Mizai

The story

Mizai Kyoto: Japanese Tea Kaiseki in Higashiyama-ku, Three Michelin Stars

Mizai, at 613 Maruyamacho in Kyoto's Higashiyama-ku, is a Japanese restaurant that earned three Michelin stars for exceptional cuisine in 2026. The kitchen works in tea kaiseki, and the restaurant sits within the grounds of Maruyamakoen park.

Tea kaiseki under one chef

Ishihara Hitoshi is the owner and chef. Every guest begins the meal together at 18:00, and the menu runs for about three hours so each course arrives at its best moment. Gault&Millau awarded the restaurant 18 points for 2026, a score that reflects the same careful pacing.

Spices and the room

For the restaurant's 22nd anniversary in 2026, Mizai began selling a house spice blend called Hachimi. It combines eight domestic spices, blended to the owner's taste. Dinner can also be taken in a private tea room, and the restaurant asks guests to dress in smart casual or better, with kimono welcome.