Sakai Sakai, a traditional Japanese Izakaya restaurant just a few minutes walk from the main street. Give it a try! Name: Sakai Open hours: from 6pm Location: G5 on our town map. Take a right turn off the main street when walking towards the grand O-yu Onsen and walk uphill a few hundred meters. Type of food: Izakaya Japanese dining The Plug: Tucked away from the busier main street, Sakai is a fantastic little spot for a meal. With a menu that keeps on going, you won’t have a hard time finding something appealing. The staff are very welcoming, speaking both Japanese and English. Sakai has an authentic Japanese feel with traditional art, attire, and tatami mat seating, as well […]
Nozawa onsen food
Today’s Restaurant: Wagyu-Tei hot pot
Wagyu-Tei Sukiyaki and Shyabu Shyabu Japanese Hot Pot perfect for a cold winter night Name: Wagyu-Tei The Plug: Just in it’s second season Wagyu-tei has already proven to be very popular as is a great meal to enjoy with family or friends. Fairly spacious restaurant overlooking the main street, also has an adjoining bar where you can grab a drink before your dinner. Run by Tatsumi san and his friendly team. He also owns Heaven Karaoke so may talk you going to sing for your dinner. As discussed the Sukiyaki and Shyabu Shyabu hot pots. The main difference being the Sukiyaki is a sweeter broth of Soy Sauce, Sugar and Mirin. The Shaybu Shaybu is a cleaner water with dipping […]
Restaurant of the Day: Nozawa Jiyu Gekijyo (old strip club)
Nozawa Jiyu Gekijyo (old strip club) Jiyu Gekijyo (The old strip club) is perhaps the most interesting venue in all of Nozawa. The Plug: An old converted Strip Club! There are no dancers there anymore, but you can still see the old balcony where they used to present their wares. Jiyu Gekijyo now chooses to sell its wares not in the form of women, but as delicious sticks of tempura. Pick your own tempura sticks – average 100 yen each- and have them cooked on a hot plate in front of you. Location: C5 (not highlighted on map but you’ll find it! Opposite the police station) Type: Pub style Open Hours: 18:00-late Reservations: yes Phone number:0269-85-5115 English: yes Vegetarian: yes […]
Restaurant of the Day: Kaze No Ie
Kaze No Ie -Pasta Kaze no Ie – Pasta and Italian meals and amazing ice cream parfait desserts! Location: Just below Oyu onsen on the main pedestrian street. F4/5 on our town map. Open hours: 6-10pm The Plug: Great European-feel restaurant in the middle of the village. Extensive wine range. Pizza and pasta made with love by Kono-san, with traditional flavours and some Japanese-taste options too. House Specialty: Be sure to try the Tomato bruschetta. Mouth watering. Average Price of a dish: 1000 Yen English Menu: Yes Reservations: Yes Phone Number: 0269-85-3244 Be sure to check out this restaurant and others on our free restaurant and bar guide
Todays Restaurant: Juntos Mexican
Juntos Type of food: Mexican food Plug: Freshly opened last season and only 100 metre stroll from the main street. Juntos has a unique relaxed Mexican vibe. The experienced friendly staff offer authentic Mexican cuisine providing a great alternative for those looking for a change from Japanese food. The nutritious burritos and rice bowls are great for replenishing the soul after a big day on the slopes. The Hot Shots are a favourite amongst spice lovers and the nachos are always good for a snack or sharing. They take bookings and have a lot of kid friendly options which makes it a great place for family dinners. The rustic wooden interior, Latino sounds and candle lit bar creates a relaxed […]
Restaurant of the Day: Hatoguruma Kawabata
Hatoguruma Kawabata For any vegetarians or vegans, Hatoguruma is a hidden gem! They offer set dinners for ¥2000 per person, and the food is all vegetarian (or vegan on request). The incredibly welcoming local family make all their meals from local produce! However, reservations do need to be made one day prior. The family speak little English so if you need help making a reservation please ask any of our Japanese speaking staff. It can be difficult to find food that caters to vegetarians, vegans, and people with dietary needs in general in Japan. However, awareness has increased significantly even in the small town of Nozawa Onsen, and you’ll be happy to hear that there are now plenty of […]
Restaurant of the Day: Hamacho Sushi
Hamacho Sushi The Plug: Sushi, what usually comes to mind when one thinks of Japanese cuisine. There is far more to Japanese food than Sushi, but a trip to Japan would just not be complete without it. Hamacho (not to be confused with Himecho, a karaoke bar which we’ll discuss on another ocassion) does some of the best Sushi and Sashimi, with a chef who takes a great deal of pride in his work. He’s always smiling and will do his best to have a chat in Japanese/English. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, offering both bar seating and Tatami mat seating. The restaurant is fairly small and doesn’t take bookings, so it’s best to pick a quieter day. Location: […]
Restaurant of the Day: Hakunamatata
Hakunamatata! Delicious bar with Osaka Style cuisine, with a Western influence. Name: Hakunamatata The Plug: Wooden paneled, American-feel with a father and son team serving cocktails and great Japanese snack food. During the high season, they also do large meals including steak and salad and crumbed pork cutlets. Type: Osaka cuisine- kushi-katsu (deep fried skewers), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), yakisoba (stir-fry noodles) and more. Location: On the main traffic road, down hill from the post office. D7 on our town map. Open Hours: 6-11pm Reservations: yes Phone number:0269-67-0669 English: yes Vegetarian: yes Takeaway: yes Card Payment: No Smoking: No Check out this restaurant and many others on our free restaurant and bar guide https://www.nozawaholidays.com/town-map/
Restaurant of the Day: Fortissimo
Fortissimo At Fortissimo, you will be given food straight from the living room of the postman’s wife! The Plug: Cosy, family run little restaurant hidden down a side street. Hard to find but worth the effort! Make yourself comfortable in front of the wood fire while you wait for your great value multi-course set lunch starting at 800yen! Location: D6, just up from the post office towards the main street, down a driveway on the left Type: Japanese & Western set meals House Specialty: Sweet fried bread! It is amazing. Average price per dish: 800-100 Yen Open Hours: lunch times when she wants to open Reservations: No English: yes BYO: no Card Payment: No Smoking: No Check out this restaurant […]
Vegetarian/Vegan or Celiac in Nozawa Onsen
Living as a Vegetarian, Vegan, celiac, or someone with lactose intolerance, is still not yet widely known in Japan. However, with the growth in foreign travel, restaurants in Nozawa Onsen are becoming more aware of these practices and diet restrictions. With new restaurants opening each year options are increasing. With the right guidance you will be on your way for an easier eating experience. Vegetarian Vegetarian (Bejitarian) you may find eating out quite easy on a Japanese diet, depending on your restrictions. If you will be ok with eating Dashi `Fish Stock.` Dashi is in most Japanese meals which are otherwise vegetarian. If this is ok, then Japanese are happy to prepare Soba noodles, Ramen, Udon and many other dishes […]