Tabelog ratingMizutaki Kohaku (水炊き こはく) in Ashiya has built a reputation on one thing: a profoundly rich chicken broth. As the sister restaurant to the acclaimed yakitori spot 永来権, it uses high-quality chicken to create a golden, savoury tori paitan (white chicken soup) hot pot. The experience begins with a solid block of chicken collagen being melted into the pot, creating a soup so dense and flavourful that many guests feel it justifies the journey on its own.
Diners consistently praise the core components of the meal: the intense clarity and richness of the broth, the fluffy house-made tsukune (chicken meatballs), and excellent appetisers like the white-liver pâté. The meal's finish (known as shime) is also a highlight, with options like truffle-flavoured rice porridge (zōsui) or ramen noodles added to the remaining soup.
However, the main point of criticism is the service, which many find inconsistent. Reports mention slow delivery of drinks, long waits between courses, and staff who can be brusque. A few diners have also noted reservation mix-ups and occasional noise from other parties. For most, the food quality outweighs these issues, but it's a factor to consider.
A typical dinner costs between ¥8,000 and ¥9,999 per person. For context, reviewers recently paid around ¥5,200 for the mizutaki, ¥1,200 for chicken yukhoe (tori yukke), and ¥400 for a finishing portion of ramen. Given the quality of the ingredients, most find it good value, provided your focus is squarely on the food.
- Reservations: Booking in advance is essential, as the restaurant is popular and often full. Some reviewers note that you may need to order the hot pot set when you reserve. Some guests have successfully booked via the restaurant's Instagram DMs.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 4-minute walk from Hanshin Ashiya Station or a 9-minute walk from JR Ashiya Station.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Children: Children of all ages are welcome, including babies in strollers. The restaurant asks that you mention if you are bringing a stroller when you book.
- Seating: There are 18 seats in total, with a semi-private room available for groups of up to six.
- Language: There is no evidence of an English menu, so be prepared with a translation app or to order by pointing.
- Parking: The restaurant has no dedicated parking, but there is a paid coin-operated car park next door.
