“Toriden Yakuin” is a hot pot shop that can help with any occasion, be it a lunch meeting or a family dinner. The concept of the interior design is “space” - an intriguingly postmodern Japanese design using plaster, solid wood, and Ookawa Kumiko (a type of traditional wood joinery) - and adds depth to the experience of eating traditional local specialties.

The tasting menu comes in three levels, with the standard “Ume”, “Take” with add-ons of Sesame Mackerel and Chicken Tempura, and finally, “Matsu”, which surveys Kyushu flavors with add-ons of traditional gyokuro tea, a sashimi platter, and a choice of dessert. Starting with a thick, milky soup, this hot pot journey progresses from a marriage of house ponzu, ribboned scallions and bone-in chicken meat, to soupy meatballs served with various seasonings and vegetables, and finishes with closing courses of rice soup and ramen.

The menu is universal throughout the day. The freshly flavored, ever bright “Toriden House-made Golden Ponzu”, and accruements like their yuzu pepper made with ripened Ooita yuzu shows their skill and creativity. There are counter seats, tables, and private rooms, which can be reserved according to occasion. Come on over and enjoy yourself with locally brewed sake or champagne.