Junko Sakaguchi

Okami (Owner), Sanso Kyoyamato (Kyoto, Japan)

Junko Sakaguchi is the 7th generation okami (owner) of Sanso Kyoyamato, a historic ryotei nestled in the Kyoto Higashiyama foothills. Junko attended university in Tokyo before studying at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. After returning to Kyoto in 2013 Junko took over her family business and In 2025, she was honored with the MICHELIN Service Award for her exceptional hospitality, and at the same time Sanso Kyoyamato was awarded its second star. 2027 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Sanso Kyoyamato and Junko is excited to kick off the next 150 years nurturing and protecting the traditional Kyoyamato culinary preparations while innovating for generations to come. Instagram: @kyoyamato_official