Kappo Manome where Hospitality Leads the Way
Published: February 3, 2025
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“Kappo Manome” is a fugu restaurant with over 50 years of history.
The number of guests from Europe, the United States, and various Asian countries has been increasing, and both the English menu and the okami’s (female owner/manager) English customer service are highly praised.
I really liked that the English menus are thoughtfully designed. The okami told me she takes great care in introducing Japanese cuisine to foreign guests and genuinely enjoys communicating in English. For those on a budget, there is also a special lunch menu that is very affordable and allows you to enjoy a tasty Japanese meal.
The restaurant offers private horigotatsu rooms (sunken-floor seating) as well as a large tatami room that can accommodate up to 35 guests.
If my family came to visit me in Japan, this is exactly the kind of place I would want to take them to experience authentic Japanese gastronomy!
The signature dish, “Fugu Sashimi”
This was actually my first time eating fugu, and I was honestly surprised by how incredibly delicate it was. The sashimi is arranged in a beautiful circular pattern, each slice so thin you can almost see through it. I remember just staring at the plate for a moment before trying it. The texture is clean and refined, unlike anything I’ve had before, and you can feel the years of technique behind such precise knife work.
The recommended dish, “Basil-Flavored Fried Fugu.”
I wasn’t expecting fugu to work so well as a fried dish, but this one completely won me over. The coating is light and crisp, and the basil aroma hits you the moment the plate arrives. Once you bite in, the fish stays surprisingly tender inside, with a faint sweetness that pairs perfectly with the herb. It feels familiar, almost like a comfort dish, yet still refined in that very Japanese way.
Homemade nukazuke (rice bran pickles)
The flavors were calm and well-rounded, with that gentle depth you get from a carefully looked-after nukazuke. They worked perfectly between the richer fugu dishes, resetting the palate without overwhelming anything.
Hire-zake (hot sake with grilled fish fins)
This was also my first time trying hire-zake, and it ended up being one of the highlights of today. The grilled fugu fin gives the hot sake a deep, toasty aroma that feels almost smoky, but still incredibly smooth. The flavor is richer than I expected, warming in a very comforting way.
They offer a selection of Japanese sake, Japanese wine, plum wine, and other drinks that pair perfectly with fugu dishes and other delicate Japanese cuisine.
I recommend asking the okami for advice when it comes to selecting your drink. She knows exactly which drink will best complement each dish. Like wine, some Japanese sake pair better with certain flavors, and her guidance ensures that each sip enhances the tasting experience, making it both enjoyable and perfectly suited to your preferences.
The best time to enjoy fugu is from autumn to winter. During this peak season, they offer special fugu courses and dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Kappo Manome is an exceptional place to experience fugu. With over 50 years of history, the restaurant beautifully showcases Japanese culinary tradition, and the warm hospitality makes every visit memorable. I could truly feel the care and attention in every detail, from the expertly prepared dishes to the welcoming service, making it a must-visit for anyone curious about this unique delicacy.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Grégoire Renais
・Nationality：France
・Hobbies：Hiking, Photography (Landscapes, Japanese cultural events)
※Information is based on November 2025. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
