I was waiting for someone at a newly opened izakaya called Kyoto Izakaya in Ameyoko near Ueno Station, and a pigeon flew in while I was drinking in the middle of the day. Drinking a lemon sour while watching the pigeon was quite an experience. The izakaya serves Chinese cuisine with a Japanese izakaya twist, and I learned a lot. The seafood hot pot had a strong dashi flavor instead of a soy sauce base, which was gentle and delicious. The cucumber and yuba dish had a sesame oil flavor with a hint of spiciness that was irresistible. My friend who was with me also loved it. With just this dish and a lemon sour, I was already satisfied. The dried tofu dish was made by drying tofu and cutting it into noodle-like strips, then seasoning it lightly. It was tasty, but the cucumber and yuba dish stole the show. The lotus root tempura was thicker than expected, but tasted as expected - nothing special.

At Ueno Ameyoko, you can enjoy a casual seafood hot pot at "Kyomii Izakaya". The restaurant is located near the entrance of Ameyoko with lanterns and pandas as its sign. The owner is from Beijing, so the restaurant is named "Kyomii" to represent the taste of Beijing. It is a Chinese-style izakaya with a lively atmosphere that makes you feel like you've wandered into a street in Asia. The menu is extensive, with a recommended dish being the seafood hot pot with plenty of shrimp and mussels. It is served piping hot on a stove, with a rich broth that warms you up from the inside. Another highlight is the lobster roll, with succulent lobster meat sandwiched between buns. The fried dumplings are also delicious. Despite the cold weather, there is no need to worry about ventilation, and you can enjoy a drink in your jacket. The restaurant is popular among young people, possibly coming after work or school. In a time when travel is limited, it feels like a fun Asian trip experience.

Happy New Year! I didn't get a chance to look back on last year, but I have some exciting news to share with my followers in another post! To start off the new year, I want to introduce a lively shop in Ueno's bustling shopping street. It's easy to spot with lots of panda plushies lined up. It's a great place to eat outside in the spring or fall, even though it's a bit chilly. In the winter, they provide small heaters at your feet so you can enjoy your meal without getting cold. The seafood hot pot is packed with flavor and they offer single servings, making it easy for solo diners to enjoy. If you ever find yourself in Ueno, be sure to stop by. ------------- Order ------------- * Mentaiko Negiyakko (Spicy Cod Roe with Green Onion) / 480 yen * Bamboo Ring Cucumber / 480 yen * Squid Legs / 480 yen * Seafood Hot Pot (Small) / 980 yen

Today we went to Ueno. We found a shop on Ameyoko Street with lots of lanterns. The lanterns reminded me of bees attracted to honey, which made me think of honey = alcohol and bees = drinkers. We entered the shop, although we were sitting outside and it was a bit chilly. It would probably be very enjoyable in the summer. We toasted with bottled beer and had peanuts as a snack. The appetizer was yuba (tofu skin) and cucumber, a diverse and tasty combination. Thank you for the meal.