Kaohsiung｜Sho Japanese Cuisine—A Quiet Culinary Climax Capturing the Essence of Seasons, Knife Skills, and the Aroma of Rice in a Pot of Kamameshi

• Restaurant: Sho Japanese Cuisine (SHO)
• Address: No. 62, Fuxing 3rd Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City (official address); or No. 806, Zhonghua 5th Road, entrance on Jiansheng Street (commonly used address for the same building, follow on-site signage for accuracy)
• Hours: Dinner, Wednesday–Sunday 6:30 PM–10:00 PM; closed on Monday and Tuesday (weekend lunch as announced)
• Price: Omakase NT$3,500/person, plus 10%; optional wine/tea pairing NT$1,500/person
• Reservations: Only accepted via inline or official channels; walk-in chances are low

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Background｜"Sho" Inherits Japanese Craftsmanship and Kaohsiung's Local Vibes

The team named the restaurant "Sho," meaning "inheritance." Chef Shoichi Fujimoto, who trained at Kyoto's "Kikunoi Main Store" and Tokyo's "Den," was invited to Kaohsiung to establish SHO, focusing on creating refined and layered kaiseki courses using Taiwan's seasonal ingredients. This is why I love it: it's not about flashy techniques but about balanced and exquisite flavors.

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My Dining Experience

① The Opening Act: "Green"
Seated at the counter, the meal begins with a salad resembling a miniature garden: tender leaves, edible flowers, a mildly tangy vinaigrette, and crispy toppings. The textures are orchestrated into three stages: "crunchy—soft—fragrant." The visual appeal alone lifts your mood.

② The Warm Prelude
Next comes a warm appetizer: a smooth, creamy soup cradling a dollop of vibrant green vegetable puree. The warmth envelops your palate, transitioning your taste buds from cold to hot dishes.

③ Counter Rhythm
I enjoy watching the kitchen in action: slicing, pounding, mixing, searing—each sound has its rhythm. The service is precise, with plate changes, water refills, and explanations all happening a step ahead of expectations.

④ The Star of the Night: Kamameshi
The highlight is the kamameshi, served in two rounds—combinations like "Donggang Sakura Shrimp × Bamboo Shoots" and "Whitebait × Herbs." The aroma entices first, followed by the chewy texture of the rice. The chef stirs the pot in front of you, lets it rest briefly, and then serves it. The air fills with the fragrance of rice, and we couldn't resist going for a second bowl.

The memory of this meal lies in its restraint: subtle seasoning, perfect cooking, and the rice aroma that elevates the experience to its peak.

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8 Reasons Why I Recommend Sho
1. Culinary "Whitespace": Relies on knife skills, temperature, and timing to layer flavors, not heavy oil or salt.
2. Memorable Kamameshi: Distinct grains and crispy crust make it the kind of dish you'd want another pot of.
3. Excellent Pairings: Both wine and tea pairings are thoughtfully curated, making it friendly even for non-drinkers.
4. Quiet yet Assured Service: Counter interactions are well-balanced, with clear explanations that don't interrupt conversations.
5. Spacious Seating with Great Views: The open kitchen feels like a stage, offering a full view from cold dishes to kamameshi.
6. Minimalist Japanese Ambiance: Wooden elements and soft lighting naturally lower your voice, enhancing the sense of ceremony.
7. Convenient Location: Situated in the Asia New Bay Area, it's easy to pair with a harbor stroll or a performance before/after dining.
8. Consistent Quality: From my multiple visits with friends to online reviews, the quality has remained consistently high.

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Practical Tips & Avoiding Pitfalls
• Reservations: For popular times (weekends, holidays), book at least 2–4 weeks in advance; note any allergies (dairy/eggs, shellfish, alcohol) in the remarks.
• Seating: Counter seats for watching the craft, corners for more privacy.
• Timing: Meals last about 2–2.5 hours; leave flexibility if planning to continue elsewhere.
• Dress Code: Smart casual; minimize perfume to let the food take center stage.
• Transportation: The building entrance is understated; follow the signage near the management office on Jiansheng Street. If taking a taxi, mention the intersection of Fuxing 3rd Road and Zhonghua 5th Road for convenience.

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Review (Including Address!)

Sho Japanese Cuisine (SHO)
Address: No. 62, Fuxing 3rd Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City (or No. 806, Zhonghua 5th Road, entrance on Jiansheng Street)
Hours: Dinner, Wednesday–Sunday 6:30 PM–10:00 PM; closed on Monday and Tuesday｜Omakase NT$3,500+10%; wine/tea pairing NT$1,500 (subject to official announcements)
Reservations: inline/official website

My One-Sentence Review: This isn't a flashy, technique-heavy Japanese restaurant; it's a place where the balance of seasons, heat, and the aroma of rice is just right—especially the kamameshi, which quietly yet profoundly touches the soul.

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Conclusion

If you're looking for a counter-style Japanese restaurant in Kaohsiung where you can enjoy good food and meaningful conversations, Sho would top my list. From the refreshing appetizers to the restrained hot dishes and the climactic kamameshi, the entire meal flows seamlessly. The price matches the quality, making it perfect for dates, anniversaries, or simply treating yourself. 👏🏻

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Sho Japanese Cuisine (No. 62, Fuxing 3rd Road / No. 806, Zhonghua 5th Road, Kaohsiung City)｜Kaohsiung Harbor｜Kaohsiung Music Center｜Pier-2 Art Center