A Space Rooted in the Art of Infusion

For generations, Kyoto Yamaroku has mastered the craft of saikyo-zuke — miso-marinated fish — and this flagship venue translates that dedication into architectural form. Inspired by the brand’s signature Taru miso — miso fermented in wooden barrels that define its flavor — the concept became “a space with a miso barrel at its heart.”
As a symbol of the brand, a massive barrel hangs from the ceiling, becoming the venue’s focal point. The counter seating evokes the archetypal teishoku-ya in a contemporary way: nine seats arranged in a perfect circle. With the barrel placed at the center and the circular counter arranged around it, the craft of preparation and the experience of dining coexist in a single space.
The circular arrangement evokes the feeling of a communal gathering, the ring-shaped counter adding warmth while a restrained, modern take on traditional Japanese detailing grounds the ambience. Private rooms for four to six guests echo the form of miso barrels tipped on their sides, the intentionally low ceilings creating a sense of intimacy and seclusion. As if dining inside a barrel, the scene is set for a playful experience.
The surrounding hanchiku (rammed earth) walls are given their texture and tone by a mixture of Kyoto earth and the very same miso used in Yamaroku’s saikyo-zuke.
The authenticity of material embodies the brand’s reverence for its ingredients, shaping a venue where every sense is engaged and the tradition of saikyo-zuke becomes experiential.