I visited a restaurant called "Shinai Kyo Man Gion" in Gion Shijo this time. It's my fourth visit, but it's my first time having lunch there. It's located on a quiet street off Gion Shijo Street, giving off a sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere like a hidden gem for adults. It's a reservation-only eel restaurant. I ordered the Unagi Donabe Gohan Set for 6,380 yen. First, they served a plate of 5 small dishes, all elegantly prepared and impressive. The second dish was carp sashimi, which was my first time trying, and it was light and delicious without any fishy taste. It became my new favorite. Then, the main dish, Unagi Donabe Gohan, arrived. The rice cooked in a clay pot was topped with eel from Hamanako, grilled in the Kansai style. The eel skin was crispy, and the meat was tender, skillfully grilled by the young chef. They served it in three ways - with sansho pepper, with white leeks and wasabi, and with all the remaining condiments and dashi broth. Each serving was exquisite and delicious. Finally, I had a dessert to finish the meal. The food was delicious, but what stood out the most was their hospitality. Despite my last visit being a year ago, they remembered our previous conversation and even saw me off until I was out of sight. It's a restaurant that truly values each customer. I highly recommend making a reservation and experiencing it yourself.

A rice restaurant in Gion, Kyoto. The atmosphere of the Gion district is truly Japanese and wonderful. The path to the restaurant, as shown in the photos, is through narrow streets, giving a sense of excitement like searching for a secret base. Once inside, the place is full of Kyoto charm with a traditional Japanese feel. The small green courtyard is lovely, and the interior design, including the tables, has a Japanese style that matches the atmosphere. The lighting also makes for great photos. This time, we ordered the eel course, which cost exactly 30,000 yen for two people. The first dish that came out was shown in the first photo - eel jelly, steamed rice with matsutake mushrooms, and eel bone senbei. The steamed rice with matsutake mushrooms, especially with eel, was a perfect match. The crispy eel bone senbei was a nice touch. The flavor of the eel jelly was impressive. Next, we had eel and matsutake mushroom hot pot. It was refreshing yet had a deep flavor from the eel and matsutake mushrooms. It was very comforting. Carp sashimi with vinegar miso was next. I don't eat carp often, but it seems common in Kyoto. The vinegar miso paired perfectly with the carp. Eel, fig, and shishito pepper tempura was delicious. The eel tempura was fluffy, and all the tempura was excellent. The fig felt like a dessert, and the cinnamon aroma was delightful. The seasoning was meticulous. The main dish was eel. It was crispy, tender, and you could savor it slowly. The plum jelly and eel combination was unique and tasty. The eel rice in a clay pot was outstanding, making you want to come back for it. We ate the first bowl normally, added green onions and wasabi to the second bowl, and had it hittsumabushi-style for the third bowl as ochazuke. The dashi brought out the deliciousness of the eel. The combination of sauce and dashi was great.

The hitsumabushi in the clay pot was delicious. We don't drink, so we felt like it took a long time until the rice was ready, but when the lid of the clay pot was opened, the good smell of the eel instantly relaxed our faces. The attentive eye of the brisk landlady allowed us to enjoy the rice without stress, and we were able to have a second and third helping. After paying the bill, even though they were busy, they came outside to see us off, making our long-awaited family meal a pleasant experience. I would like to visit this restaurant again each season.

I made a reservation and visited on the Midsummer Day of the Ox. I had a grilled eel set meal (regular size) with liver. The eel from Lake Hamana was grilled white before being glazed with sauce, which is a Kansai-style grilling method. The fact that the price is the same for both lunch and dinner is a great point! The restaurant is located on Gion Shijo-dori, where the streets are paved with cobblestones, and it is a traditional townhouse tucked away in a narrow alley, allowing you to fully experience the atmosphere of Kyoto.

During my trip to Kyoto, I made a reservation and had eel. The skin was crispy and had a chewy texture, quite different from the steamed eel in Kanto. The sauce was sweet and delicious. I ate at a table on the second floor. When I left, they saw me off until I disappeared into the distance, which was surprising. I felt sorry for them in the heat. If I have the chance, I would visit again.

