Enyu an Kobayashi (Gion): Michelin-starred Kaiseki Tempura.

The city of Kyoto is a special place even for us who grew up in Japan.

Hanamikoji Street, which runs north to south through Gion and lined with charming teahouses, is especially beautiful, exuding the unique atmosphere of Gion.

It is a place where you can really feel the preservation of Japan’s amazing culture, making it a wonderful place I want to visit over and over. 

There is a souvenir shop that I go to every time I visit Kyoto.

It’s called “Yojiya” and is famous for its traditional cosmetics which symbolize Japanese culture. Their items are very popular as souvenirs from Kyoto, especially among foreign tourists. They are all  made from natural ingredients unique to Japan and they make really great gifts.

You can learn more about them on their website: 

https://www.yojiyacosme.com/

This shop is very close to the restaurant we’re introducing today, Enyu an Kobayashi, so why not stop by before or after your meal? 

Enyu an Kobayashi is quietly nestled within the cityscape of Gion, about a 6-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line.

The entrance to the shop features a splendid wooden nameplate.

While it is common nowadays to read text from left to right, the sign is displayed in the traditional Japanese style, reading from right to left.

Inside the shop, to the right,  is a private room with table seating which can accommodate up to 4 guests.

Further inside, you’ll find an L-shaped counter with eight seats which offers a wonderful view of the garden.

While the private table room provides a more quiet atmosphere, the seating at the counter  offer an even more enjoyable dining experience in my opinion. Not only can you enjoy the view of the garden but you can also watch Chef Kobayashi, the owner and head chef, as he skillfully prepares the meal. 

The restaurant offers only one course meal option: a 7-course omakase meal priced at ¥24,200.

It includes a variety of dishes including tempura made from seasonal ingredients, sashimi, simmered dishes, Hassun (an assortment of small seasonal appetizers), and grilled items.

Vegetarian, pescatarian, egg-free, and gluten-free dietary preferences can also be accommodated, as well as children aged 10 and above who can eat an adult’s course. 

Let me share a few of the dishes which  left an impression on me!

The namafu had a unique and chewy texture, almost like mochi.

While Shira-ae with white miso dressing typically features tofu, I was impressed to find that namafu was used here  instead. 

Kyoto is famous for its white miso.

The combination of the oysters’ rich sweetness together with the creamy flavor of white miso made this soup dish absolutely exceptional.

Being able to eat the entire juicy shrimp from head to tail is a special feature of tempura restaurants.

Tempura cuisine pairs exceptionally well with Japanese sake, enhancing the flavors of both.

I highly recommend trying the sake suggested by Chef  Kobayashi for a perfect match with the tempura.

Chef Kobayashi mentioned that shiitake mushrooms are particularly flavorful in winter when their moisture is reduced, and I learned how the flavor of shiitake (among other seasonal vegetables and ingredients) changes drastically with the seasons.

Sushi usually comes to mind when I think of uni, so trying it in tempura for the first time was a brand new experience.

I debated whether to eat it in one bite or to savor it in smaller pieces. In the end, I chose to eat it in smaller bites to enjoy the taste over multiple times. But my companion who did eat it in a single bite, told me that this allowed the uni’s sweetness and aroma to spread all throughout his mouth, leaving no space untouched.

This was a dish that really made you crave for more, especially if you’re a fan of uni.

For the final course to end the meal, you had the option of selecting either tembara (tempura over mixed rice) or tempura chazuke (tempura and rice covered with tea or dashi). I chose tembara after having it strongly recommended to me by my companion.

I was not disappointed and also recommend going for the tembara! 

Enyu an Kobayashi offers not only exceptional cuisine but also outstanding service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere which makes you feel at home.

By the time you leave, you’re guaranteed to be pleasantly tipsy (if you indulge in the Sake) and thoroughly satisfied, having enjoyed a truly delightful meal.

Please be sure to experience the delicious tempura and the warm atmosphere at Enyu an Kobayashi in Gion if you ever visit Kyoto.