Ayuchaya Hiranoya

While walking back to Arashiyama after visiting Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, I stopped for tea at the historic Ayuchaya Hiranoya (平野屋). The restaurant and teahouse is located near the north end of the machiya-lined Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street in Kyoto's Sagano district near Arashiyama, next to the first torii gate on the ancient pilgrimage route leading up to Atago Shrine on Mount Atago.

The teahouse was built 400 years ago at the beginning of the Edo period and most of the building is original with the newest tatami room dating back to the first half of the 19th century.  The roof is moss-covered thatch and the interior features warmly lit tatami rooms.  To the front is the teahouse and the kaiseki (multi-course meals using seasonal ingredients) restaurant is located in the back. 

Hiranoya started out as an ayu (sweetfish) wholesaler and later began serving dishes with ayu as the main ingredient.  In addition to ayu, Hiranoya also specializes in shinko, a type of dango (rice flour dumpling) specific to the location that is twisted and steamed over a wood fire then topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup).  The twisted shape of the shinko is said to resemble the winding path leading up Mount Atago and it is a popular treat for visitors on pilgrimage to Atago Shrine.  The practice of making shinko had almost been abandoned until the current 14th generation proprietress brought it back.

Everything Hiranoya serves is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the menu changes with the seasons. The sweet sets are also seasonal and served with your choice of matcha or amazake.  Shinko is available in spring, summer, and autumn.  Sakura mochi in two different flavors, including one filled with miso paste, is available in spring.  Yuzu shigure is available in winter.  In addition to kaiseki and sweets, the menu also includes dishes made with ayu, matsutake, and wild vegetables.

The weather was lovely on the day of my visit and I was seated on a bench outside where I could rest and enjoy the scenery.  Sakurayu (cherry blossom tea), was served as soon as I was seated.  

For this visit, I ordered the matcha and shinko set. The tea bowl the matcha was served in had a seasonally appropriate autumn leaf motif.  The shinko had matcha, cinnamon, and plain flavors and was served with generous toppings and a freshly picked stem to use as a pick.  

Service was thoughtful and welcoming and everything was delicious!

Address:
京都市右京区嵯峨鳥居本仙翁町16
Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatoriimoto Sennocho, １６

Hours:

11:30am to 5:00pm Monday-Friday

11:30am to 9:00pm Saturday-Sunday

Check the news page on the official website for planned closures.