The sushi is very delicious, and I feel happiness with every bite. The ingredients are fresh, and the umami is clearly conveyed. Even the grilled items and rolls are made with care, and the roasted aroma spreads gently. I feel the artisan's attention to detail in every piece. I was surprised by this quality even in a mountainous area. The other customers around me are also enjoying their meals and conversations with smiles, creating a warm atmosphere.
A Showa retro inn with stunning views and hot springs
Sangitei Honkan is located on a small hill in Iida City, offering a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. From the guest rooms and baths, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the Tenryu River, making it easy to see why it is referred to as the 'Castle in the Sky.' The hot springs are renowned for their 'smooth and silky beauty water,' providing a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The inn also serves creative kaiseki cuisine, featuring beautiful dishes that highlight fresh seafood and mountain delicacies, captivating all who visit.
Ookura is a yakiniku restaurant with a history as a butcher shop, located in front of the station in Iida City. The interior is clean, and you can enjoy grilled meat cooked on a shichirin, with the lamb being particularly renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. The bright and friendly service adds to the charm, creating an atmosphere where even first-time visitors can feel at ease. If you're visiting Iida, this is a must-visit yakiniku restaurant.
It was a delicious and stylish restaurant as rumored, and even though it was a weekday with a Dodgers vs. Cubs game taking place at Tokyo Dome, it was bustling with customers. The classic Japanese dishes like sesame tofu, fried eggplant, and tempura sashimi had modern twists added to them while maintaining a solid foundation, satisfying both the eyes and the palate. Previously, when an acquaintance visited, it was said to be crowded with information-sensitive women, but this time there were male customers, couples, and solo diners, which made me feel once again that it is a popular restaurant. Because of that, it was very convenient to easily make a reservation via smartphone.
Lamb shabu (lamb and tongue), lamb tataki, assorted grilled lamb skewers, lamb tsumemi, and sashimi rah...all were delicious! Made me want to live again 😋.
A soba restaurant where you can savor the flavors of Shinshu
Soba Doko Kaza Kosh is a tranquil soba restaurant located in the heart of Iida, featuring a charming woody and modern interior. It offers authentic Togakushi-style soba, with the darker noodles being particularly popular for their smooth texture. The house-made noodles, crafted on-site, allow you to fully enjoy the flavors of Shinshu. The exquisite tempura and carefully selected real wasabi on the menu captivate visitors.
The retro and warm atmosphere is comfortable, and the food samples at the entrance are exciting. The katsudon, topped with a soft egg, pairs perfectly with the mild sauce, and the flavor reaches even the onions, making it the best. The fragrant miso soup also comes with it, providing a comforting feeling with each sip. The set meals with pork fillet cutlet and shrimp tempura are substantial, leaving you feeling fully satisfied. Even during busy times, the staff's attentiveness is thorough, and their warm service is appreciated. You can feel the love the community has had for this place over the years, and the happy feeling lingers even after the meal.
ATAGO is a charming café in Iida City, renovated from a sake brewery. The high ceilings and fireplace create an atmosphere of openness and warmth that envelops visitors. The menu features dishes made with abundant local vegetables and homemade sweets, offering new discoveries with each visit. It's a place where you can enjoy the exquisite contrast of history and modernity.
A long-established diner that exudes old-fashioned warmth
Mikawaya is a long-standing diner that has been beloved in Iida, Minami-Shinshu for many years. You are welcomed by the warm smiles of the proprietress and her husband, and you can enjoy traditional soba and udon, as well as luxurious eel dishes. The curry, in particular, is renowned for its unique deliciousness, making it a dish you’ll want to eat again and again. Why not spend a relaxing moment in the nostalgic atmosphere of this establishment?
The eel, grilled to a fragrant finish in the Kansai style, is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The sauce is subtly sweet, beautifully enhancing the richness and aroma of the eel. The scent of binchotan charcoal is also pleasant, and with each bite of the eel rice bowl, the umami spreads. It's also nice that the meal comes with a liver soup. The grape juice after the meal is refreshing and perfect for a finish. There is a diverse menu including white grilled eel, long grilled eel, and stone-grilled eel, allowing for enjoyment according to personal preference.
Bellasonia is a restaurant for adults that elevates Italian cuisine to an art form. The chef's playful spirit and sense of style shine through in the dishes, with the beauty of the presentation standing out, offering a profound experience with each plate. In a casual yet serene atmosphere, you can fully enjoy authentic flavors. It's a special place that provides new inspirations with every visit.
A family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of Chinese dishes
Saisai is a Chinese restaurant that caters to a wide range of situations in a lively and bright atmosphere. The dan dan noodles and fried rice, in particular, captivate many with their rich flavors and exquisite seasoning. Families with small children can visit with peace of mind and enjoy a cozy time. With a diverse menu ranging from affordable single dishes to authentic Chinese cuisine, you can discover new flavors with each visit.