Kuheiji Sake Brewery@Nagoya ★★★

VIP Kuheiji Sake Private 1-on-1 Tour. 九平次 Kuheiji since 1647. First Japanese sake ever served in 3 Michelin Stars restaurant in Paris (2006). Mr. Kuheiji Kuno is the 15th generation of Kuheiji. He is the mastermind and legend behind my favorite Kuheiji sake. His philosophy and innovative approach to sake is mind-blowing. He came up with the idea of serving premium sake in wine glasses. He entered into the terroir and planted his own rice by himself for his sake. He's the Top 100 Most Respected Japanese People in 2007. Despite of his fame, he's very down-to-earth and friendly. He's also quite an art collector.

Kuheiji-san invited me to visit his Sake Brewery in Nagoya. I was so thrilled. When I saw him again in Nagoya, I had tears in my eyes. I am a big fan of his sake. The building about 200 years old used to be the family house. Matei-san showed me the brewing process and toured the facility in detail. I also got to exclusively taste the unpasturized Betsu Atsurae, which was just bottled today. It's fruity with notes of pear. Everything was mind-blowing. I really appreciate the fine premium quality sake, but after the tour, I get to appreciate all the hard work behind it even more.

Authentic Kyoto Garden

Nama Betsu Atsurae (unpasturized)
bottled the same day

Nama Betsu Atsurae (unpasturized)
bottled the same day

Take Home Gift

Kuheiji-san has a lively personality

Umekoji Kadensho Onsen Ryokan@Kyoto ★★★

Most Affordable & Decent Onsen Ryokan in Kyoto. Highly recommended. Convenient location by the train station/ Kyoto Railway Museum. Reasonably priced. I booked directly on the Japanese site for about $250 per night, which was much cheaper than Agoda. Have public onsen bath as well as 5 first-come first-served private onsen bath. I tried all of them and was extremely satisfied. Complimentary Yukata rental for your onsen bath. Complimentary Dango Snack, Popsicles and late night soba. Have unlimited Marinated Ikura if you get the breakfast. No shoes as soon as you enter the hotel with the tatami floor. It could get a bit crowded with the tourists and tourist groups. They only hold the luggage on your check out day until 3pm. Would love to return again.

Complimentary Dango Snack

Paid $10 more for a larger 29㎡ room

Private Onsen Available

Complimentary Popsicle

Complimentary late night noodles

Unlimited Marinated Ikura if you get Breakfast

Impressive Breakfast Buffet

Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho
41-10 Sujakuuchihatacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8843
https://dormy-hotels.com/resort/hotels/umekoji_kadensho/

良彌 奥の庭 Oku no Niwa@Arashiyama Kyoto ★★★

Kaiskei Restaurant at Arashiyama. Nice variety in the set lunch. I wanted to try the Yuba Shabu Hot Pot Set, but it was sold out. Halal & Vegan food available. Walk-in available.

Hana Yosiya Tofu Hot Pot 2,200 yen

Hana Yosiya Tofu Hot Pot 2,200 yen

Tofu Hot Pot from the Set

Vegan Set 3,300 yen

Honey Lemon 700 yen

良彌 奥の庭 Oku no Niwa
31 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho,
Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384
075-871-0456

Isaribi Robata@Osaka Umeda ★★★

Fun Robata Grill Experience. Served with a big paddle as seen on IG. Everything 300 yen and very tasty. Reservations recommended, but we were able to walk in with 13 mins wait. [developing story]

Isaribi Robata
1 Chome-5-12 Shibata, Kita Ward,
Osaka, 530-0012
06-6373-2969