Nestled at the base of Mount Hiei, Moksa is enveloped by the tranquility of nature, with verdant greenery and crisp, fresh air enveloping the surroundings. Our stay in the Garden suite provided us with a quaint balcony offering picturesque views of the moss garden and the majestic Mount Hiei. The Japanese-style rooms boasted ample space in the living area and the expansive bathroom, allowing us to unwind and immerse ourselves in the serene ambiance.
With only one restaurant on-site, MALA, guests can savor wood-fired grill cuisine while enjoying breathtaking vistas through wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush garden and the mountainous landscape.
Our dinner consisted of a 7-course menu.
Soft-shelled turtle, green olive, Shiitake mushroom
The steamed egg custard was silky and delicate. The bread had a thin crust, fragrant with a subtle hint of nuttiness, offering a soft and chewy texture.
Local vegetable, Dried mullet roe
The salad was a delightful surprise, offering a captivating mix of flavors. Its vibrant colors made it incredibly enticing, while the addition of roe provided a rich umami flavor and added depth to the dish.
Sea bream, spring cabbage, Hassaku orange
The cabbage cooked over the grill intensified its natural sweetness, adding vibrancy and soulfulness to its taste. It’s truly the sweetest cabbage I’ve ever tasted. The sea bream was cooked to perfection, offering a fresh and delicate taste. Dressed in a light Mousseline Sauce with Hassaku oranges, it allowed the fish’s natural flavors to shine through.
Chicken, Sweet potato, Balsamic vinegar
The chicken was cooked perfectly, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a lovely, savory skin. A sweet potato with a smokey skin accompanied it, adding depth to its flavor profile. Drizzled with a balsamic dressing, each bite offered a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.
Smoked brown rice, Canola flower, Buckwheat seeds
This dish was the pièce de résistance. The smoked brown rice was exceptional. It was rich yet not unctuous, almost like a lighter risotto. The dish, in its entirety, was seasoned beautifully with an excellent depth of flavor, with the parmesan cheese adding the perfect finishing touch.
Strawberry, petit four
At the end of our meal, a thoughtful gesture awaited us: each of us received a box of Inari sushi to enjoy later as a snack in our room.
Moksa
Website: https://moksa.jp/
Telephone: 075-744-1001
Address: 601-1255 , Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Kami-Takano Higashiyama 65
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