Restaurants open and close all the time in Japan's ever-changing dining landscape. Here's a selection of a few noteworthy new places in Kyoto and Osaka.
Pinyo Shokudo, Kyoto
In Japanese his name is rendered Zen Shoichi, but the 30-something owner prefers it in the Korean, Chun Chang Il. "Sounds more English!" he adds with a laugh. Chun and his wife Sakiko run this newly-opened cozy, bright "Korean Soup Canteen" just a few minutes' walk up Kawabata-dori from Sanjo Keihan Station.