Located about a 3-minute walk east from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line, just before reaching the Kyoto National Museum and Sanjusangendo, is a long-established eel restaurant. Despite being a long-established restaurant, it was founded in 1624. To survive the various changes in times, it has transformed its business model into tea kaiseki and ryokan, and has continued to the present day as an extremely long-established restaurant. I had always wanted to visit this restaurant, and luckily my reservation was confirmed on the day I was planning to stay in Kyoto, so I finally got to visit. As soon as you pass through the curtain, there is a courtyard, with the kitchen and reception on the left, tables in the dining room on the right, and private rooms in the back. I admire the historic and charming atmosphere of the restaurant. In the evening, they only offer set courses, such as the "Unabedouzofusui" (7,000 yen), the "Taiko Course" with grilled eel (9,000 yen), and the "Mamushi Course" (7,000 yen). I decided to go with the "Taiko Course." First, we were served appetizers on a flat plate. It included Moroko's Nanban-zuke, mini tomato salad, green tea agar jelly, edamame, and more, all beautifully arranged. It was a refreshing and cool combination perfect for summer. Next came the grilled eel. When I tasted it as is, the eel was juicy and flavorful with a crispy exterior. The grilling technique was outstanding. The eel was butterflied in the Kansai style, allowing the umami to be concentrated in the eel's meat. I prefer to squeeze some lemon over it rather than using wasabi soy sauce. Then, the "Unabedou" arrived. The clear broth contained eel pieces, white onions, Shonai-style wheat gluten, harusame noodles, and was served in a unique pot. The eel was grilled and deboned. The broth was slightly sweet and mellow in flavor. The crunchy white onions added a nice texture. The harusame noodles were cooked just right and the Shonai-style wheat gluten soaked up the umami flavors. The eel's umami seeped into the broth, creating a concentrated umami experience throughout the pot. Sprinkling some sansho pepper enhanced the flavors. Finally, the "Uzofusui" was brought out on the same unique pot. The volume was quite surprising. Can I finish it all? The porridge consisted of grilled eel, shiitake mushrooms, burdock root, carrots, mitsuba, mochi, and rice cooked in broth, all sealed with plenty of egg. It had a gentle and comforting taste typical of porridge. It also had a Kyoto-like essence. The flavor was delicate, allowing the ingredients to shine. As the egg cooked, the texture changed gradually, making it enjoyable. The pickles included sweet and sour ginger, pickled kombu, and cucumber pickles, which paired well with the porridge. I managed to finish it all somehow. I was full and satisfied. Lastly, a sweet watermelon was served as a dessert. It was an incredibly sweet watermelon, showcasing their discerning eye for quality. In a serene Kyoto-style setting, I was able to enjoy delicious eel after a long time. I felt that the experience was worth more than the price paid.

At night, only course meals are available. The meal includes appetizers, grilled fish, eel hot pot, and porridge. You can also order individual dishes. It is recommended to visit early as the closing time is early. However, the new staff seemed inexperienced as they dropped the grilled fish and spilled the porridge (on the tatami mat in the room). Last order for food is at 7:00, but when asked about drinks, they also mentioned it was 7:00. When we waited to order drinks, they came back at 7:30 to take our order. We were able to relax in a private room with four people and were satisfied with the food. However, the porridge at the end was quite filling, so it might be better to order for one less person.

The atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Japanese old folk houses. Each dish is elegant. The flavors are enhanced by the umami of the dashi. The subtle taste typical of Kyoto makes you want to eat more even after finishing. I can't resist, I want to eat it again. I'll have it again when I go to Kyoto.

Visited for the first time on the midsummer day of the ox. Some eel restaurants are takeout only due to the high season, but I was able to make a reservation online. While Zousui is famous, I couldn't bring myself to choose a hot pot dish in this heat, so I went with an eel rice bowl instead (only available during lunch). Started with matcha and sweets, which gave off a Kyoto vibe and boosted my spirits. The main eel dish had crispy skin and was delicious! The liver was also tasty. I'll have to try the famous Zousui another time... Thank you for the meal!

I made a reservation for 12:30 on a regular day and visited the restaurant for the first time. It's located diagonally across from Sanjusangendo. I was seated at a table where I didn't have to take off my shoes and it was nicely air-conditioned. I felt a bit awkward being alone at a table, but I ordered a cold beer to cool off. After looking at the menu, I decided on the Taiko Course with shirayaki (grilled eel) and una-ju (eel rice bowl) with an additional half portion of kabayaki (grilled eel). I was served matcha tea, appetizers, and sweets (delicious) first. As I started on the appetizers, the shirayaki arrived. It was delicious. I ordered Nishinoseki junmai sake for the eel, and it paired perfectly with the shirayaki. Once I finished the shirayaki, the kabayaki arrived promptly. It was also very tasty. The una-ju was served right after, and it was quite filling and delicious. I enjoyed the una-ju with the Nishinoseki sake. Just as I was still eating, the watermelon arrived. It seemed a bit too early, but they brought it back later. It was a famous Kyoto specialty, which I had only seen as LINE stamps before. Even though I had only been there for less than an hour and there were two empty tables, I guess being a solo diner was not ideal. I paid the bill, then headed to Sanjusangendo for a purification prayer (I splurged on a ¥5,000 bill for a 3-year purification). Finally, I went back to the hotel.

