I researched this restaurant for bamboo shoot dishes for lunch in Kyoto in spring. It seemed like the only way to get there was by taxi as it was far from the station, but it looked like a place where you could enjoy bamboo shoot dishes. I visited on a weekday afternoon. The first impression upon arrival was that of a hidden gem restaurant. I passed through the gate, took off my shoes at the entrance of the restaurant, and was guided by the staff to a private tatami room where I could overlook the garden. Although it was a private room, each person had their own table and chair set, and the room was designed for four people. I had pre-ordered a bamboo shoot bento box for 5,000 yen (excluding tax and service charge) as I had plans for dinner later. Despite it being a weekday, there were groups of 4 and 6 dining customers, and as I watched them enter the restaurant from the entrance, the eagerly awaited bamboo shoot bento box arrived. The bento box included various bamboo shoot dishes like bamboo shoot miso, rolled omelet with bamboo shoot, grilled salmon with tree buds, simmered sweet beans, spicy simmered red konjac, bamboo shoot sashimi, pickled bamboo shoot, and more. The overall impression was that "bamboo shoots are so delicious." The texture was perfectly adjusted in each dish, with no bitterness. The umami of the bamboo shoots was undeniable. The surprising texture of the bamboo shoots, which felt like a completely different ingredient, was essential to understanding the deliciousness. The process of harvesting bamboo shoots involves fertilizing the entire field after the harvest and letting it settle for several weeks, making the bamboo shoots grown the following year tender. The freshness and unique taste of bamboo shoots harvested through this process contribute to their exceptional flavor. One interesting dish was bamboo shoot sashimi, where bamboo shoots are sliced and eaten raw. The slight sweetness and refreshing taste were intriguing. The experience of tasting bamboo shoots in various dishes, such as simmered dishes, miso-marinated dishes, and tempura, highlighted the versatility and deliciousness of bamboo shoots. Each dish showcased the bamboo shoots as the star ingredient. The unique texture and flavor of the bamboo shoots made every bite a delightful experience.

The bamboo shoots had no bitterness at all. They were delicious and enjoyable with various cooking methods.

This is an established long-standing restaurant, with a history dating back to the fifth year of the Meiji era, known for its bamboo shoot cuisine. It seems that reservations are required for the rooms in the Meiji-era building, which is located near a bamboo grove. The restaurant was mistakenly registered as "Uokai" on Tabelog, so there were no reviews until now (June 21, 2009). Upon entering through the curtain, passing through the garden, and leaving our shoes, we were led to the back tatami room. This time, there was a party of about 20 people (lunch). Each person was provided with a small low table and a chair, making it easy for elderly or physically challenged individuals. Although it was hot outside, the tatami room had just the right amount of air conditioning. In the back, there was a TV that seemed to have been placed there about 20 years ago. We ordered a course meal that cost over 10,000 yen, which included fish dishes such as sea bream, conger eel, and two other types of fish that I can't remember. Since it was June, there were not many bamboo shoots, and fish dishes were the main focus. I also tried "osuimen" for the first time, but it was nothing special in terms of taste. Overall, the food was delicious, but not particularly outstanding. The atmosphere in the serene back tatami room was very pleasant. I'm not from Kyoto, so I'm not sure if I'll have the opportunity to visit again, but it was a very nice restaurant. Thank you for the meal.

When I went to Kyoto for a memorial service, I had lunch there. It was very hot and humid, so I was drawn to a restaurant with a cool and refreshing atmosphere. I really enjoyed the dish called "simmered conger eel," which is a specialty served with plum paste. It was great to enjoy some eel and sake together. The bamboo shoot rice was also incredibly delicious. My family and relatives, including my aunts and uncles, were all very satisfied with the elegant and gentle flavors of the dishes at Uoka-san.

In the peak of April flowers, bamboo shoots also reach their peak season. At Shogoin Temple, famous for its weeping cherry blossoms, we enjoyed the stunning cherry blossoms before heading to Uo Kasa. It is said that this time of year, both lunch and dinner are always fully booked. Understandably so, as you can enjoy delicious bamboo shoot dishes at a very reasonable price. Due to my elderly parents, opting for a bento box at 4 pm was more suitable than a full course meal. Even at this dinner time, being able to order a bento box is convenient for seniors. The Matsuhana-do bento box comes with various dishes beautifully presented, including appetizers, bamboo shoot salad, sashimi, and bamboo shoot tempura. The bamboo shoots in the sashimi were sweet and delicious, almost better enjoyed on their own. The bento box is almost like a full course meal with bamboo shoots. The value for money is excellent. However, it would have been better if we could have requested the same server each time for a more seamless experience. It was a bit challenging to order drinks and food from the side tatami room near the garden. Some improvement in this area would be appreciated. I would love to visit again in the spring to savor the cherry blossoms and bamboo shoots.

This is a long-established restaurant known for its bamboo shoot dishes, often featured in the media. The website also includes information on media coverage, suggesting they enjoy the spotlight. Kyoto's specialty bamboo shoots are featured in seasonal menus, providing a variety of dishes to enjoy each visit. I discovered bamboo shoot sashimi at Uoka-san for the first time, with a refreshing crunchy texture. In addition to bamboo shoot dishes, their other simmered and grilled dishes are also delicious.

★Traditional Kyoto-style Bamboo Shoot Cuisine★