01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
A colorful tray of skewered tempura catches the eye the moment it arrives at the table. Located in Saga-Yanagicho, Maikohan Arashiyama is known for its sixteen-variety bite-sized tempura set. Lightly battered and fried crisp on petite skewers, the options range from classic Kyoto staples like yuba (tofu skin), sweet Manganji peppers, and eggplant to prawn, sea bream, conger eel, and chicken tempura seasoned with either salt or soy sauce. The ability to select your favorite ingredients adds a playful touch to the meal, with an assortment of salts and condiments ready to accompany each bite.
Served alongside the skewers is a nourishing dobin-mushi, an earthen teapot filled with sea bream dashi. Diners can sip the piping-hot broth directly from a small cup, ladle it over rice to make dashi chazuke, or drizzle it over tempura for a custom bowl. Rice refills are available for those with bigger appetites. To conclude the meal, a refreshing dessert such as umeshu plum wine jelly offers a clean, gentle finish.
With peaceful river views from the dining room windows, the restaurant offers an unhurried retreat from the crowded sightseeing corridors. Service focuses mainly on lunch, and reserving ahead is recommended to secure a table. A selection of beverages, including local craft beer, makes it a pleasant place to linger during an excursion through Arashiyama.
