In April 2023, I visited a popular restaurant in Arashiyama called "Gokicha-ya," which recently opened in Pontocho following its success in Fushimi Inari. This restaurant offers dishes made with seasonal ingredients, and since I had a great experience in Arashiyama, I decided to visit their Pontocho branch as well. The restaurant is located on Pontocho Street, just off Shijo Street, and has a cozy interior with only 8 seats at the counter. I enjoyed a refreshing cup of cold gyokuro tea served by the hostess, which was just the right intensity and tasted delicious. The presentation in a wine glass was also stylish. I ordered the "Kyoi Goshu Tabe Kurabezen" for 4,000 yen and the "Gokoku Houjou no Tamatebako." The dishes included: - Luxurious roast beef bowl using A5-ranked sirloin, which was tender and flavorful. - Small bowl of grilled seasonal fish marinated in white miso, topped with salmon roe. - Tempura bowl with prawn and seasonal vegetables, featuring plump and delicious prawns. - "Golden Egg" bowl with creamy scrambled eggs topped with a raw egg yolk. - Bowl of white fish and turnip in miso sauce, this time featuring firefly squid and a kelp and ginger-based sauce. - Kyoto-style sukiyaki with flavorful Satsuma chicken and Kyoto vegetables. - Limited edition "Tamatebako" with spring bamboo shoots for 2,000 yen, a delicacy served in a pot with various condiments. The dishes were all delicious, and I was impressed by the generous portions. Overall, I had a fantastic dining experience at the restaurant.

Five Kichaya, which won first place in the Tabelog access ranking in Arashiyama, Kyoto! Five Kichaya Gokoku Houjou no Ochaya Gohan Sakotomachi Store. Located in Kyoto's Gion Shijo Sakotomachi, this is the third store following the Arashiyama main store. The counter seats at the Sakotomachi store are limited to 8 seats, creating a special space where time flows slowly and the tea served by the female owner feels extra special. The dishes we had were: Gokoku Houjou - Summer Travel Bookmark - Kyoto Five Types Comparison Set - Conger Eel and Kyoto Vegetables Shabu-Shabu - Menu: - Eel and Kyoto Vegetables Shabu-Shabu, Golden Egg Donburi, Wagyu Momo Steak Donburi, Eel Bitsumabushi, Seasonal Tempura Donburi, and Seafood Hand Roll Donburi. The food was delicate, beautiful, and delicious, with a perfect atmosphere, hospitality, and the owner's smile. I highly recommend it to tourists in Kyoto. I can't wait to go back!

I went to Gokichaya in Pontocho for lunch today ⭐️⭐️ The highlight was the ❤️Kyodonburi Tasting Set❤️ As I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by a large counter and a warm, woody aroma filling the air, accompanied by the sound of a koto. The atmosphere was luxurious and elegant, with intriguing art objects displayed throughout the space. The familiar rabbit paintings at Gokichaya were also beautifully done, adding to the sophistication of the place. The Kyoto-style dishes were delicate, refined, and elegant, truly embodying a sense of refinement. Now, let's talk about the menu! The "Golden Tamago Donburi" was a luxurious dish with a fluffy, rich egg topped with a raw egg - a true indulgence. The "Seafood Hand Roll Donburi" was playful and delicious, allowing us to choose 4 out of 6 types of sashimi for our hand rolls. The freshness and sweetness of the fish were exceptional. The "Wagyu Momo Steak Donburi" featured tender roast beef with a rich fat content that paired perfectly with the sweet sauce. The "Conger Eel and Yuba Shabu-Shabu" showcased the freshness of the eel and the delicate flavor of yuba, with grated daikon and chrysanthemum petals adding to the beauty of the dish. The seasoned broth served at the end was also delicious. The "Seasonal Kamameshi" with clam was filled with the essence of the clam, offering a satisfying chewiness. Lastly, we had the "Eel Hittsumabushi," featuring thick, juicy eel - a perfect ending to the meal. Gokichaya offers a memorable dining experience, whether for a special occasion or just an ordinary day. With such generous portions, the price of 5000 yen was well worth it. The staff were all wonderful, providing impeccable service and hospitality. Gokichaya is a place I would love to visit again and again, making any day feel extraordinary. Be sure to check it out! ❤️

Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Pontocho, and other popular tourist spots in Kyoto offer a luxurious Kyoto bowl tasting experience. If you can't decide what to eat in Kyoto and want to try a bit of everything, how about trying the luxurious Kyoto bowl tasting set with 5 different types of bowls? I recently visited the Pontocho branch with my mother for lunch while wearing a yukata to enjoy Kyoto sightseeing. The Pontocho branch is just a short walk from Gion Shijo, located in the Kyoto-esque atmosphere of Pontocho, which adds to the excitement even before entering the restaurant. The interior is counter-style, with colorful Kyoto-themed paintings on the walls. The served meal was very luxurious and beautiful. The set includes: - "Eel and Yuba Shabu Shabu": Yuba and fluffy eel served with a refreshing ponzu sauce. - "Golden Egg Bowl": A mini-sized bowl filled with golden egg that is rich in flavor and has a fluffy texture with a hint of dashi. - "Eel Hitsumabushi": A bowl with three thick slices of eel, topped with colorful and cute arare rice crackers. - "Wagyu Beef Steak Bowl": The most delicious dish with perfectly marbled wagyu beef, grated daikon, and thinly sliced bell peppers. - "Kyoto Vegetable Kamameshi": Clam-infused rice served in a pot, with the rice being brought to the table fresh and flavorful. - "Seafood Temaki Bowl": A style where you can choose four types of sashimi to make hand rolls, with toppings like garnishes and ikura adding a luxurious touch. Each dish was meticulously prepared, making each bite a luxurious experience and a memorable part of Kyoto. This is a recommended luxurious lunch option for when you want to indulge a bit or enjoy a Kyoto-style meal to the fullest, whether you are with foreign guests or looking to impress someone with a taste of Kyoto. Order the Kyoto bowl tasting set with 5 different bowls for 5000 yen.

Kyo-don Five Variety Tasting Set 5000 yen (tax included) Arrived by bicycle, parked at a coin parking along Kiyamachi Street Located in the backstreets of Pontocho, easy to miss The staff were very nice The taste was average, but you can enjoy various types of donburi and be satisfied - Conger eel and yuba shabu-shabu - Golden egg donburi - Eel hitsumabushi When you ask the staff for broth, they bring a large bowl for you to transfer the eel into. Then they pour the broth over it - Wagyu thigh steak donburi A5 rank Wagyu inner thigh, with a sweet sauce - Seafood hand roll donburi, choose from 6 types Choose from simmered conger eel, striped jack, sea bream, or conger eel Roll the seafood and rice with seaweed, some unknowingly ate it like an ikura donburi and ran out of rice, but luckily rice refill is free - Clam rice bowl

This time, I visited Gokichaya located in Pontocho, where you can compare and enjoy five different rice bowls. The restaurant is located a little further down Pontocho Street, on a narrow alley. The interior of the restaurant is very stylish, with a counter arranged in a U-shape, and the walls decorated with tea whisks, cups, and teapots. When you enter the restaurant, the hostess will serve you roasted green tea, which is also poured into wine glasses, adding to the stylish atmosphere. I tried the Kyoto Donburi Five Variety Set for 5,000 yen. The Kyoto Donburi included: - Golden Tamago Don: A soft and fluffy egg topped with a raw egg, creating a perfect combination of broth-soaked egg, raw egg, and rice. - Eel Hitsu-mabushi: The eel was so tender that I almost forgot to make it into hitsu-mabushi and just wanted to eat it all. - Wagyu Beef Steak Don: A tender and delicious beef steak that you could eat endlessly. - Kyoto Vegetables Kamameshi: Kamameshi with white corn, where the sweetness of the corn was exceptional. - Seafood Temaki Don: You can choose four types of your favorite seafood to make a bowl or roll them in seaweed for temaki sushi, offering a variety of ways to enjoy. You can choose the size of the rice bowl from large, medium, or small. I chose medium this time and it was more than enough to fill me up. My personal favorites were: 1. Wagyu Beef Steak Don 2. Kyoto Vegetables Kamameshi 3. Eel Hitsu-mabushi All of them were delicious and satisfying. In addition to the rice bowls, they also serve a luxurious dish of conger eel and yuba shabu-shabu. The price may be a bit high for lunch, but considering the amount and quality of the food, I think it's worth it. The ambiance is great too, making it a recommended spot for a date. ☺️

I finally got to go to Gokichaya, which I've been wanting to visit for a long time but couldn't get a reservation. It was amazing for rice lovers!! It was difficult to compare the dishes because they were all so delicious. I would like to visit the main store in Arashiyama next time. Thank you very much.

