I visited "Daiichi", a renowned restaurant specializing in soft-shelled turtle cuisine, located in a charming back alley just a 5-minute taxi ride from Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station.Founded in 1688, the current owner is the 18th generation. This famous establishment has appeared in literary works such as Naoya Shiga's "Anya Kōro" and the manga "Oishinbo".Daiichi exclusively uses soft-shelled turtles raised in a private pond in Lake Hamana, offering only the "Marunabe Course" on the menu, maintaining its unique tradition without succumbing to modern trends.♦︎ A serene, pure Japanese-style private room with remnants of sword marks from the Bakumatsu period ── The building retains the dignified appearance from its founding era, with authentic sword marks believed to date back to the Edo period etched into the lattice and pillars.The guest room is a calm tatami-floored private space overlooking the garden, allowing diners to wait for their meal in tranquility.While the restaurant exudes a refined elegance typical of a long-established establishment, the smart and straightforward guidance from the staff creates an atmosphere where diners can enjoy their meal without feeling pressured.♦︎ The menu I enjoyed ── 【 Marunabe Course 】 【 Soft-shelled Turtle Meat Simmered in Soy Sauce 】 【 Marunabe 】 【 Zosui (Rice Soup) 】♦︎ The weight of history without exaggeration and overall impressions ── This restaurant stands apart from the sophisticated modern soft-shelled turtle courses found in Tokyo, featuring a robust flavor profile crafted solely with special sake, soy sauce, and ginger, emphasizing a minimalist approach.The cooking technique, which captures the juiciness of the meat with a powerful heat exceeding 1,600 degrees while slowly extracting the umami from the broth, showcases the craftsmanship honed over many years.Drinking the soup reveals a clear outline of soy sauce, but as you savor the meat and eventually enjoy the crispy bits in the zosui, the flow of flavors carries the weight of over 300 years of tradition.This is a must-visit establishment that embodies Kyoto's tradition, offering a unique culinary culture and a rich history. It was a great meal.Review by "Instagram@_1show" Thank you for reading to the end. I appreciate all your likes, follows, and saves!