The establishment was founded in 1937, making it a long-standing restaurant. It is said to serve the best chanko-nabe in Ryogoku. Chanko-nabe is a dish that sumo wrestlers eat, and this restaurant was the first to feature it on the menu. Founded by former sumo wrestler Yokotezan, it is now run by the third generation, truly making it a venerable establishment. It has also been featured in the Michelin Guide Tokyo Bib Gourmand 2016, solidifying its reputation as a top-notch restaurant. Unlike chanko-nabe restaurants in large buildings, this restaurant is housed in a charming traditional Japanese house. Upon entering, you are greeted with a warm welcome. We enjoyed the chanko-nabe course in a private tatami room. The meat used is chicken, which is considered auspicious for sumo wrestlers. The meal started with yakitori, consisting of three substantial skewers, followed by a large tsukune (chicken meatball) and chicken sashimi. Each dish was exquisite and delicious. Miso and kazunoko were also served as accompaniments to the alcohol. The main dish, chanko-nabe, was cooked in a savory chicken soy sauce broth. The staff expertly cooked the ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy the dish according to their preferences. The vegetables had a crisp texture and absorbed the flavorful broth beautifully. The chicken meat was tender and flavorful. The chanko-nabe was truly exceptional. While rice dishes were not included for those who drink alcohol, the remaining broth was too good to waste. We ended the meal by adding rice to make a delicious zosui (rice soup). It was incredibly tasty!

It was a light type of chanko (I'm not sure if there are non-light types of chanko). The yakitori was also delicious. The staff were friendly, so I plan to use this restaurant when my parents from the countryside visit Tokyo.

It was a restaurant where you could eat delicious old-fashioned chanko. I visited for the first time, so I thought the chanko would be miso-based, but it was surprisingly a chicken broth-based chanko with a strong flavor. The course starts with yakitori, which is also delicious. The meat is large and satisfying to eat. For drinks, you can choose between beer or sake served in a hinoki cup with a fragrant aroma, but there is no shochu available, so that's the only thing to be aware of.

After the end of the pandemic, I met up with friends and decided to try out Chanko Kawazaki, a traditional Chanko cuisine restaurant located near Ryogoku Station. We ordered the 5,400 yen course, which was the only option available for reservations. The entrance to the restaurant is located on the back side of the main street. Aside from the counter seats, there are also private rooms separated by sliding doors. As soon as we entered, we were greeted with enthusiastic service and a detailed explanation of the course. The first appetizer served was edamame with homemade miso, beautifully presented and delicious. Next, we enjoyed a variety of yakitori skewers with different seasonings, all showcasing the unique flavors of each part. The Chanko hot pot featured local chicken and a rich broth that was full of umami flavor, infusing the meat with a delicious taste. The additional dishes such as chicken liver and gizzard were also delightful. The main Chanko hot pot was a highlight, with a wide selection of ingredients and a deep flavorful broth that impressed us. We also ordered the zosui (rice porridge) as an extra, which was light and tasty. The staff entertained us with jokes, sumo stories, and history lessons while preparing the hot pot. In between the Chanko courses, we were offered a choice of salad or chicken sashimi. For drinks, we were recommended to try the sake, specifically a barrel-aged sake that had a delicate yet complex taste with a hint of cedar aroma. It was a unique sake that the owner claimed could only be enjoyed at Chanko Kawazaki. The combination of this sake with the Chanko cuisine was truly exceptional, enhancing the overall dining experience. It was a delightful evening filled with delicious food and great company.

I had the chanko course at a 3.57 chanko specialty store in Ryogoku, where I enjoyed delicious chanko in a traditional wooden building. The staff were cheerful and friendly, and the owner was pleasant to talk to. I learned that chicken broth is called "sop" here. I'm looking forward to the rise of young sumo wrestlers, but it's also sad when the veterans are not doing well. It's unrelated, but I think the sumo ring should be flat like a down slab. I might even start a party to make the sumo ring flat.

