Sometimes a restaurant lives up to all the hype, and Masaichi definitely delivered - nabbing our second-best meal in all of Kyoto (which is saying something in a city full of incredible food). The location near the Hyatt makes it dangerously tempting if you're staying nearby, but trust me, it's worth seeking out even if you're not.

Fair warning: the place is tiny, which adds to the intimate experience but also means you might need to plan ahead for a seat. But once you're in, you're in for a gorgeous dining experience. Every piece of sushi comes out like a tiny work of art, and you can tell they're serious about their craft.