Junko Sakaguchi is the okami (proprietress) of Sanso Kyoyamato, a historic ryotei nestled in the Higashiyama foothills. In 2025, she was honored with the MICHELIN Service Award for her exceptional hospitality, extended with care and attention to both domestic and international guests. With a quiet presence that reflects Kyoto’s deep-rooted sense of beauty and tradition, Sakaguchi-san treasures the places that offer her calm and inspiration amid busy days. Here, she shares the special Kyoto spots she visits to pause, reflect, and restore her senses.
Where do you go when you want to unwind?
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens. It’s expansive and never too crowded, so I can always find a quiet corner to enjoy a picnic with a glass of wine. I love seeing the seasonal flowers — tulips and cherry blossoms are especially beautiful in spring. Sometimes I also stop by Malebranche Kitayama Main Store nearby for cake and tea. The tearoom has a relaxed atmosphere and offers seasonal sweets, baked treats, and original tea blends — perfect for a peaceful break.
Is there a place you visit to gain inspiration?
Kyoto has many wonderful museums, but my favorite is the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art. I even have an annual pass and look forward to the seasonal exhibitions. I also enjoy the Hosomi Museum for its thoughtful displays and calming space. If I have time, I sometimes go further to the Fukuda Art Museum in Arashiyama.
I’ve traveled abroad often with my family since childhood, and our trips were often guided by our desire to visit art museums. I still remember my mother reserving restaurants with the MICHELIN Guide in hand — it made food a joy of travel as well. Visiting museums remains one of the most precious things I do.
Where do you feel the seasons most vividly?
The garden at Nanzen-ji Temple is a favorite. In the season of fresh greenery, walking the stone paths around the aqueduct has a calming effect. I also love strolling along Gion Shirakawa after work. During cherry blossom season, the area is beautifully lit in the evenings, and it’s quiet enough for a peaceful walk.
Where do you go for a quiet drink?
Cave de K is a hidden bar near The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. I love that they serve magnum-sized champagne by the glass. It pairs wonderfully with cheese and small bites, and the atmosphere and service are always impeccable. When I want to relax, I drop by and order the cheese platter — it arrives on a board filled with a rich variety of cheeses, sometimes even two boards. It’s a little indulgence that gently eases the mind.
What’s your favorite café?
Teahouse Assam near Ginkaku-ji is a place I love for its warm and tranquil atmosphere. The owner’s aesthetic touches every detail—from moss and flowers to the teacups. The cucumber sandwich might seem unusual, but the paper-thin slices and hint of balsamic are surprisingly delicious. I also enjoy the avocado, cottage cheese, and marmalade sandwich for its gentle flavor. Their scones and royal milk tea are lovely too. Surrounded by greenery, with carefully brewed tea, I always feel my heart relax there.
There’s also a bar called Bar Kun, which operates on a referral basis. It’s owned by the same person as Cave de K, and I sometimes visit during the day for coffee. The interior is stunning — it feels like a work of art, from the fabric-draped ceiling and ocean-worn stones to the way the light pours in.
Do you have a go-to neighborhood restaurant?
Kanton Shunsai Ikki is a Chinese restaurant I often visit. Every dish is beautifully prepared and delicious. I particularly enjoy the stir-fried squid and asparagus, shrimp wontons, and seasonal soups. Each plate is so carefully made that I always end up ordering too much. It’s casual yet deeply satisfying — I’m grateful to have a place like this nearby.
If you could spend an ideal day in this neighborhood, how would it look?
This Higashiyama area is rich in history, and you can walk from Kodaiji Temple through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera. In spring, some guests enjoy the Miyako Odori in Gion before returning here for dinner. The Park Hyatt Kyoto is just next door, and staying in this neighborhood offers a slow, immersive experience of Kyoto.
Hero Image: Portrait of Junko Sakaguchi. © Colin Wee/The MICHELIN Guide
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