I visited a restaurant that I had been curious about. It is located deep in a back alley in Gion Shimbashi. The eel rice bowl in the regular size was incredibly generous. It is served in a Kansai-style with a crispy texture. Surprisingly, the sauce was on the lighter side, so I finished it in no time. The rice, cooked in an earthenware pot, was shiny and delicious. Although I felt like having the typical Nara pickles, I was happy with the generous serving of pickles. I heard they also offer courses, but there are plenty of delicious dishes to enjoy individually as well. I found a great eel restaurant.

During my trip to Kyoto, I decided to have eel for dinner, so I searched for a restaurant and found Imadaya Manda Gion online. When I called around 4 pm, they said they only accept reservations, but they could serve me an eel rice bowl. I ordered it, and it was delicious! The eel was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the leaf on top was also tasty. The entrance of the restaurant was very charming, adding to the overall experience. I will definitely make a reservation next time to try their full course meal, but honestly, I was already completely satisfied with the eel rice bowl.笑

I used this restaurant for lunch with my mother. We were guided to the second floor, where it was in a private reservation state. The eel was very tender, and the amount of rice was just right, making it delicious until the end. The farewell was impressive as they bowed their heads until we turned the corner. If I have to say one thing, having a view of the garden or opening the shoji screens for a more open atmosphere would enhance the ambiance. Thank you very much.

Knowing that it was hard to find, we managed to locate the restaurant. The staff mentioned that they are a hidden gem, hence the lack of a prominent sign. Despite this, the place was packed. It's not often that you get the chance to try fried eel, so it was a valuable experience with amazing flavors. The rice was also a highlight - the portion shown in the photo was meant for three people, but each person could easily have three bowls. They serve it for you, so you don't have to worry about dividing it yourself. It was enjoyable to try different ways of eating the rice with the eel. Personally, letting it cool a bit after dipping it in broth enhanced the flavor for me. Overall, I was very satisfied with the experience.

I was really looking forward to visiting Hiyopari because I love Kansai-style eel. I had the lunch hot pot course which included five assorted appetizers, carpaccio, eel hot pot rice, and dessert. I thought the portion would be too much, but I ate it all up easily. The impact of the eel hot pot was amazing, it looked delicious just by looking at it! I enjoyed it three ways: first as is, then with condiments, and finally with the broth poured over it. It was like enjoying Hitsumabushi! The eel was crispy on the outside and tender inside, it was incredibly delicious! Next time, I want to try the eel rice bowl or grilled eel. I really found a eel restaurant that I love!

On the night of December 31, 2022, on New Year's Eve, I went to the Gion North Side Shinbashi area. I visited "Kyo Ban" where the owner, Toshiishi, who had trained at the legendary now-closed restaurant "Giin Rakuraku," was showcasing his skills. I had a seat at the counter directly in front of Toshiishi. Starting with "Bom" Gold Junmai Daiginjo, I enjoyed a dish of live eel prepared in Kansai-style kabayaki. As my last meal of 2022, I indulged in the special "Genpei Unaju" which consisted of one tail of kabayaki and one tail of shirayaki eel served in a stacked box. Before the eel was grilled, I also enjoyed eel liver and deep-fried eel bones. The presentation of the "Genpei Unaju" surprised everyone at the counter, and I even allowed a photo to be taken. The meal was truly spectacular. I paired the shirayaki with "Gangi" Junmai Ginjo and "Shinkai" Junmai sake, savoring each bite. With the accompaniments of liver, pickles, and wasabi, I finished the entire dish without getting tired of the flavors. After a satisfying meal, I left the restaurant feeling content and ready to welcome the new year. It was a luxurious way to end 2022 with a delicious "Unaju" meal.

This restaurant, originating from Rakuraku, is where I visited this time. Nearby, there is also Goshominami Kamata, which is also from Rakuraku. I often go to Kamata, but it has been a while since I visited this place! This time, it's the season for matsutake mushrooms, so even though it's an eel specialty shop, I chose the Matsutake Course for 20,000 yen. Of course, since the matsutake course is 20,000 yen, it's not domestically produced but from China (laughs). Cheers to the Matsutake Course starting! Matsutake and eel chawanmushi, matsutake and kikuna ohitashi, matsutake and conger eel doburoku, Hokkaido natural buri, matsutake and fig fry, grilled matsutake, matsutake and black wagyu sukiyaki, matsutake rice, and a dessert. It was water-based. Even though it's not domestically produced but from China, I'm happy to be able to eat so many matsutake mushrooms. Thank you for the delicious meal!