It was really delicious. The service was also fantastic. This time we had a course menu. Three types of grilled chicken were served one after another. Chicken mayo salad (or chicken with wasabi). Chanko hot pot. Everything was exquisite. The richness of the chanko hot pot soup was so delicious it brought tears to my eyes. I want to pay good money for dishes that are made with care and effort. In fact, I feel happy to pay for it. It made me realize that there are still so many delicious foods out there. Thank you very much. I want to come back again.

Michelin-selected chanko restaurant "Kawasaki" Established in 1937, this long-standing restaurant is now run by the third generation of former sumo wrestler Yokoteyama. The traditional Japanese house setting adds to the charm of the place. We ordered the chanko hot pot course. The chicken broth soy sauce base soup becomes more flavorful as you eat. We asked for it to be made stronger as it was a bit bland. By the time we reached the porridge at the end, the broth had become incredibly delicious and satisfying. The yakitori was average, but the chanko hot pot lived up to its reputation and was delicious. - Restaurant Name: Kawasaki - Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E3%80%92130-0026+%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%A1%E5%9B%BD%EF%BC%92%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE%EF%BC%91%EF%BC%93%E2%88%92%EF%BC%91+%E5%B7%9D%E5%B4%8E%E3%81%A1%E3%82%83%E3%82%93%E3%81%93+%E3%81%A1%E3%82%83%E3%82%93%E3%81%93%E5%B7%9D%EF%A8%91/@35.6953544,139.7914433,13z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6018894ac4b62f9f:0xde3aa841349c7627?hl=ja - Nearest Station: JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station West Exit, about a 3-minute walk (210m from Ryogoku Station) - Business Hours: Monday to Saturday 17:00-20:30 (Last Order) ~21:30 (Close) - Closed: Sundays, Public Holidays - Reservations: Reservations accepted. Reservations start from 2 adults at ¥5,400 (tax included). Unfortunately, children under elementary school age are not allowed. While reservations are not required, due to limited seating and COVID-19 measures, it is recommended to inquire by phone before visiting. - Seating Capacity: 50 seats (Counter 5 seats, Table seats 7 seats) - Budget: ¥6000-¥7999 - Other Information: Private rooms available for 6, 8, and 10-20 people. Not available for full rental. All seats are non-smoking (ashtrays available outside). No parking available.

I had a year-end party with my company's sumo club at a traditional chicken hot pot restaurant in Ryogoku. Before the hot pot, we enjoyed two skewers, tsukune (chicken meatballs), and chicken sashimi as appetizers which were all delicious. The first skewer was a mix of liver and heart with sauce, while the second skewer was salted chicken thigh meat. The contrast in flavors was delightful. The tsukune had a perfect balance of sweetness and adult flavors. We all chose chicken sashimi over salad, and the wasabi was freshly grated, enhancing the flavor. The chicken sashimi was tender and went well with beer. We had "Hakutsuru" sake in a masu (wooden box), and the salt was optional. The hot pot was soy sauce flavored, and it was delicious. The meal ended with a comforting rice porridge, with the option to add eggs. The staff took care of preparing the hot pot. This restaurant is definitely worth revisiting.

Kawasaki is a well-known restaurant where you can enjoy traditional "chanko" hot pot. Established in 1937, it is one of the oldest chanko specialty shops in the Ryogoku area, where many chanko shops are located. Kawasaki is known for being one of the first to offer chanko as a dining option, originally enjoyed by sumo wrestlers in their stables. While the restaurant typically requires reservations for multiple guests, I recently discovered that they also allow solo diners if there are available seats on the day. I visited for the first time as a solo diner right after the opening. Unlike other chanko specialty shops that offer a variety of flavors like miso, salt, curry, and spicy, Kawasaki only serves one type of chanko called "Meiyoshi Chanko," which is a soy sauce-based hot pot with chicken broth and chicken meat. The menu also includes a few carefully selected side dishes like yakitori and toriwasa. This focus on a limited menu is a unique feature of Kawasaki. The emphasis on chicken dishes is rooted in the tradition of sumo wrestlers preferring chicken for its auspicious symbolism of not touching the ground. I ordered the Meiyoshi Chanko, yakitori, and toriwasa along with bottled beer and later switched to sake. The chanko hot pot was cooked in a small pot on a gas stove, and the soup, made by simmering for six hours, was clear yet flavorful, making it a delight to savor. The yakitori and toriwasa were both delicious, with each piece of meat tender and well-balanced in flavor. The sake, served in wooden barrels from Konishi Sake Brewery in Hyogo Prefecture, paired perfectly with the dishes. The meal ended with a satisfying zosui (rice soup) made with the remaining soup, expertly prepared by the staff. The entire dining experience at Kawasaki was delightful, with attentive service and a cozy atmosphere that added to the enjoyment of the traditional chanko cuisine. It was a special experience to savor the simple yet profound flavors that have been preserved since the pre-war era, in a setting that exudes the charm of a longstanding establishment.