555 Nishinomoncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Just a 3-minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line, right across from Sanjusangendo Temple. This super long-established restaurant with the status of "Japan's oldest" is quite astonishing. The name "Warajiya" is said to be derived from Taiko, and nearby stands Toyokuni Shrine. I had anticipated difficulty in securing a reservation for 6:00 pm on a Sunday, but surprisingly, I was able to book it easily. It seems that despite its popularity, reservations are relatively easy to come by. Upon entering through the noren curtain, you pass through a courtyard to reach the dining area, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Japanese inn. The interior looks very clean, perhaps due to recent renovations, and the 400-year-old charm is hardly noticeable. I ordered the Unabe Tōzōsui, which the waitress mentioned were original dishes of the restaurant. The sturdy, grid-like base (pot?) with a clay pot placed on top was quite impressive. Both the Unabe and Zosui are served in one clay pot per group. The ingredients in the Unabe included glass noodles, white leeks, Shonai wheat gluten, and sliced eel. The delicate Kyoto-style broth complemented the flavors of each ingredient perfectly. The eel, which was pre-cooked, had a texture similar to white-grilled eel, and paired exceptionally well with the broth. As we marveled at the unexpected satisfaction, the Zosui was served next. Though it was a bit challenging to identify all the ingredients, it seemed to contain shiitake mushrooms, mitsuba leaves, and eel wrapped in egg. The refined broth enhanced the richness of the mushrooms and created a delightful contrast with the flavor and texture of the eel. Despite the unexpected chewiness of the mochi, we managed to finish the exquisite Zosui. While the meal felt more like a trial than a dining experience, it was a rewarding and enjoyable time. What I had: Unabe Tōzōsui 7,000 yen, Grilled Eel Liver 1,600 yen, Non-alcoholic drink 500 yen.

This is the everyday deliciousness of Kyoto. When you're tired of making reservations for high-end Japanese or French restaurants, places like this are a welcome change. Whenever I come here, I always order the Unabe Tofu Sui. I start with the appetizers prepared by Akahoshi, then wait for the Unabe to arrive. It feels a bit lonely when dining alone, but the taste remains the same. I first visited this place 40 years ago, and the taste hasn't changed since then. And of course, I enjoy the Unabe with cold sake. Finally, I chat with the young master who is supposed to be the 6th generation. Even in such an old establishment, they say that dealing with the pandemic was tough. When I visit Kyoto, Warajiya is a part of my daily life.

The eel porridge was delicious, but the grilled eel was crispy and very tasty. They had a wide variety of dishes and a menu that went well with alcohol. The restaurant had different rooms to enjoy, and the view of the garden was lovely. It was a wonderful place to enjoy the room, food, and scenery.

The eel broth is flavorful, the eel itself is delicious, and the grilling is perfect. I am very satisfied and will return home happily. The eel is cut into chunks and floating in the pot. The grilled green onions were crispy and juicy. The eel rice porridge was the best, with eel grilled in the Kansai style, which was outstanding compared to the bland Chinese eel. The beer was cold, and the cold sake paired well with the eel rice porridge, creating the ultimate marriage of flavors.

I went to Uzofusui in Kyoto, where you can only eat here for ¥7,000. I was surprised by the restaurant's house-like structure, which exudes a lot of history. The atmosphere is great. The specialty dish, Unabe Uzofusui, had a gentle flavor with a delicious broth. It was also very healthy. The rice porridge at the end was filling with rice, mochi, and eggs. For those who prefer strong flavors, it may be a bit lacking. Highly recommended for those who want to experience Kyoto.

I visited the famous Nijo Warajiya, known for its "Uzofusui" dish. The exterior of the shop exudes a sense of history. Upon entering and walking through a charming corridor, I was guided to the upstairs seating area. Although a bit narrow, the Uzofusui and Mamushi Don were surprisingly light and delicious. Thank you for the meal.

I visited the eel restaurant "Warajiya" near Nanao Station on the Keihan Railway at 6:00 PM on the same day through an online reservation on Tabelog. The name "Warajiya" comes from the fact that Toyotomi Hideyoshi took off his straw sandals at the storefront of this shop when he visited Kyoto. It is a long-established restaurant. The recommended dish for dinner is the "Uzousui," but I ordered the "Taikou Course (9,000 yen)" which includes grilled eel with the "Uzousui." The meal consisted of appetizers, "unabe," and "uzousui." The "unabe" is a dish made of grilled eel, leeks, and wheat gluten cooked in a pot. The "uzousui" is an eel porridge. The idea is to enjoy the eel as an accent rather than eating it in large quantities. I was worried if I could finish the pot and porridge set, but I felt comfortably full after finishing the meal.

