souden

Located on Shinmachi-dori, known for its old Machiya-style buildings, this restaurant specializes in Temari Sushi, Japanese tea, and unique dishes. Stepping through its beautifully grained wooden door reveals a lavish yet serene space, featuring a large, single-plank wooden table and an elegant black lacquered counter adorned with glittering rice stalk illustrations.

The restaurant's signature dish, Temari Sushi, originated as bite-sized sushi for maiko (apprentice geisha) to eat gracefully at gatherings. These small, colorful sushi pieces, topped with fresh seasonal vegetables and fish directly from the Maizuru fishing port, are as aesthetically pleasing as they are delicious. The restaurant emphasizes local Kyoto ingredients, including the soy sauce and other condiments.

Another highlight is their Japanese tea, sourced seasonally for optimal flavor. Each cup is meticulously brewed using soft water boiled in an iron kettle, with careful attention to the temperature of the vessels. Don't miss the "Three Kinds Tasting Set" to appreciate the nuances between different teas. For lunch, the monthly changing set menu featuring Temari Sushi and Japanese tea is highly recommended.