I went to Ryogoku for the first time to try chanko-nabe. The Sumo arena was playing traditional Japanese music, creating a Sumo atmosphere. The restaurant also offered yakitori and other dishes besides chanko-nabe. The building had an old-fashioned charm. The chanko-nabe had a light and delicious chicken broth, and the chicken was easy to eat and tasty. I had expected chanko-nabe to be heavy and filling, but it was surprisingly light. The vegetables were plentiful and the chicken was the main ingredient, making it a healthy option. The zosui (rice soup) at the end was also delicious. Overall, it was a tasty meal.

There are many delicious restaurants in Ryogoku, such as craft beer, tonkatsu, and gyoza, so I often visit. I initially planned to start with Edomae sushi, but since it was raining and I didn't want to wait in line, I decided to have tonkatsu instead. However, due to the chilly rainy season weather, I ended up opting for a hot pot. There is a chanko restaurant in Ryogoku that I frequent which offers all-you-can-drink, but since I didn't feel like drinking excessively, I chose a place without it this time. The restaurant had a historical feel and a cozy family-run atmosphere, so my expectations were high. I ordered the chanko nabe course with bottled beer, Asahi Super Dry, which was a good choice. The appetizers, such as chicken salad and chicken wasabi, were delicious with a subtle flavor. The yakitori was also top-notch and just as good as at a high-end yakitori restaurant. The chanko nabe had about three different types of chicken parts and was soy sauce-based with a mild flavor. The vegetables were plentiful and added a nice sweetness to the dish. For the finale, I had zosui with added mochi, which was a perfect way to end the meal. The chicken broth in the zosui was rich and tasty! It was a fantastic meal. For the second round, I headed to the craft beer haven...

Hello, this is Mitomi Emon! Visited the long-established chanko restaurant "Kawasaki" founded in 1937. The first owner was a sumo wrestler, and now the third generation runs the restaurant. The traditional Japanese atmosphere of the restaurant is quite charming. While pork chanko is becoming more common, this restaurant only serves chicken chanko. This is to bring good luck from sumo culture, as chickens stand on two legs rather than on all fours like other animals. The soup is made with fresh chicken bones, carefully simmered, and seasoned with soy sauce. The soup is not overly rich, but has a gentle flavor of chicken. The healthy impression is reinforced by the generous amount of vegetables in the soup. The delicious broth, enhanced by the flavor of vegetables, guarantees a satisfying meal with grilled chicken and porridge as a finish. This restaurant, known for its chicken chanko, also excels in other chicken dishes such as liver, gizzard, meatballs, and grilled chicken wings. The offal dishes have no unpleasant odor, and the meatballs are as flavorful as hamburgers. If you want to enjoy chanko in the sumo town of Ryogoku, this restaurant is a top recommendation! Thank you for the meal.