When it comes to eating eel, this place is the best. I don't want to spread the word too much as it may get crowded and hard to make a reservation, but I must introduce this renowned restaurant. Located in a traditional Kyoto townhouse at the end of a narrow alleyway, the interior is beautifully designed and clean. On the first floor, you can see the garden and kitchen. Be sure to take off your shoes before entering. The specialty here is a large pot of delicious eel over rice. The open kitchen allows you to watch the preparation and grilling process, which is like watching a show due to the skillful hands of the chefs. Even if you're not a fan of the smell of eel, you must try it here as it is completely odorless and full of flavor. The eel here is grilled to perfection. The skin is crispy while the flesh melts in your mouth like snow. I thought the key to enjoying eel was the sauce, but the light and flavorful sauce here really enhances the richness of the eel. This experience shattered my preconception and made me appreciate eel in a whole new way. As we left, the staff saw us off to the corner of the alley, showing their warm hospitality. This wonderful restaurant not only serves delicious food but also provides a heartwarming experience that makes you want to come back. Thank you for the meal.

Kyoto in full bloom with cherry blossoms. The restaurant we were aiming for was already fully booked. Luckily, we found an available spot and made a reservation immediately. The conclusion is that it was very delicious. The Kansai-style eel is usually something that gives me indigestion, so I don't eat it often, but this was different. The skin was grilled until crispy, and it seemed like they were removing as much oil as possible while grilling, resulting in a fluffy texture inside that I've never experienced with eel before. The grilled white eel was perfect as a snack with sake, crispy and fluffy. The appetizer of five dishes was also perfectly balanced. It gave me the energy I needed for a day of walking around Kyoto sightseeing. I apologize for being late at the end because I couldn't find the restaurant location.

The vaccine-hesitant wife decided to get vaccinated after eating something delicious. We had a great lunch course, with non-alcoholic drinks. The dishes were full of flavor and would make great appetizers. The meal included eel simmered in gelatin, herring roe and celery, kelp and taro stew, eel liver, and butter-wrapped dried persimmons. Everything was delicious, especially the eel liver which went well with sake. The carp sashimi was rich and elegant. The eel rice in a pot for two was served in a single pot, with the chef serving it to prevent any fights. The rice was cooked in the pot, topped with freshly grilled eel, and then covered to finish. The sauce and crispy rice were perfect in the dish. The eel was not steamed, following a Kansai style. The size of the eel was just right, as larger eels would have tougher skin. The skin was fatty and delicious. The mochi with arrowroot was mildly sweet and even I, who dislikes sweet things, enjoyed it. The atmosphere of the restaurant, located in a narrow alley in Gion, was charming. The young handsome chef saw us off, which was a nice touch. The eel dish alone was worth it, and I would love to visit again.

Located in Gion, this eel restaurant is tucked away in a narrow alley, just like a sleeping place for eels. I ordered the eel hot pot course, and the first course of five items included simmered gelatin, black beans, kwai, and seasonal delicacies. I had eel sashimi for the first time and it was surprisingly easy to eat and delicious, probably because of this restaurant. The eel hot pot rice, which was the highlight, was simply amazing. They showed us the freshly cooked rice and served it in three different ways - plain, with white leeks and wasabi, and topped with seaweed and broth. I have to say, it was truly outstanding. The dessert at the end was also very delicious. The atmosphere of the restaurant was very pleasant and welcoming, I wished I could have stayed longer.

When you come to Kyoto, do you ever wonder what to eat? It's nice to have Kyoto cuisine all day, but it's also good to have something that can give you a big energy boost! There is a unique eel restaurant in Gion! Here, surprisingly, there is a counter where the staff will fillet the eel right in front of you! It's not something you see often! Of course, there are also table seats, but personally, I recommend the counter seats! It's not a bad idea to eat eel in Kyoto before heading home!