A famous restaurant from Arashiyama has opened near my workplace. It's located just off Shijo Street in Gion. As you enter the narrow alley from Gion, you'll find a spacious Japanese-style setting with dragon and rabbit wall paintings, beautifully arranged kettles, and a counter in the shape of a "の" character. I tried the "Kyodon Five-variety Tasting Set" for 5000 yen, which is a bit pricey compared to other places, but the ambiance, koto music, and service all blend seamlessly with the atmosphere of Gion, giving off a high-class vibe without feeling out of place. I started with the "Eel Hitsumabushi," which was the main reason for my visit. The eel was plump and delicious, and I enjoyed half of it as hitsumabushi. The staff poured warm dashi from a beautiful kettle, and I couldn't help but exclaim how delicious it looked. It was like a tea ceremony with colorful rice crackers on top. Next, I tried the seasonal tempura bowl, which had thick and fluffy eel. It felt like eating cotton candy. Then, I had the "Golden Egg Bowl," which was incredibly rich and indulgent with a hidden umami flavor from the soy sauce. The "A5 Rank Black Wagyu Roast Beef Bowl" was luxurious and fatty, perfect with wasabi. The "Seafood Hand Roll Bowl" allowed me to choose from six types of sashimi, including ikura, maguro, tataki, and hotate. The amount of sashimi was generous, so I ended up making my own seafood bowl with the leftover rice from other dishes. I also couldn't resist the delicious marinated beef in a cute bowl shaped like a ball, and the "Cold Gyokuro Tea" served in a wine glass added to the extraordinary experience. Overall, it was a delightful dining experience that I would highly recommend.

Tamago don, unagi don (hitsumabushi), roast beef don, hand-rolled sushi, conger eel shabu-shabu, sweet corn mixed rice. Unfortunately, the sweet corn mixed rice was changed to tempura. Each donburi is small but satisfying. The tamago don has a vibrant yellow yolk and a gentle dashi flavor. The hand-rolled sushi was difficult to eat. The restaurant can only accommodate about three groups at a time.

This spring, Gokichaya opened in Pontocho, known for its Kyoto lunch featuring a tasting platter. The approach to the eel's bed exudes Kyoto charm, and the interior of the machiya overlooking the garden is a refined space with a Japanese atmosphere. You can relax and enjoy your meal in a serene atmosphere, entrusting yourself to the soothing sounds of the koto or classical music, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This time, we tried the "Summer Kyoto Donburi Tasting Platter" packed with Kyoto summer delicacies such as conger eel, summer Kyoto vegetables, corn, and eggplant. The conger eel and Kyoto vegetable shabu-shabu, garnished with vinegar and chrysanthemum flowers, is a summer specialty in Kyoto. The dashi is made from bonito flakes and slowly simmered with conger eel bones. The rich flavor of the conger eel and fresh vegetables can be enjoyed lightly with ponzu sauce. The hearty wagyu sirloin steak bowl is made from carefully grilled A5-grade wagyu beef, drizzled with a sweet sauce for a juicy taste. The eel hitsumabushi is served with your choice of condiments, and the thick eel is incredibly delicious when topped with dashi. The dashi is a blend of carefully selected bonito flakes, kombu, and tea, and the colorful rice crackers add a touch of elegance. The seasonal tempura bowl is made from crispy summer Kyoto vegetables and seasonal ingredients, harmonizing perfectly with the refined tempura dipping sauce. The Shizumizu branch is also set to open on August 1st, showing remarkable growth.

I arrived five minutes before the restaurant opened, but was asked to wait a bit for the exact opening time as it was my mother's birthday celebration. We chose our drinks, I think I had green tea, and then our meal trays were served. The sukiyaki was served without being simmered too much, which was the right choice. The utensils were provided by the staff, and I was surprised to see that the five different dishes were smaller than I had expected - smaller than the size of my palm! But they were delicious! I was told that I could turn the eel into hitsumabushi after eating half of it, so I did. We could choose between tempura and sashimi, and I enjoyed making hand rolls and eating sashimi. I noticed that surprisingly, the younger customers did not choose the shishito peppers. I finished my meal while observing this.

This is a new store that opened in March in Pontocho. This time, I tried their summer new menu "Summer Kyoto Donburi Five Variety Set" - Golden Tamago Donburi, Eel Hittsumabushi, Wagyu Beef Steak Donburi, Seasonal Tempura Donburi, Seafood Hand Roll Donburi, and Conger Eel and Kyoto Vegetable Shabu-Shabu. I love all the donburi dishes at Gokichaya, but my favorite is definitely the Tamago Donburi. Everyone who tried it said it was delicious. The Eel Hittsumabushi was my first time trying it, and it was especially delicious when I poured dashi over it to make ochazuke. The Shabu-Shabu with conger eel was tender and delicious. I have been to their stores in Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari a few times, but this was my first time in Pontocho. It is a calm restaurant with 8 counter seats.

