Enjoy kiln-baked pizza and lunch in a Japanese-style hideaway
Tanpopo is a cozy establishment that has been renovated from a traditional Japanese house, offering a diverse range of kiln-baked pizzas and lunch menus. The interior is bright and natural, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant time bathed in sunlight. Not only is the pizza, which shares the restaurant's name, exceptional, but the hamburgers finished in the stone oven are also a must-try, with a rich demi-glace sauce that whets the appetite. The portions are generous, making it a great option for sharing.
An izakaya to enjoy a fusion of Japanese and Western flavors
Kamoshiya Dining is located a 5-minute walk from Ogawamachi Station and offers a menu that blends Japanese and Western cuisine. The restaurant features a spacious interior with a selection of wines from around the world and local sake, catering to various occasions. With a diverse menu that includes sashimi, fried chicken, and Italian bar dishes, there are new discoveries to be made with each visit. The restaurant also has horigotatsu seating and a beautifully renovated interior, providing a comfortable dining experience.
The restaurant was comfortable. It was dinner time, so the owner was running the place by herself, but she listened to her customers and served them their food at the right time.
The dishes were all delicious, and the mango dressing on the salad was very tasty. The mango dressing on the salad was very tasty.
The pasta was a little salty (I prefer lighter flavors), but the noodles were chewy and to my liking. I thought I had eaten more, but I guess I didn't order that much.
I would like to visit this restaurant again.
The first salad is cold and has a refreshing dressing with a tangy flavor. The naan is fluffy and chewy, with a gentle sweetness that pairs well on its own or with curry. The charcoal-grilled chicken masala has a nice crunch from the vegetables and is satisfying with larger pieces of chicken. Adding a bit of achar or chili enhances the flavor and allows you to adjust the spiciness to your liking. The iced chai has a pleasant aroma of spices and a refreshing aftertaste that I enjoyed. The interior is clean and comfortable, and the staff is attentive, with many takeout customers making it lively.
Although small in size, the brewery is attached, and the moment you open the door, the aroma of barley spreads gently. The beers brewed with homegrown ingredients each have their own character, and the particularly white and soft Weizen was very impressive. There are also rich porters and slightly red ales available, and when you compare them, it feels like you can see a different landscape with each glass. While the variety of dishes is not extensive, the quality of the ingredients shines through, making them a perfect match for the beer. At the L-shaped counter, even strangers naturally engage in conversation, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a mountain lodge. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the couple, I was able to spend a relaxed time and felt my heart unwind.
A cozy Italian restaurant that delights wine lovers
Bindelina is an Italian restaurant that boasts an extensive selection of wines, featuring three types of red and white wines by the glass, as well as dessert wines, making it a paradise for wine enthusiasts. You can enjoy a leisurely meal in a calm atmosphere. With a rich menu that uses homemade pasta, this is definitely a place where you can spend a comfortable time enjoying delicious Italian cuisine.
As you pass through the food store on the first floor and go up the stairs, a space that feels a bit like a secret base unfolds, and it’s exciting. The atmosphere of the handmade renovation is calming, and the staff kindly guides you. The botta has a wide variety, with potatoes and dried fish blended softly, giving off a wonderful aroma. The flavor of mustard oil is prominent, allowing you to enjoy a range from gentle to a bit spicy. The bohani with mint and coriander is unique, and the saltiness of the yogurt is addictive. The curry has a light texture, and the richness of the chicken is well conveyed, leaving me satisfied.
A moment of gourmet dining in a charming sake brewery restaurant
Shofuan is a picturesque sake brewery restaurant operated by Matsuoka Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. in Ogawa Town, Hiki District. The lovely wooden interior and well-maintained garden warmly welcome visitors. Not only is the sake exceptional, but the dishes that utilize seasonal ingredients are exquisite, showcasing meticulous presentation and reliable flavors. You can also enjoy pairings with local fine sake, making it a truly fulfilling experience for both body and soul.
A popular restaurant to enjoy authentic Sanuki udon
Asobi is a worthwhile visit as a popular spot to enjoy authentic Sanuki udon. The udon, even in the large serving size, has a firm chewiness that offers a simple yet profound flavor. The interior is warm and inviting, creating a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Be sure to savor local favorites like maitake tempura and meat juice udon.
You can relax comfortably in a traditional old house. The handmade morisoba has a wonderful aroma and a pleasant texture. The tempura is crispy and light, pairing very well with the soba. The meat juice soba comes with a flavorful dipping sauce, making it enjoyable until the very end without getting boring. Since it is run by a small number of people, there may be a slight wait for service, but the atmosphere is cozy and you can take your time. The surrounding nature is also pleasant, and if you arrive early, you can savor your meal before it sells out.
A Japanese restaurant filled with the joys of soothing meals and hot springs
Rakuzen is the perfect Japanese restaurant for after a round of golf or a visit to the hot springs. After relaxing your body and mind with the autumn foliage illumination in the outdoor bath, you will be welcomed with a delicious dinner. The meticulously prepared dishes highlight the flavors of the dashi, with the taste of the soba dipping sauce being particularly exquisite. The menu features dishes that utilize local ingredients, warmly satisfying the hearts of all who visit.
Kappo Ryokan Futaba boasts a history of over 270 years and captivates visitors with its prestigious building and garden. The dishes are meticulously prepared, and the Chushichi-meshi, considered one of Japan's five great rice dishes, is exceptional. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy elegant and rich Japanese cuisine. This is a must-visit spot when you are in Chichibu.
Soba-dokoro Suguro is a quaint soba restaurant located along an old road lined with traditional houses from the Edo period. Here, you can enjoy authentic Edo soba made with Hokkaido's Kitawase buckwheat. You can witness the entire process of boiling and preparing the soba right in front of you, enriching your dining experience.
Japanese cuisine infused with the charm of a traditional sake brewery
Tamaiya is a restaurant operated by a local sake brewery, offering unique Japanese dishes that skillfully utilize koji and sake lees. The dishes made with local organic vegetables provide a gentle and exquisite flavor that can only be experienced here. The charming building, reminiscent of an old folk house, allows you to enjoy an atmosphere as if you were on a journey.
It feels like a combination of a town butcher and deli, and the selection is enjoyable. The freshly fried minced meat has a crispy coating, and the flavor spreads even without any dipping sauce. I appreciate that I can get ham and side dishes in my preferred quantities, allowing me to try a little bit of everything. The corned beef, in particular, has a wonderful aroma and pairs perfectly whether served cold or on rice. The smoked duck, pork liver, and chicken thigh are also rich in flavor, making meals at home even more enjoyable. The homemade smoked mixed nuts are rich and delicious, making it hard to stop eating them.
Inaka Soba Satoyama is a hidden soba shop in Ogawamachi run by a stubborn old man. The carefully crafted soba is made using buckwheat flour from Fukushima Prefecture and is hand-made with great care. The thick, firm inaka soba is characterized by its fresh luster and toasty sweetness. Despite a simple menu, it offers exquisite dishes that captivate many visitors.