The nearest station is JR Ryogoku Station, a 4-minute walk away. It's been difficult to find the right timing to visit, as reservations are required for groups of 4 or more, and if lining up without a reservation, everyone must be present before queuing. This Japanese restaurant is quite flexible yet a bit stubborn compared to others. This time, I lined up a bit before opening and entered when they opened. I chose the Chanko course (4,850 yen), which includes appetizers, grilled dishes, chicken and vegetables, and a hot pot set. Needless to say, everything was delicious. My favorites were the grilled minced chicken and chicken and vegetable dish. The minced chicken with sweet and savory sauce was easy to eat, while the chicken and vegetable dish had a refreshing taste that went well with alcohol. The hot pot had a soy sauce-based chicken broth that was light yet flavorful, with the ingredients soaked in delicious flavors. Before I knew it, I was enjoying my drinks, and even the rice porridge at the end was delicious. This restaurant offers a great atmosphere, delicious food, and good drinks. Thank you for the meal.

Kawasaki @ Ryogoku - Properly working chanko nabe We, Tokyo Hormones, a group of foodies, went to Kawasaki @ Ryogoku to try their chanko nabe. I realized that simple dishes can be quite complex. This day, we were invited to visit Ryogoku. When asked where we were going, I said "Ryogoku," and was reminded of Lion Hall. Today, we won't bring any souvenirs. Kawasaki @ Ryogoku is known for being the first restaurant in Ryogoku to serve chanko cuisine since 1937. It's charming to have chanko nabe in an old Japanese house in the downtown area. They serve a special sake called Hakusetsu Shirayuki, which apparently goes well with their chanko. We started with some appetizers and beer, and then they brought out the liver - delicious yakitori made with chicken from the morning. The special Hakusetsu Shirayuki sake was really good - very refreshing! The tsukune skin grilled with sake was also delicious. We had more yakitori and then it was chanko time! The ingredients were quickly thrown into the pot, and the chanko nabe was served. The chicken broth in the chanko was amazing. It wasn't overwhelming, just the right amount of flavor. It was a great chanko nabe with a nostalgic Showa era vibe. It was a wonderful experience. Now, what souvenirs should I buy on the way back?

I went to the holy land of Ryogoku to eat chanko! It's close to the station, but there are only chanko restaurants around... If you want monjayaki, go to Tsukishima, if you want chanko, go to Ryogoku! Unless there's a sumo match at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, there should be seats available. This time, I went with two people, and you can order chanko starting from one serving. We sat at the counter, and the master and the lady boss were very friendly and willing to explain everything when asked... The chanko and other dishes we enjoyed this time were as follows. First, we had Toriwasa (800 yen). It's just chicken mixed with wasabi, but the chicken was fresh and delicious. The wasabi is freshly grated every time you order, so the aroma is very nice. However, the portion is quite small for the price... Next, we had Tsukune (800 yen). It came with three large tsukune, and they were just as expected with a sweet sauce. They were soft and easy to eat. They only handle chicken because it's what sumo wrestlers eat. And finally, the Meidaisho Chanko (2,900 yen). Even though it's a serving for one, there were plenty of ingredients. It included vegetables like cabbage, burdock, and radish, as well as chicken like thigh meat, liver, etc. The master said you can eat it however you like, so you can choose your favorite way to eat it... It's not about being careless, but about enjoying it the way you like it. The porridge is an extra charge, but we ordered it along with pickles. The pickles were all homemade except for the shibazuke (from Kyoto). The porridge, with the concentrated umami of the chanko, had a nostalgic and comforting taste. Finally, we had sake with the porridge. It was sake from Itami (Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture). There was a barrel of sake nearby that was a whopping 4 to (400 cups)! The barrel aroma was strong, and the taste was completely different from that of a bottle! I thought the restaurant might have a high threshold, but once I stepped inside, the friendly staff and the relaxed atmosphere made for a great dinner. Thank you for the meal!