I visited a restaurant with a Kyoto-like atmosphere, where I enjoyed dishes packed with Kyoto's summer specialty, hamo, and other Kyoto flavors. While I had been to the Arashiyama branch before, this was my first time at the Pontocho branch. The restaurant had a lovely ambiance tucked away in a side street, and the charming proprietress spoke in a gentle Kyoto dialect, making the experience even more delightful. The delicious dishes tasted even better with her stories and lively conversation. The summer Kyoto Donburi Set Meal (¥5,000 including tax) included: - Golden Tamago Donburi: A popular dish with a beautiful golden yolk that was rich and delicious. - Wagyu Momo Steak Donburi: A5 rank Wagyu beef cooked to perfection with a sweet sauce, incredibly tasty. - Grilled Eel Hitsu-mabushi: Served with condiments and dashi broth, a delightful combination. - Seasonal Tempura Donburi - Seafood Donburi - Hamo and Kyoto Vegetable Shabu-Shabu: A Kyoto summer delicacy with a flavorful broth made from grilled hamo bones. The colorful and delicious dishes truly captured the essence of Kyoto. We were also served Gyokuro tea in wine glasses to fully enjoy its aroma. The restaurant had a cozy counter seating for 8 people, adding a special touch to the dining experience. I highly recommend making a reservation and trying this place when in Kyoto.

Kyoto Gion Shijo, Pontocho [Gokichaya Gokokuhoujou no Ochaya Gohan Pontocho branch] Kyoto... Enjoying a Kyoto date with friends in the narrow streets of Pontocho, overlooking the Kamogawa River. It was my friend's birthday, and we made a reservation at Gokichaya, a hidden gem with a small counter in the new Pontocho branch. The Kyoto bowl tasting set for 4,000 yen includes a welcome drink of Gyokuro or Hojicha and a choice of hot or iced tea after the meal. The A5 rank roast beef bowl with tenderloin beef was delicious, as was the seasonal fish sushi bowl with saury and ikura. The tempura bowl with shrimp and seasonal vegetables was also delightful, along with the popular golden egg bowl with a creamy egg yolk on top. The dish of white fish and turnip with miso sauce was colorful and cute. The Sata Red Chicken Kyoto-style sukiyaki was rich in flavor and paired perfectly with Kyoto vegetables. The lady in a kimono who served us at the counter was possibly the proprietress, and her gentle demeanor was very soothing. The menu may have some changes starting from June, such as the sukiyaki-style red chicken being replaced with conger eel hot pot. The address is 169-3 Kashiwacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto. Open from 10:30 to 21:00 (Last order at 20:00), no regular holidays.

The landlady serves a bountiful harvest meal at Gokichaya in Kyoto's Gion Shijo. This hidden gem offers a cozy and serene dining experience with only 8 counter seats surrounding the landlady. The Kyoto Donburi Five Varieties Set with tea for 4,000 yen was delightful, featuring popular dishes like the golden egg donburi, spring vegetable tempura donburi, roast beef donburi, and more. The Sukiyaki with Satsuma chicken was juicy and delicious. Reservations are a must at this popular spot in Pontocho. Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Thank you for the feast!

I couldn't resist visiting the popular "Goki Chaya" in Arashiyama, which has opened in the popular tourist spot Pontocho! It opened in March 2023. The small hidden gem of a shop is located at the end of a narrow alley in the atmospheric Pontocho. There are only 8 seats at the counter. The lighting and furnishings create a warm and cozy atmosphere. I tried the "Kyodon Goshu Tabehikurabe" set meal this time, starting with a bowl of tea, this time with Gyokuro, to relax and take a break. Soon after, a luxurious set of five bowls and Kyoto-style sukiyaki appeared! Each of the five bowls has its own unique deliciousness. The Kyoto-style sukiyaki is eaten with grated yam. This yam goes well with the dipping sauce and was delicious. I had a great time enjoying delicious food in this stylish restaurant! Since it is a small shop, be sure to make a reservation and give it a try!

I finally got to visit the five-color rice bowl restaurant I wanted to try! It's great that it opened in Ponto-cho. It seems like the contents of the bowl vary depending on the restaurant. Unfortunately, Ponto-cho doesn't have bamboo shoot rice, but each bowl was enjoyable in its own way. The hot pot on that day was a sukiyaki-style chicken hot pot. The sauce was sweet and dipping the chicken in grated yam added just the right flavor. The grated yam was also delicious when poured over the rice to make a yam rice bowl. The mini bowls included egg, miso-grilled fish, roast beef, tempura bowl, and turnip with miso sauce. The miso sauce was listed as white fish on the menu, but it was clearly and tastily firefly squid. (laughs) It was delicious. You can choose from large, medium, or small rice portions, and even with a small size, I was full. You can get one refill, so it's a good idea to order a smaller portion and see how you feel. The atmosphere was also nice, so I would like to go back when the menu changes.

