As the name suggests, Tonariha-Jinja is an izakaya located next to "Kotoni Shrine" in Sapporo. In this continuation of Vol. 1, where we introduced their delightful small dishes, we now delve into their signature kamameshi.
After the excitement of my favorite band’s concert, both my heart and stomach were full!
The budget in the title is for one person, reflecting a generous and indulgent meal. I ate until I was bursting!
Filling Up with Hearty Kamameshi!
If you visit Tonariha-Jinja, kamameshi is a must-try! Faced with such an irresistible menu, we chose one from their classic options and one from their seasonal offerings.
Thick-Cut Beef Tongue That Melts in Your Mouth!
This beef tongue is incredibly tender and flavorful! It was just so delicious. The green onions layered between the rice and meat absorbed the rich flavors and fats, which you then mix together for a perfect bite. Absolutely amazing.
They provide scissors to cut the beef to your preferred size. I opted for larger cuts for a more satisfying experience. It was fun and filling!
Savoring Seasonal Ingredients with All Five Senses!
This was the seasonal kamameshi with firefly squid and bamboo shoots. The light seasoning allowed the squid's plump texture and the bamboo shoot’s flavor and crispness to shine. Simply delicious. Seasonal ingredients really do have something special.
Tonariha-Jinja’s kamameshi menu changes to feature fresh, seasonal ingredients, so it’s worth checking out regularly.
Each kamameshi is served with complementary condiments, allowing you to change up the flavor as you eat, much like a hitsumabushi (eel over rice).
Just Four Minutes from Kotoni Station, Next to the Shrine
Tonariha-Jinja is a four-minute walk from Kotoni Station. Just head towards Kotoni Shrine, and you’ll find the izakaya right next door. I wish I’d had time to visit the shrine, but unfortunately, it was already closed.
I visited at the end of May. While some days in Kanto already felt like summer, Sapporo was still quite chilly at night. Luckily, the station was close enough that I could hop on the train before the cold hit, thanks to the warm post-meal buzz.
The interior of the restaurant is spacious, with ample seating and plenty of room between tables. There’s also a counter for solo diners, so you can feel comfortable dining alone.
Although we originally booked two seats at the counter, they kindly moved us to a larger table when one became available, allowing us to enjoy a relaxed and leisurely meal. Such hospitality is much appreciated.
As we were leaving, I chatted with the staff, who told me, “We’re not aiming to cater to tourists—we just want to serve truly delicious food.” With that strong conviction, it’s no wonder every dish was outstanding! I couldn’t agree more.
Tonariha-Jinja is a place that will make you want to return again and again. If you ever visit Sapporo, I highly recommend taking a short trip to enjoy the delicious food at this charming restaurant.
