An introduction to five cutting-edge dining venues at luxury hotels in Kyoto. Each offers a distinctive fine-dining experience, including SoNoMa at Capella Kyoto, NEN at Imperial Hotel Kyoto and TOKI at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
Kyoto's cutting-edge dining venues at luxury hotels have been attracting attention one after another. This feature covers the diverse gourmet experiences offered by Kyoto's luxury hotels, from SoNoMa by SingleThread at Capella Kyoto in Miyagawacho to NEN, the French restaurant at Imperial Hotel Kyoto, TOKI at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, KIZAHASHI, the Japanese restaurant at The Thousand Kyoto, and Sushi Bar at Library at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu.
SoNoMa at Capella Kyoto is supervised by the globally renowned three-Michelin-starred SingleThread and is scheduled to open in March 2026. Working with Japanese chefs who honed their skills there, it is said to feature dinner courses that make the most of seasonal ingredients.
NEN at Imperial Hotel Kyoto opened using the Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered tangible cultural property. With reservations limited to 8 seats at a counter, Head Chef Koji Imajo (今城 浩二) offers a French fine-dining experience incorporating seasonal ingredients.
TOKI at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is led by Chef Tetsuya Asano (浅野 哲也) and offers innovative cuisine that combines a stock made with Kyoto's famed pure water and French culinary techniques. Counter seating is recommended for an up-close experience.
At KIZAHASHI, the Japanese restaurant at The Thousand Kyoto, a popular customized dining experience lets guests choose their preferred dish from an ingredient box and select how it is prepared.
Sushi Bar at Library at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu is a sushi bar that opens in the evening. Guests can enjoy sake, wine and sushi in a unique setting that makes use of the former auditorium.