Ryougoku Kutchan

Kutchan's Finest Chankonabe Restaurant

Chris Barnes Sep 04, 2013 - 1 min read

Okawa-san’s wife Saiko assists in tossing crab legs, prawns, chicken, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, scallops and green vegetables into the boiling soup

In true Japanese style, the tables are prepared and immucately set out before you arrive

The interior of Ryougoku is simple and beautiful with Sake bottles and traditional Japanese decorations throughout

The counter is decorated with various Sake bottles in true Japanese style

The Chankonabe hotpot is the signature dish of Ryougoku, and one of the best hot pots I've experienced in Japan

Ryougoku's decor is immaculate and traditional. Aside from the delicious food, it is one of the more inviting restaurants in the region.

Customers will be impressed by the immaculate presentation of all dishes at Ryougoku, including this squid and seaweed appertizer

Ryougoku is one of the newer buildings in town hence the modern facade

Ryougoku is a popular restaurant in downtown Kutchan that serves the famous chankonabe, the sumo wrestler's hot pot. Satoshi Okawa, a former sumo wrestler, is now proud owner and chef with more than 35 years restaurant experience. As you enter Ryogoku you will see it’s not just about indulging in sumo food, but also immersing yourself into sumo culture and tradition. The restaurant is an exhibition of Okawa-san’s professional past. Decorations include pictures, tournament schedules and the Yokozuna belt of former sumo champion Kitanoumi. You can chose from four chankonabe sets with salt, kimchi and miso broth with up to 22 different types of meat and vegetables. Ryougoku is open everyday except Sunday from 17:30 ~ 23:00. and prices per person range from 1,500 to 2,000 yen. I highly recommend Ryougoku to anyone visiting Kutchan.

Chris Barnes @chris.barnes

A little while ago i began exploring the world. I started in Japan, and after 29 countries of amazing adventures, i find myself back in Japan fully absorbed in its culture, its people and its beauty.