The restaurant is located in Ryogoku. On these hot days that feel more like early summer, my senior colleague took me to Ryogoku. As soon as we entered through the curtain, it felt like a nostalgic tatami room. We started with yakitori and beer. The yakitori was fragrant and tender, with a deep and delicious sauce. The gentle atmosphere of the room, along with the faint aroma of chanko broth, created a soothing space. The chanko broth was irresistible, with a rich umami flavor that soaked into the meat and vegetables. We enjoyed masu sake and Miyagi's local Ryogoku sake, and time flew by. Now, it's time for some ochazuke... The flavor that comes from the broth and various ingredients is indescribable. Delicious^_^ Thank you^_^

Chanko-nabe... I've been wanting to try it for years. But I always missed the timing. You see, with hot pot, it's definitely a winter thing. It just doesn't make sense to say, "Let's go eat hot pot" in the middle of a hot summer, you know? I always think to myself, "I want to try chanko-nabe" during the winter, but before I know it, it's spring and I miss the chance. This year, thanks to M-san, I finally had the opportunity to go to Ryogoku on a weekday. There are so many chanko restaurants in this area, as expected. This time, we chose this place at M-san's request. It seemed like a popular spot, so we thought we should make a reservation. But when I checked the reservation information on Tabelog, it said "Reservations for 4 people or more." Oh no! That means we'll have to try our luck on the day itself. And if it doesn't work out, we'll have to find another place to eat. Also, M-san provided some insider information about Ryogoku. "It gets crowded around the ring." It's such a common sense thing, but since I'm not usually interested in sumo, I overlooked it. We arrived around 6:30 pm, M-san's after-work timing. And already, there was a foreign couple waiting. We ended up waiting for about 30 minutes before we could enter the restaurant. The staff kindly told us, "You may have to wait for about 20-30 minutes, so if you're willing to wait, please do." It was cold outside, and waiting outside the restaurant is not something everyone would want to do. It's pretty common for people to say, "Let's go somewhere else." It's just too cold. This day was cold, but still bearable... relatively speaking. I mean, it's really cold, but in comparison to the cold since January, it's still tolerable. So we decided to wait. After about 30 minutes, we were seated at the counter. There are 7 seats at the counter, and the upper area seemed to be for reserved groups. The chanko here is chicken only. ...I was told this, but as a complete novice who doesn't know what meat is typically used in chanko-nabe, I had no idea. We ordered the chanko course, which seemed like a variety of dishes to enjoy. It included appetizers, grilled dishes, chicken and vegetable salad or salad, chanko-nabe, and finally, rice porridge to finish. The pickles in the photo were an additional order. My first impression of chanko-nabe was... surprisingly... light and refreshing. It's a healthy hot pot that you can eat without feeling heavy. I had this image that it would be high in calories and rich because "sumo wrestlers eat it," but when you think about it, such a meal would just make you gain fat and not build muscle. You'd end up with high cholesterol, clogged arteries, and a trip to the hospital before you even rise in the rankings... Chanko-nabe is a healthy and balanced hot pot where you can eat plenty of meat and vegetables. I only realized this now (laughs). We finished with rice porridge. We added eggs and rice. You can ask for the amount of rice beforehand. Since the chanko was light, we thought, "We can definitely handle one bowl of rice each," so we ordered three bowls and when we finished them... we were so full (=_=) The master and other staff were very kind and took good care of us. It had a cozy, old-town charm. A cold winter definitely calls for a hot pot. Highly recommended... but! If you're less than four people, I think you absolutely have to make a reservation, so please be aware.

I went to Ryogoku to eat delicious Chanko. It was a course meal, but the grilled chicken and Toriwasa were exceptionally delicious. The Chanko had a rich broth and was very tasty. I only had beer and sake, so I was a little disappointed that they didn't have shochu. It's a bit pricey, but considering the quality, it's worth it.

The photo is old, but I have been to this place many times. They serve a delicious and refreshing chanko-nabe hot pot. There are many different types and flavors of chanko, but I only eat it here. The balance of flavors is perfect, so it remains delicious until the end. I used to come here often in the winter. If my girlfriend wants to eat hot pot, I will definitely take her here.

It was delicious, but I wouldn't say it was extremely delicious.

I finished watching sumo and had a delicious chanko nabe, while getting engrossed in sumo talk. It was the best. After all, having a hot pot of chanko nabe after sumo is the best! ❤️