サル男
Do you know about the "Kawadoko cuisine" in Kyoto? It is an outdoor seating area set up by riverside restaurants to enjoy the coolness during the hot summer in Kyoto. Particularly, the Kawadoko in Kibune, known as the backyard of Kyoto, is set right above a river flowing through the mountains, allowing you to enjoy it at a distance where you can't help but want to dip your bare feet. I had always wanted to visit a Kawadoko, but never made the effort to go all the way to Kibune from my local area. However, this year, I decided to make a reservation starting from July. Unfortunately, Kibune's Kawadoko does not accept reservations for solo diners. Considering the current situation with COVID-19, and the fact that I have been enjoying activities alone recently, this was a setback. But "Tenzan" graciously welcomed solo diners. This immediately earned them points in my book. Then there was the weather. Kawadoko cannot be used when it rains, making the trip to Kibune pointless. I had to cancel my reservation when rain was forecasted. The phone support during this time was very polite, further increasing my favorable impression of "Tenzan." Finally, in early September, I made a visit to Kibune, ensuring everything was perfect. The seat I was allocated after giving my name was right in front of a waterfall, a very good spot. Despite being a solo diner (and also ordering the cheapest course), I was grateful for being given such a good seat. They even offered to drive me back to the station. I had hesitated to accept the ride as I was alone, but the restaurant staff insisted on "We will take you." From reservation to the journey back, the service was heartwarming. As for the food, Kibune's Kawadoko is unique in that it mainly serves meat dishes. I ordered the 5980 yen "Niku Mabushi Zen Akami" course. The contents were as follows: sashimi (trout, sea bream, eel), hassun (eel sushi, mountain jellyfish, hajikami, edamame, sesame dressing), winter melon, shrimp mince sauce with grated yuzu, somen noodles, meat mabushi (red meat & minced meat), and two kinds of Kyoto pickles. A summer-inspired menu. Eel is a must in Kyoto's summer. And Kyoto's "somen" noodles are very thin. It's like white threads of water flowing in front of the waterfall. I paired this with a cold beer. The glass was also chilled. The rustling leaves falling on the river, the clear flow of the river, the waterfall resembling white threads, the sound of the waterfall in my ears... It was a blissful time forgetting the heat while enjoying delicious food. This summer was very hot, but the ancient wisdom of seeking coolness in nature has a charming appeal. Japanese summers are hot but wonderful.