2019jun24 • Kani (crab) in Kyoto

Travel plans have taken a seemingly never ending hiatus this year, so I’ve been tiding over by digging up last year’s Kyoto trip, and man, do I ever miss it!!

One of the highlights was かに (kani), crab!

蟹道樂 Kani Douraku

Address: 〒604-8081 Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Article 3 Teramachi 525, Tenshojimaechou, Nishi-iru
Phone: 075-211-0671

Website: http://douraku.co.jp.e.at.hp.transer.com/kansai/kyotohonten/

Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Last admission: 21:00

Walking all the way through Teramachi, a covered walkway lined with various shops and stores, from Shijo to almost Sanjo, you’ll see their iconic crab logo gently waving you in with its giant legs.

It’s not exactly crab season, and we made a reservation, so we were able to walk right in. Usually there’s a huge lineup right outside the store. Although it wasn’t the most desirable season for tasty crabs, Japanese being usually more reliable, and this being a reputable huge chain of restaurants, I was willing to take the risks.

Right at it’s entrance, is fish tanks with an assortment of crabs. After motioning is to take off our shoes, a lovely lady led us upstairs to the lounge. Along the way was all tatami, even in the elevator. We were seated in a large table that could easily fit 6 or even 8 in Hong Kong standards, although we were only a group of 4. Later a single customer came in and she was also seated in a table of similar size. Although it was tatami flooring, there’s a hole under the table for even non-Japanese and those who easily get leg cramps (ahem) to sit comfortably. Apparently they also have party rooms, but I guess we needed a bigger group to qualify.

Our server gave us hand towels, menus and a short explanation in pure Japanese (although I’m pretty sure her last name was Chinese). If you wanted service in English or Chinese, they probably would have some servers that could help out.

I can’t quite name what’s in here, but they’re traditional Japanese appetizers with some crab in them, all I know is they tasted quite interesting.

There’s two pieces of sashimi, but I ate one before I remembered to take a photo. This piece I left for the next round.

After the sashimi, comes the hotpot and some more crab legs and tofu and veggies. I also left one piece of the sashimi and lightly heated it in the hot pot, it tasted wonderfully!

The tempura was pretty good too, not too oily, just crispy. All the crab dishes were very nicely cut open so there’s no difficulty getting at the meat, and no sticky fingers to contend with.