Originally erected in 1899 as Baron Shozo Kawasaki’s summerhouse, Kyo-Suiran combines Meiji Era architecture with contemporary lighting and seating for remarkably authentic and comfortable dining experiences.

Intrinsic to Japanese design, an indoor-outdoor aesthetic is fostered by floor-to-ceiling windows, offering optimal, unobstructed views of the tranquil Arashiyama hills and Hozu River—only a stone walkway beneath the eaves separates the house from the surrounding gardens.

Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams crafted of entire tree trunks demonstrate a reverence for natural timber, while shoji screens, original art, and precious calligraphy by Masayoshi Matsukata further enhance the distinctive character of this traditional 19th-century residence.

Saryo Hassui is a waterside dining destination, idyllically situated along the regal Hozu River. Shaded by a lush natural canopy and a thatched straw roof, indoor and outdoor terrace seating areas are surrounded by panoramic views of the enchanting Arashiyama hills.

The café is housed in a 100-year-old building that was erected for 19th-century poets, and much of the original artwork remains, along with a collection of calligraphic poems composed on the walls. The gentle whisper of the river below and the ever-changing seasonal landscape continues to inspire guests today.

Open for afternoon service, the menu features handmade Japanese sodas and snacks, including hisui-mochi—a matcha-filled confection inspired by the greenery of Arashiyama.