Our initial visit to Sushi Kappa Gojo, a local restaurant about 2 minutes from our home in Shichirigahama Higashi, Kamakura City, was a wonderful 2 hour affair. We went with our pals, Ginny and David. The short rainy walk was worth it because we had a great time!
We walked in the front door and were warmly greeted by the staff. This restaurant was converted from a ramen house about a year ago and we had yet to visit it. (Hubby needs to be in the mood for sushi so we hadn't gone yet.) Now that we have only 6 months left here, we're due to visit it at least a couple more times before we move!
After stepping into a nicely lit wooden entrance, we were asked if we wanted to sit at the tables to our right or in the booths that were a bit further in. We opted for the more traditional tables, which were like our kotatsu at home, minus the warming unit and blankets, but much more comfortable than sitting on the floor like in some Japanese restaurants. A "hot plate" was built into the middle of the table for four...handy for patrons who order shabu-shabu. Our perfect meal for four consisted of the following:
We walked in the front door and were warmly greeted by the staff. This restaurant was converted from a ramen house about a year ago and we had yet to visit it. (Hubby needs to be in the mood for sushi so we hadn't gone yet.) Now that we have only 6 months left here, we're due to visit it at least a couple more times before we move!
After stepping into a nicely lit wooden entrance, we were asked if we wanted to sit at the tables to our right or in the booths that were a bit further in. We opted for the more traditional tables, which were like our kotatsu at home, minus the warming unit and blankets, but much more comfortable than sitting on the floor like in some Japanese restaurants. A "hot plate" was built into the middle of the table for four...handy for patrons who order shabu-shabu. Our perfect meal for four consisted of the following:
- beer for Hubby (nama biru or draft beer)
Sake for me & Ginny...they arrived in individual pitchers (about 20 oz. size) made from local pottery and a small exquisitely cut etched glass 
matcha tea (real stuff, not powdered) for David since he was driving them home later - sashimi for 4 (my favorite was the tuna, although even the octopus was tasty and not rubbery at all like in some restaurants)
- shabu-shabu
- tempura (veggies)
- we also had a bit of miso soup...mmmm....
- topped off at the end with nicely chilled sliced pears
The bill was very reasonable, especially for the level of service, ambience and great food...about 12,000 yen or about $120. For Japan, that's pretty good.
Other than the great food, here are a couple of things I fondly recall about the restaurant...
- Zen-like entrance and overall decor
- Aquarium visible from the road...blink and you'll miss it because it looks just like a window
- Sushi chefs' backs are visible from the front
- You'll have to take your shoes off before entering the seating areas
- exquisite pottery for dinner dishes and serving dishes
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