I thought it was rare to find a restaurant near Kyoto Station with Unagi Nozouzui as its signature dish, so I decided to give it a try. The fact that it was okay to order one course for two people was very considerate of the restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant was lovely, and they served matcha instead of water at the beginning. It made me feel relaxed and comfortable.

I often use this restaurant when I visit Kyoto. It's a famous place for eel porridge. It's called Uzofusui, I think. I'm not sure how many times I've been there, but I'll write a review since it wasn't here. Apparently, the name has something to do with Hideyoshi? I forgot the details, so look it up. It's definitely recommended to make a reservation before going. It's located right near the main temple of the Shingon sect Chisan School, Chishakuin, and Sanjusangendo. I like Sanjusangendo, so I often visit there before having lunch here. Definitely go for the set meal! The atmosphere is great too. In addition to tables, there are private rooms that look like tea rooms. The service is always polite and reassuring. First, a pot of eel soup is served. It's a simple and gentle pot with eel, leeks, and glass noodles. The broth is so delicious. After that, it becomes Uzofusui. I'm not sure if it's made separately from the pot that was brought out or if it's used as is. I'll ask next time. It's eel porridge with grilled eel. It's delicious. But there's a lot of it. It's so much that I always feel like leaving some behind. Next time, I'll definitely ask for less rice. It's really a lot, so that's the only thing to be careful about! Sometimes it's nice to eat eel in a way other than grilled. Since you've come all the way to Kyoto, it's recommended for those who want to try something different.

Ordered items... various dishes including grilled eel Dish... A dish made with grilled eel. What is this fluffy texture, it's so delicious! I was able to slowly enjoy this dish, it was truly impressive. When I come to Kyoto again, this is definitely a restaurant I will look forward to. The inside of the restaurant also has a traditional atmosphere. It's a place where you can enjoy the Kyoto vibe together.

I had "mamushi-meshi" and my wife had "uzosui" at the straw sandal shop to coincide with visiting the grave. It's a light lunch course, so it's very satisfying. Both "mamushi-meshi" and "uzosui" have great flavors.

It seems that Mamushi has a lunch-only menu, so be careful if you are looking for an eel bowl. The crispy and juicy eel soaked in sauce with rice is a perfect match. The restaurant has a charming atmosphere with a large straw sandal hanging at the entrance, beautiful garden with deer scarecrows and lanterns, and relatively new and clean rooms. You can understand why it has been loved for 400 years.

When I go to Kyoto, I always include it in my lunch plans. It is located in front of Sanjusangendo. The quaint room is very relaxing. The zosui (rice porridge) with mochi is hearty and delicious, perfect for a tired stomach. The broth is gentle and soothing. I love the flow of visiting Kiyomizu-dera, walking to Sanjusangendo, and then going to Warajiya. I often go alone or with friends.

I think I can already be considered a regular at this place, but in the grand scheme of its 400-year history, it's probably not a big deal. Every time I come to Kyoto, I feel like stopping by here. This time, I had lunch and then had to head to Osaka for work, so being able to enjoy a meal with some drinks made me even happier. When I come here, I feel like I've truly arrived in Kyoto. I was surprised to see that the menu had expanded due to the influence of COVID-19. I was used to just ordering the course with the duck and rice porridge, so seeing a menu book was unexpected. Nevertheless, the food and atmosphere here are as comforting as ever. Thank you as always. It was delicious.

You can only eat donburi until 3pm, so please be aware. The donburi was perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy surface and a fluffy interior, very delicious! (There was the regular size that I had and a larger size, which is based on the amount of eel). At the end, you can have fruits which are not shown in the photos. When I went, it was crowded and we had a table seat this time, but the tatami room atmosphere seemed very nice. It was so delicious, so I recommend it! (^^)

At the end of the year, I went on a trip to Kyoto. Winter in Kyoto has a crisp, refreshing air that makes you feel invigorated. I saw the Golden Pavilion for the first time. It was more golden than gold itself. The taxi driver I rode with was an interesting person. We had a lively conversation, and he even showed me a photo of his child. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. I asked him if he could recommend a good restaurant that is open today. After some thought, he suggested a place called Warajiya. It may be a bit pricey for lunch, but it's worth it, he said. I quickly searched for it and found that it was open. The taxi driver kindly took me there. Warajiya is located near Sanjusangendo, and it's a restaurant that serves delicious eel rice porridge. The establishment dates back to 1624, almost 400 years ago. The building itself may not be that old, but it definitely has a lot of history. The interior had a quaint charm, reminiscent of a rural grandmother's house. I was seated on the second floor and ordered their specialty, eel rice porridge set with an eel bowl on the side. The hot pot arrived soon after, bubbling with rich flavors. It was so satisfying to enjoy the piping hot dish on a cold winter day. The broth was sweet and delicious, and the portion was generous. I also ordered an eel bowl on a whim, which left me completely full. Thank you for the wonderful meal. It looks like next year is going to be a great one.