Peach Valley - Koka

The Peach Valley restaurant at the Miho Museum offers a variety of vegan or vegetarian-friendly, affordable lunch options. I had the most delicious chilled tofu as part of the rice ball set, which the waiter made sure was vegan by confirming with the kitchen staff about every detail. They also have a bakery counter where they sell sourdough baguettes, loaves, rolls, as well as teas, oils, and more. A complete lunch for two cost 3200 JPY and included options like buckwheat soba, tempura veggies, pickles, green tea, and onigiri. All of the ingredients were perfectly prepared. It's definitely worth visiting during museum hours for lunch, coffee, tea, or dessert. Unlike many museum cafes, this restaurant offers affordable and high-quality food. Location: a day trip from Kyoto in Shiga Prefecture - take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station to Ishiyama, then the Teisan Bus 150 to Miho Museum (bus costs 820 JPY one way), or take the Tozai Subway from Kyoto to Yamashina, transfer to the JR Biwako Line, and then the Ishiyama bus.

Located about an hour outside of Kyoto's city center, nestled in the mountains of Shoga Prefecture, this restaurant feels 95% hidden in nature to create a unique atmosphere. The architecture is stunning and all the dishes are made with biodynamically grown ingredients, resulting in a delicious taste. If you order the spaghetti, be sure to ask for a bit of olive oil, as it adds the perfect finishing touch to the dish (note: olive oil is not available for purchase at the restaurant).