♡【Toki Nyan Today Man】♡ A shop where you can enjoy eel in Gion, Kyoto ♥♡ Unaju ♡ Today, we celebrated Meichan's 22nd birthday (* ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)” The shop is located a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station in Kyoto and a 5-minute walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station. It is located in a narrow alley off the Kamogawa River (՞•֊•՞). The flower capital "Kyoto" in the heart of Gion is picturesque (⸝⸝- -⸝⸝). Even if you don't come to this shop, I hope you visit Gion when you come to Kyoto ⸜( ⍢ )⸝ It can be a bit difficult to find as it is a narrow alley off the main street ( ⍨ ) Look for the eel mark at the entrance! ♡ The interior of the shop has 5 counter seats and 2 table seats, creating a cozy atmosphere ( ^＿^ )♡ You can see a traditional Kyoto garden from the window, making it a recommended spot for those who want to experience Kyoto vibes! Due to the solemn atmosphere, it may be difficult to engage in group conversations and such (߹ㅁ߹)♡ Since there were no other customers besides us at the time, I cannot provide detailed information, but due to the calm atmosphere, parents with children may need to be considerate (^^;♡ We had pre-ordered the Unaju when making a reservation, so we also ordered Oolong tea! (I want to be an adult who can enjoy beer or sake at this point（ ; ; ）) The eel was a whole piece and the liver was delicious, served with pickles. It is said to be eel from Hamanako, very fragrant and tasty. It is a Kansai-style dish, so it is cooked without steaming after being grilled and then coated with sauce←This is important. It is cooked slowly on one side without flipping it multiple times, resulting in no unpleasant smell between the skin and flesh (๑⃙⃘ˊ꒳​ˋ๑⃙). The crispy skin and juicy flesh of the Kansai-style eel were very delicious! When you remove the lid of the bowl, the liver of the eel is also beautifully presented⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆ The pickles, especially the pickled cabbage, were delicious, and the ratio of sauce to rice was perfect*( ᐛ )و♡ When leaving, we were escorted to the exit and the staff bowed to us until we turned the corner. This is the hospitality of a popular Kyoto shop, and it was truly impressive´- This kind of hospitality makes you love the shop even more (˶ˊᵕˋ˵) When you hear Gion, you may think of shops that are not welcoming to first-time customers, but this shop was friendly and wonderful to us, a group of two students ♥♡ Shop Name: Toki Nyan Today Man Reservation: By appointment only Access: 5-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station, 318m from Gion Shijo Station Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00) Closed: Irregular holidays ♡ #TokiNyanTodayMan #Eel

I had lunch! Course name: Our specialty! Eel hot pot rice course - Seasonal 5-point assortment - Sashimi - Eel hot pot rice - Pickles - Sweet appetizer. Among them, I personally like the spring dishes the most! The eel ham was delicious! The sashimi was carp, which was tasty with vinegar miso. The main dish was the eel hot pot rice!! It's a must-try for eel lovers. The aroma of sansho pepper stimulates the appetite! The first bowl is as is, the second bowl with condiments, and the third bowl with dashi poured over it. The eel is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce and dashi have a gentle and elegant Kyoto-like flavor! The dessert was uguisu mochi, which goes well with warm hojicha tea. I definitely want to visit this restaurant again.

A few years ago, the beloved restaurant Rakuraku in Nagoya closed down. One of my favorite chefs in Nagoya actually trained at Rakuraku. This chef is still young but very skilled. For lunch, they mainly serve eel rice bowls, but if you make a reservation in advance, you can enjoy their omakase course for dinner. Due to the pandemic, Gion was completely empty, so we had the restaurant all to ourselves. We started with a toast and then began the omakase course: eel ham, crab and yuba turnip soup, seared saury, bonito, conger eel, fugu skin, eel, firefly squid rice, and dessert. The eel ham was surprisingly delicious, and the crab and yuba soup was also very tasty. The main eel dish was served one large eel per person, grilled with a crispy skin and tender flesh. I finished every last bite without getting tired of it. The firefly squid rice at the end was also very satisfying. I definitely want to visit this restaurant again. Thank you for the delicious meal!