Located along the Kamogawa River, Pontocho Izumoya has been serving up deliciously tender and smoky eel for over a century now. As a bonus, it’s pretty tourist-friendly, too.
Pontocho Izumoya – image © Chris Rowthorn
Winding parallel to the Kamogawa River between Sanjo and Shijo bridges, the narrow, lantern-lined Pontocho Alley is a popular spot with tourists these days for its atmosphere and dozens of restaurants. One of the most hallowed along this street is Pontocho Izumoya, more commonly called Izumoya. They’re an unagi and kaiseki restaurant that’s been dishing out grilled eel to locals and visitors for over a century now.
Rather unusually, unagi at Izumoya is cooked in the Kanto-style rather than Kansai-style, meaning that it’s sliced along the back and steamed before grilling. This leaves it more tender throughout, practically melting in your mouth. It’s beautifully smoky too. They also use eel innards in the miso soup – that’s real top-to-tail eating for you!
Izumoya is a popular establishment right in the center of town, so if you go without a reservation, you might have to wait in line. Luckily, they have four floors of seating, and the wait usually isn’t too long. Go at lunchtimes if you’re on a budget – it’s always more reasonably priced then. Skip the shabu-shabu if you’re not feeling extravagant.
If you manage to get a windowside table overlooking the Kamo River, all the better. We like visiting in summer when they set up the verandah next to the river for outdoor dining. It doesn’t get more atmospheric than this on summer evenings!
For more Kyoto unagi choices, see our Best Unagi In Kyoto page.
Name in English:
Pontocho Izumoya
Name in Japanese:
先斗町 いづもや
English address:
173-2 Kashiwaya-cho, Pontocho-dori-Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区先斗町通四条上る柏屋町173-2
Opening hours:
11:30am-10pm
Price:
Non-smoking area: Completely Non-Smoking
Nearest Transport:
2min walk from Kawaramachi Station Exit 1A, Hankyu line
Reservations:
Possible
Telephone: 211-2501
Website:
Official site (Japanese)
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