Visit date was around 26th November 2019, it's been about 2 years since my last visit. It's getting cold so I decided to have a hot pot here. I love the chicken hot pot here, the broth is amazing and the chicken meatballs are delicious. It had been a while since I last had it, but it's still so tasty. However, this place doesn't have a menu per se, it's either chicken hot pot or whatever dish they have prepared. Today I had the following: - Chicken hot pot - Silver cod - Squid with vinegar miso - Lots of sake - Lots of beer The service is as friendly as ever. The landlady is gentle and kind. The fact that they only have a few dishes on the menu shows their confidence. Thank you for the delicious meal!

Visited a business partner on January 12, 2017. They casually invited me over for some hot pot and it turned out to be a really traditional place with a lot of history. The restaurant itself was old but well-maintained and clean. I sat in a raised seating area and noticed that it was full of regular customers. There were no menus in sight, but I wasn't worried since my business partner was a regular there. After some appetizers, the hot pot arrived and it looked delicious. I was expecting a chicken hot pot with a salty flavor, but it turned out to be a soy sauce-based one with a gentle and comforting taste. The meatballs were especially tasty and I could see why my business partner liked this place. As I enjoyed my time there, I realized something interesting. The restaurant was actually run by women only, which was unexpected for a place with such a traditional feel. Normally, you would expect a quiet male chef in a place like this, but there were only women in kimono and kitchen attire. It was a bit strange, but the cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and the cleanliness of the place made it a wonderful dining experience. Thank you for the delicious meal!

I was invited by a friend to stop by while attending the bitterly cold Yakiniku Matsuri in Kitami, but my stomach was already full from the barbecue. I kept saying it was impossible, but my friend insisted. So, we decided to try a little hot pot at Shime Fujisan. I thought I wouldn't be able to eat, but the warm and gentle taste of the broth was just what my cold body needed. The chicken meatballs in the chicken hot pot had a firm texture and a softness that was delicious. The vegetables in the pot were all carefully prepared and easy to eat. The condiments were also carefully selected, including homemade shichimi spice. The kind service of the landlady revived my appetite. I could eat. I could eat. We finished with mochi and udon, followed by a second round of zosui. I was beyond my limit. The landlady said, "Kitami may have a declining population, but if you work diligently, you can last for 51 years." I felt the kindness of today's cooking in her words. Except for the passing of the founder's grandmother, the staff has not changed in 51 years. This was a satisfying finish where I could savor the kindness of Kitami. Whenever I come to Kitami, I definitely want to stop by here. Delicious! Oh, it says on the internet that they are open until 11:00 PM, but recently they have been closing at 10:00 PM because it's tough for them at night as they get older. Just adding this message from the landlady for your information.

When it comes to Kitami City, it's known for its barbecue. There are about 60 barbecue restaurants in a city with a population of around 100,000, as mentioned by the city hall. Yonjo Horumon, Michi Shoku, and Horiguchi are some of the delicious options available. Another specialty in Kitami City is the Tataki Nabe at Shimetou, which features chicken meatballs and tsukune. The soup in this Tataki Nabe is especially delicious. Other dishes are also tasty, with the pickled herring being a standout. It's no surprise as this is a long-established restaurant. If you're tired of barbecue, don't hesitate to visit Shimetou!