Murata

When the large clams gently open their shells in the simmering pot, their clean oceanic aroma and concentrated savory depth bloom throughout the broth. Tucked away on a backstreet in Iwamotocho, Murata is a longstanding Japanese dining spot known for comforting hot pots and savory fried dishes. The centerpiece of the evening course is hamaguri nabe, a signature clam hot pot featuring large hard clams cooked with vegetables in a miso-infused broth that captures every drop of seafood essence. Finishing the meal with udon or ojya rice porridge cooked right in the leftover soup—rich with the flavors of shellfish and greens—delivers lasting warmth right down to the final bite.

Sashimi and Crispy Fried Specialties Before the Pot

During the evening course, diners are typically served Pacific bluefin tuna sashimi and sunomono vinegar dishes before the hot pot arrives, followed by bite-sized katsu cutlets and crispy fried prawns. The satisfying crunch of the aromatic batter and the texture of tender pork and juicy shrimp pair naturally with bottled beer, sake, or a glass of shochu. Placing hearty deep-fried fare ahead of a seafood hot pot is a distinctive house sequence, creating a nostalgic and thoroughly unpretentious sense of abundance.

Satisfying Lunch Sets and Relaxed Tatami Seating

At midday, the kitchen caters to the neighborhood's workers with dependable lunch sets such as loin katsu, tenderloin hire-katsu, and comforting rice bowls like katsudon and ebi-don coated in sweet-savory sauce and egg. Alongside standard table seating, the dining room offers tatami mat areas and private rooms where guests can slip off their shoes and settle in comfortably, accommodating everything from quick midday meals to evening gatherings. Booking ahead ensures a smooth evening around the hot pot, where guests can relax in a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere over sukiyaki and seasonal dishes.