Kyoto Higashi-ji Kawauo specialty store "Funasue". Basically, it's for takeout, but there's a secret - there's a raised seating area in the back where you can eat. We had the charcoal-grilled eel bowl for 1700 yen each, plus the liver sucking for 300 yen each. Of course, we also had the digestif for 400 yen each. The eel bowl was just the right amount, with a deliciously sweet sauce and piping hot Kansai-style grilling. The liver sucking had a hint of ginger and a soft, chewy texture, with delicious liver. They sell freshly grilled eel at the storefront, priced between 2100-2600 yen depending on weight. Oh, and my wife splurged on buying freshly grilled eel as a gift for our son's birthday on May 25th.

This year, I also visited the Shokokuji Temple for the New Year's Kobo Daishi ceremony. One of the highlights was the eel dish at "Fumatsu," a restaurant with a Showa-era atmosphere. I arrived a bit early around 10 o'clock, so there were few customers. I ordered the "Mamushi" (eel on rice for 1,200 yen) which had the same price as last year. I also tried the "Hachiman Maki" (eel wrapped in burdock for 500 yen) sold at the restaurant. The eel dish was half a portion, with slightly less rice, and a sweet sauce. The Hachiman Maki, with eel wrapped in burdock, was surprisingly good. Eating eel at "Fumatsu" has become a small pleasure for me on the day of Kobo Daishi.

I went to Toji Temple on a Saturday holiday because I didn't want to stay cooped up in my cramped hotel room while waiting to move into my company housing in Osaka on February 1st. I took the Keihan and Kintetsu trains to get to Toji Temple. Instead of going straight into the temple, I first stopped at "Funa Suet" near the gate to have eel rice bowl. Normally, they only sell their eel dishes at the storefront, but on Kobo Daishi's day, you can eat inside the restaurant. The dining area had a nostalgic atmosphere with old-fashioned tatami mats. I paid in cash at the counter and ordered the 1,200 yen eel rice bowl called "Mamushi." It was served in a simple manner, more like a light meal. The eel was cooked to perfection and looked delicious. Although I didn't get completely full, I enjoyed the eel from this long-established restaurant before heading to Kobo Daishi's temple.

Shoho at Toji Temple was crowded with many outdoor stalls and people despite the rain. Near the bus stop close to Toji Temple, I found a shop grilling eels in a bold manner. Not just one or two, but about ten eels at once. Although I had already decided on a lunch spot, I was curious and asked about the possibility of dining there and the price. It turned out that meals were served in the back, and a bowl of eel rice cost 1200 yen. I decided to change my plans and dine there. In the back of the shop, there were tatami rooms with about four to five tables. The menu only consisted of eel rice for 1200 yen and soup for 300 yen. When I ordered, it came out quickly. It looked unimpressive and the portion seemed average for the price. I tried it, but the eel rice was cold, thin, and sweet, which didn't suit my taste.

Near To-ji Temple, there is a river fish restaurant where you can only dine inside during Kobo-san. I visited after a long time and the back tatami room serves as the dining area. I arrived around 10 a.m. and it was still empty, with only one other customer. They offer dishes like mamushi-don, otsumami, and liver soup. This time, I had carp sashimi. The quiet atmosphere and freshly grilled eel bowl were delightful. It may feel a bit pricey, especially with the recent high prices of eel, but the exclusivity of only being available during Kobo-san adds to the special experience. A little luxury once in a while. I think it's nice.