Pontocho Shabushabu Sukiyaki Kiraku

The atmosphere felt like stepping into a renovated Kyoto townhouse, calm and intimate, with the sound of the Kamo River flowing right nearby. The setting alone was already special, but the wagyu sukiyaki had there went far beyond anything I expected. The first shock was the beauty.of the meat itsel...f. Thin slices of wagyu, delicately marbled, sizzled in the sweet soy broth for just a moment-suddenly the whole table turned into a little theater of aromas. Back home in the U.S., beef usually feels heavy and hearty, but here a single slice of ribeye felt like a work of art. The fat was light and elegant, never overwhelming. l found myself going back again and again, caught in an endless loop of "just one more bite." Honestly, it felt like a kind of luxury that only Kyoto could deliver.

Visited August 2025

Wagyu sukiyaki really is the best!"-that's exactly how I felt that night. While exploring the charming alleys of Pontocho in Kyoto, I stumbled upon this shabu-shabu specialty restaurant. Nestled among stone-paved streets and glowing lanterns, the place stood out as a calm, hidden retreat. The moment... I stepped inside, the quiet, refined atmosphere made me feel like I had discovered something truly special. I ordered the sukiyaki made with Wagyu round beef. The thin slices hit the hot pot and instantly released an aroma that pulled me in. One bite, and the meat practically melted away-smooth, tender, and perfectly balanced. Since it's round cut, it had just the right amount of fat, making it light and easy to enjoy without feeling heavy. I couldn't stop eating until the very last bite. What made the experience even better was the staff's hospitality. They kindly explained how to enjoy sukiyaki step by step, which made it approachable even for someone like me who's still learning Japanese dining culture. It wasn't just delicious food-the warmth of their service turned it into something unforgettable. The combination of Kyoto's timeless atmosphere, the flavor of premium Wagyu, and thoughtful service created the highlight of my trip. What started as a casual stop ended up becoming one of my most memorable nights in Kyoto.

Visited August 2025

Pontocho feels unreal-lanterns glowing, stone-paved alleys, the Kamo River whispering nearby. And right in the middle sits this little treasure. Just a twO-minute walk from Kawaramachi, three from Gion- Shijo, and you step into a townhouse with calm elegance and a sense of privacy. I came for one r...eason: the filet sukiyaki. Done Kansai-style, the pan hits hot with a touch of beef fat and sugar, the filet seared first, then finished with warishita broth. The sound, the aroma, the instant dip into raw egg-it's a performance right on the table, and the first bite leaves no questions. The filet was absurdly smooth, like velvet. The balance of sweetness and soy was tight, never cloying. Even with less fat, the flavor carried on, long and gracefu-a kind of "luxury in lightness." Surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of Kyoto, it was wagyu at its most refined.

Visited August 2025

One of the most unforgettable dinners I had in Japan was at a hidden gem in Kyoto's Pontocho district . " Shabu - shabu Kiraku is tucked away in a narrow alley , but once you step inside , it's like the city fades away . I got a window seat , and right outside ? The Kamogawa River flowing quietly un...der the night sky . Unreal atmosphere . The wagyu ? Absolutely insane . Thinly sliced , beautifully marbled , and it melted the moment it hit the broth . Dip it in ponzu or sesame sauce and you're in actual food heaven . But what really stuck with me was the calm - the kind of silence that lets you just be present . No noise , no rush . Just the sound of simmering broth and the view of the river . If you want to experience Japan in one single meal , this is the place .

Visited August 2025

Tucked away in the charming alleys of Kyoto's Pontocho, this restaurant felt less like a meal and more like a tea ceremony. Each slice of wagyu was gently swirled through golden broth and dipped into egg-pure, tender, and soul-soothing. No noise, no rush. Just calm, care, and a quiet memory that l...ingers.

Visited May 2025