I thought I would have to settle for convenience store food today because work was dragging on, but I decided to walk a bit further to Pontocho. It was already past 10 PM and most places had their closed signs up. However, I spotted a place with its sign still lit across the river. It seemed to be on the second floor. I went up and found a slightly high-end looking restaurant. I asked if they were still open, and the owner kindly said, "We're open until midnight, please come in." So I took the chance and entered. There were tables at the back, but this time I sat at the counter with two friends. The owner and two hardworking women seemed to be running the place. They created a comfortable atmosphere for conversation. They also made sure to serve the dishes in a way that we could easily share among the three of us without any arguments. We had a variety of seasonal dishes, all of them beautifully presented and delicious. I got so caught up in enjoying the food that I forgot to take photos...(;_;) Whether you want a full meal or just a light snack, this place is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends. Although I only visit Kyoto once a year, I would love to become a regular here. Thank you for the wonderful meal. I will definitely be back next year!

I got hooked on food hopping in Kyoto and recently found a restaurant! It was crowded and I couldn't get in, so I went on a weekday and was able to enter. When I entered the alley and went up to the second floor, I found a hidden adult hideaway! The atmosphere was great, and when I talked to the owner, he was kind and had a playful demeanor. The dishes he made were all gentle in flavor and had delicious broth. They had a wide selection of Japanese sake, and I even got to do some taste comparisons! Today's dishes included sashimi platter, tofu skin with mushrooms, yellowtail with daikon radish, wagyu beef and tofu, pork and cabbage simmered dish, wagyu beef teppanyaki, rolled omelette, and sea bream soup for two. The place seemed to be always full of regular customers, but it was more of a first-come, first-served impression! So, if you make a reservation, there seem to be plenty of opportunities to go. Did you notice? It's so cheap! Isn't cheap and delicious the best? The dishes were all delicious and flavorful. They seem to prepare for the next day's service after closing, which explains the great taste! It's a recommended place, but I want to keep it a secret as a hidden gem! I would love to visit again when I have more time. Thank you for the meal!

Located about a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Main Line, is the local cuisine restaurant "Pontochō Karaku" in Pontochō. Nearby bar owner recommended it as delicious, so I decided to give it a try. When I entered, the staff warned me that it takes quite a long time from ordering to the food being served, so make sure to be prepared for that before entering. The restaurant mainly focuses on seasonal dishes like pike conger and local side dishes. From the side dish menu, I tried dishes like Kyoto Tanba black edamame and Kamo eggplant tempura, all made with local ingredients that were delicious and had a refined taste. They also have a selection of sake that pairs perfectly with the side dishes. Although I didn't try it this time, dishes like grilled ayu fish looked really appetizing. Just be aware that the food may take longer to come out than expected, so it's recommended if you have time to spare, but it may be a bit challenging if you're in a hurry.

After watching a high school baseball game at Koshien Stadium, I visited Kyoto for sightseeing. I decided to check out Pontocho at night and ended up visiting this restaurant after wandering around the area. The staff were all friendly, and I had a great time chatting with the regular customer next to me. I enjoyed a Yudofu course for ¥2,500, which included three side dishes, sashimi, Yudofu, noodles, rice, pickles, hirousu, nikujaga, and furofuki daikon. They let me choose my sake cup and offered me several sake tastings. The food was delicious, the sake was great, and the atmosphere was cozy. I would love to visit this place again next time I'm in Kyoto.

It's easy for even one person to enter, and you can be comforted by the bright master and staff inside the shop. The location is in the middle of Pontocho, up the stairs at the end of a narrow alley. The interior of the shop is beautiful in a Kyoto-like way. The main dishes are obanzai, which are delicious, and there is a wide variety of drinks that go well with the food.