I have always wanted to visit Gokichaya. There are 3 locations: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and here in Pontocho. Reservations are required. The menu may vary slightly by location, so be sure to check. You can choose from large, medium, or small rice sizes. Even if you are a woman, the small size should be filling. You will receive five small bowls and a hot pot. This time, the hot pot was like sukiyaki. You will enjoy chicken suki with grated yam. The sukiyaki is on the sweeter side, so eating it with the yam makes it light and delicious. The bowls are not only visually appealing but also delicious. The tamago don has one egg yolk on top, making it a rich and satisfying dish. I felt so happy enjoying the creamy tamago don! Thank you for the meal.

I made a reservation on TableCheck about a week before going to the restaurant. I had a reservation for 13:15 on Sunday, but when I arrived 5 minutes early, the preparation was not yet ready, and I was actually seated right on time. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was calm, with mainly one hostess handling the service and serving, although there was another woman who seemed to be working behind the scenes. --- Taste Impressions --- Kyodon Eating Comparison Set (Spring ver.) 4000 yen A set where you can compare small bowls of food. You can choose between Gyokuro or Hojicha for the tea that comes last in the set, but when I ordered a cold Gyokuro at the beginning, the hostess said, "Is that okay...?" (perplexed), which was a bit funny. The Whitefish and Turnip Miso An Soup Rice Bowl When I went, the whitefish had been changed to firefly squid. I was happy because I like it. The sauce was delicious with a strong dashi flavor. Spring Vegetable Tempura Rice Bowl The vegetables were crunchy and delicious. The most popular Tamago Don was also delicious, but personally, I found this one quite irresistible. Wagyu Roast Beef Rice Bowl There's no way this isn't delicious. Delicious. There's also wasabi in a spherical container, which is great to eat with condiments. Seasonal Fish Nishikyo Yaki Bowl (Hand-rolled) Actually, there's seaweed sandwiched under the right side, so roll it up and eat it! One piece of seaweed is not enough. It's delicious though. Golden Tamago Don It's no wonder it's the most popular. You can tell it's delicious just by looking at it. It was delicious when I actually ate it. Satsuma Red Chicken Kyoto-style Sukiyaki It was refreshing to eat it with grated yam! I couldn't handle it due to my stomach capacity, but it might be a good idea to try adding more rice and turning it into grated yam rice if you have room. While we were eating, several groups were turned away, so I thought it might be difficult to just drop by, so it's safer to make a reservation. The hostess who served us was quite chatty, so it was enjoyable to eat, and when we left, she had time to spare and saw us off at the exit, so the overall impression was that the service was very polite. The location is also easy to reach in the center of the downtown area, so I would like to visit again if I have the opportunity!

Established in 1988, Gokichaya is a long-established tea house where you can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients while being soothed by the scenery of Arashiyama. Following the success of their Fushimi Inari branch, they have now opened their third store. This popular restaurant, where many people come to seek their signature dishes, has finally arrived in Pontocho, a charming street along the Kamo River. The entrance, hidden like a secret hideaway, is lovely. With only 8 counter seats, the space is special, with the proprietress brewing tea and providing hospitality. The order includes the "Pontocho Limited Kyoto Donburi Five Varieties Comparison Set" (4000 yen), a luxurious set featuring five different types of exquisite donburi using Yatsushiro Gibe rice, as well as Kyoto-style sukiyaki. The set includes the following dishes: - Golden Tamago Donburi: A fluffy egg donburi with a beautifully yellow yolk, a popular choice. - Sawara's Saikyo Yaki Donburi: Sawara fish marinated in white miso and slowly grilled, served with a tofu sauce. - Wagyu Roast Beef Donburi: Roast beef made with A5-ranked Hiuchi beef. - Tempura Donburi with Seasonal Vegetables: Tempura with a dipping sauce poured over it. - Shirauo and Kabu Mizoare Ankake Donburi: Steamed white fish with a kelp and ginger-based sauce. The Kyoto-style sukiyaki made with flavorful Satsuma Akadori chicken is also excellent, especially when eaten with grated yam. The extra rice and tororo (grated yam) donburi were also outstanding. For tea, you can choose between Gyokuro (cold) and Hojicha (cold or hot). Reservations can be made through Instagram (with specific time slots and number of people). If you're lucky and there are available seats, walk-ins are also possible.

I went to a popular restaurant in Arashiyama that opened in Pontocho. The food we had in the calm and Kyoto-like atmosphere, contrasting with the lively Pontocho, was exceptionally delicious. The landlady's hospitality was also wonderful.