Jukai

Diners have remarked that the dashi had soaked deeply into the oden ingredients, and that the seared bonito left a lasting impression. Oden is on the menu and makes an inviting choice when you want to start with a few bites alongside a drink. One diner also recalled finding the bonito memorable even compared with Kochi’s. It’s a natural partner to the oden, and a good option if you’re after a dish with the savoury character of fish.

The menu includes small seafood plates such as sea bream sashimi and chunks of octopus. Seared bonito is listed at ¥850, sea bream sashimi at ¥500, and chunks of octopus at ¥320, making it easy to sample a few different things. Grilled fish options include salted salmon, salted mackerel and horse mackerel, as well as grilled kibinago and shishamo. You can build a meal around seafood or add a single dish to go with your drinks.

There are fried dishes, too. One diner mentioned enjoying an assorted kushikatsu platter and oden. The menu also lists fried prawns, deep-fried flatfish and sardines prepared nanban-style. Add small plates such as sliced yam or aubergine with dengaku miso for a meal that isn’t all fried food.

For something more substantial, consider one of the small hot pots. The menu lists a nira and egg hot pot, a pork and bean sprout hot pot, a version with kimchi, and nabe-yaki ramen. The ramen is also available in a mini size, an option for a lighter finish.

Jukai is described as an old-fashioned, casual Japanese pub with counter seating, and as a suitable spot for dining alone. Beer and other alcoholic drinks are available. Start with a drink and a small plate, then choose a hot pot or noodles depending on your appetite.