Chef Kenya Sakai was born in Aomori in 1990. After attending culinary school in Osaka, he worked at Kikunoi Honten in Kyoto. He then studied not only Japanese cuisine, but also sushi, Chinese cuisine and other innovative methods in New York and Kyoto before opening his own restaurant in Kyoto’s Okazaki area. His concept is ‘cuisine that reflects modern Japan.’ He constantly works to bring joy to his customers with cuisine inspired by all kinds of Japanese food culture, from local home cooking to convenience store snacks.
Kyo Seika
‘This restaurant is run by Shizuo Miyamoto, my mentor in Chinese cuisine. I never get tired of the refined Chinese dishes served here. Chef Miyamoto’s cuisine shows incredible talent and sophistication, and every dish I try is delicious. Whenever I eat at Kyo Seika, I’m inspired by how the cuisine remains loyal to Chinese tradition yet is always evolving. The restaurant’s warm hospitality also lets me relax and feel at home.’
This Chinese restaurant in Okazaki is counter seating only, and experiencing the dynamic work of the skillful Chef Miyamoto up close with all your senses is part of the dining experience. Combining the old and the new, he is in continual pursuit of knowledge, even putting together dishes based on what he sees in old writings. Come and experience Chef Miyamoto’s latest creations for yourself.
2F, 36-3 Okazaki Enshojicho Sakyo-ku
SUiU
‘This is the flower shop of Tomonori Tsujimoto, who arranges the flowers used at Kenya. His natural and dynamic style is truly one of a kind. He even personally goes out to pick wildflowers for us, allowing us to use rare flowers not sold at typical flower shops to convey a seasonal sensibility.’
A flower shop in Okazaki. The shop’s name, SUiU, means ‘green rain’ and refers to rain pouring down onto green leaves. Florist Tomonori Tsujimoto hopes that the wildflowers will rejuvenate people’s hearts, just as the rain becomes a source of life for the soil, plants, and animals. Tell Mr. Tsujimoto your vision, preferred colours, and specific situation, and leave the rest to his talent and skill.
18-6 Okazaki Tokuseicho Sakyo-ku
Utsuwaya Akane
‘This shop selling dishes crafted by contemporary artists is run by Hiroko Kaji, wife of Takaaki Kaji who owns Kaji’s Antiques. It is located in a historic spot along the road leading worshippers to Nanzen-ji Temple. There are works from so many different artists, and choosing something to buy is really fun. I get inspiration for my cooking from the many lovely dishes here.’
A small ceramics and dishes shop on the corner of the Nanzen-ji Temple intersection. Carefully chosen in line with Hiroko Kaji’s sensibilities, these pieces are not just for collection but also for practical use. These dishes that make an ordinary day extraordinary are patiently waiting for their turn to shine.
83-1 Nanzenji Fukuchicho Sakyo-ku
Cafe Kocsi
‘I’ve been a regular at this cafe ever since moving to Kyoto. The second floor has a pleasant breeze and lots of books, so I often find myself losing track of time and staying for long periods. What’s great about this cafe is the bread baked by owner Naoto Tsubokura who trained in France, and I’m especially a huge fan of his pain au sucre. When I first opened Kenya, he gave me one as large as my face to celebrate! I still remember it fondly as the most delightful gift.’
A bakery and cafe close to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station with the motto ‘taking the basics seriously.’ Go up to the second floor of the multi-tenant building to enjoy this welcoming and comfortable space. You can also walk there from Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, Nishiki Market, and more, so it’s the perfect place to take a moment to rest and refresh while sightseeing or shopping.
2F,123 Fukunagacho Nakagyo-ku
Greengrocery's (Hare Tokidoki Ame Nochi Oyasai)
‘Sumiya Kaori, who always brings fresh vegetables to Kenya, also operates this Sunday-only greengrocery full of seasonal vegetables from various parts of Kyoto, such as Ohara. She’s also happy to offer useful tips about how best to prepare them.’
This greengrocery in the Murasakino area of Kyoto’s Kita Ward near Daitoku-ji Temple is only open on Sundays. In line with their slogan, ‘bringing you smiles and vegetables,’ products from this store also show customers the environment where the vegetables were grown and the thoughts of their producers. Kyoto residents, visitors staying at accommodations equipped with kitchens, and travellers looking to have fruit for breakfast will all want to visit this shop.
23-1 Murasakino Shimotoridacho
ETRA
‘This cafe was opened by an owner-chef with experience in a famous French restaurant. I always come here when I’m craving something sweet during my breaks or days off. Eating here always cheers me up and energises me because all the foods are delicious and the atmosphere is bright and positive.’
This riverside cafe in Okazaki brings an authentic sense of French esprit to Kyoto.
Chef-pâtissière Terada graduated from confectionary school in Paris and trained at restaurants and patisseries around the city. You have to try her canalés and whimsical desserts. The windows are kept open on fine days so that guests can relax in the fresh air.
19-2 Shogoin Rengezocho Sakyo-ku
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
‘An art museum focused on Japanese art and craftworks. I really enjoy just browsing the museum’s regular collection. You can see the impressive orange torii gate of Heian Shrine from the window at the front of the collection gallery. You can also see Mt. Hiei and the Higashiyama mountain range. And in addition to the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, this Okazaki area where Kenya is located also offers many other cultural spaces, such as the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, the Kyoto Prefectural Library and ROHM Theatre Kyoto, for a diverse range of cultural experiences.’
This art museum features not just paintings and sculptures, but also woodblock prints, woodwork, design, architecture, photography, and film. It is particularly devoted to highlighting world-renowned traditional craftworks from Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital.
26-1 Okazaki Enshojicho Sakyo-ku
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