The wooden shop nestled in the mountains has a calming atmosphere, allowing for a leisurely dining experience. The first dish served, sesame tofu, was very impressive with the fragrance of yuzu, the refreshing spiciness of wasabi, and the richness of sesame overlapping beautifully. The colorful assortment of seasonal dishes included edamame, corn, Shinshu salmon marinated in a sweet and sour sauce, and myoga stuffed with sweet vinegar cheese, allowing us to savor the flavors of the season. The conger eel and white cucumber in a clear dashi broth had a gentle taste that spread the aroma of yuzu, providing a comforting experience. The slightly bitter flavor of the goya (bitter melon) tsukudani served with the fragrant grilled sweetfish paired perfectly, evoking a sense of summer. The sweetfish rice made with homegrown rice, homemade miso soup, and the final matcha and fruit showcased meticulous craftsmanship, making for a truly happy time throughout the meal.
Enjoy delicious creative soba at 'Soba Doko Ikkyu-an' in Azumino
This restaurant offers creative soba dishes made with wasabi, a specialty of Azumino. The Alps wasabi soba, in particular, features crunchy pickled wasabi stems that add a delightful accent to the dish. The interior has a calm atmosphere reminiscent of an old Japanese house, allowing you to savor delicious soba while experiencing the charm of Shinshu.
It was so delicious! Not only the soba, but also the tempura and miso were so delicious!
And the atmosphere is great!
We made a reservation for the 11:30 opening time and left before 12:30, but there was already an hour wait. I recommend making a reservation!
What we had
Tenzaru
Yukibana soba with grated yam
Wasabi miso ★The best when eaten with soba!
Local Sake
A renowned restaurant in front of the station offering diverse meat dishes
Located just a short walk from Hodaka Station, Meat Hodaka features a diverse menu centered around pork dishes, along with chicken, horse meat, and seafood. The interior has a stylish atmosphere, and the counter service provides a pleasant experience. The food is served quickly, and the juiciness of the steak and mountain-style grilled chicken is exceptional. It's a place where you can enjoy a variety of flavors while spending a heartwarming time.
Yachiyo Dining is conveniently located right in front of JR Shinano-Oiwake Station, making it easily accessible. The diner offers a wide variety of Japanese and Western dishes, catering to a broad range of dining needs. Despite the extensive menu, the service is quick, allowing guests to enjoy their meals comfortably in various settings.
A hidden gem restaurant in a hot spring area shining with seafood cuisine
Shakunage no Yu Restaurant Ariakean is located in a hot spring area surrounded by the natural beauty of Azumino, and it specializes in seafood dishes. The tenderness and richness of the fresh bluefin tuna are comparable to that of premium fatty tuna, and the combination with vinegared rice is exquisite. The dishes served make use of local ingredients with careful attention to detail, providing new discoveries with each visit. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a special moment along with the hot springs.
A Cozy Spot Surrounded by Forest, Famous for Curry and Western Dishes
This restaurant offers a wide variety of curries, along with freshly fried cutlets and ginger pork, all prepared with care on-site. The dishes are well-seasoned using local ingredients, and the balanced miso soup and salads with perfectly paired vegetables and dressings are particularly popular. Set in a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by trees, the natural and refined service is delightful, and the charming resident dogs add to the unique warmth of this establishment.
The curry, with its deep and fragrant spices, is very light and does not use flour or butter. The tandoori chicken, especially when slow-cooked, has a crispy skin that releases a burst of flavor with every bite. The rice is aromatic saffron-flavored and can be refilled, allowing you to enjoy the sauce until the very end. There are many varieties, such as cashew nut curry and keema curry, and it's delightful that you can order combinations to your liking. The lassi and mango yogurt served after the meal are refreshing and gently wrap up the lingering spices. The attentive service from the staff and the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant make it a place where you can't help but linger longer.
This was my second lunch. I was able to use the restaurant on my own. The food is delicious, beautiful and comfortable. I made a reservation this time as well, and I think it is essential to make a reservation.
There were many couples around, but they reserved a table for me in the back of the restaurant where I could enjoy my meal alone.
I had a fish dish this time, and the yuzu-scented sauce was fantastic. The soup was also very tasty.
The bread, olive oil, and butter were delicious and my favorite. I would like to go back again.
It was a very wonderful taste! The lights in the store were a bit too bright, which made it a little tiring for the elderly, but the atmosphere and the taste surpassed that!!
A hidden sushi restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood
Sushi-dokoro Yasu Hotaka is a sushi restaurant known for its commitment to freshness and generous portions. They use fresh seafood sourced every morning from various regions across the country, offering a wide range of side dishes and creative cuisine. In particular, the seafood salad with its unique dressing is a must-try every time you visit.