Foodies Asia (en)For "foodies" who are particular about food.

 

Why is there a yakiniku restaurant in such an unexpected location? And how is it possible that the food is so delicious and affordable in such a place?

The restaurant lacks the refinement of upscale restaurants in the city center, but the roughness of the atmosphere enhances the flavor of the food.

Let’s head to this hidden gem that takes advantage of its location.

 

Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY, Dinner 2,000-3,000 JPY

View information on Tabelog

 

 

Restaurant features

Several years ago, it might have been when I went camping in Shimokitayama or when I went trekking in Odaigahara.

While driving south on National Route 169 and just before entering the Gosha Tunnel at the eastern end of the Yoshino area, there was a restaurant standing alone on the edge of a village.

Its appearance was that of an ordinary countryside diner, but there was something about it that intrigued me.

However, as I was pondering what that might be, I passed by and didn’t end up going there.

Several years later, with the abundance of information available on the internet, I learned about the experiences of those who had gone before me, likely feeling the same way as I did and bravely ventured into the restaurant.

It seems that, in terms of cost performance, it is a hidden gem of a restaurant that can be said to be well worth visiting.

 

So, I took the plunge and went there.

It was around 5 pm on a day when I was staying in Yoshino.

Since I was dining alone, I decided to go before the busy time, and as expected, I was told, “It’s okay if it’s about an hour.”

The table seats near the entrance were already full, so I was guided to a private room in the back.

The Showakan has a comfortable atmosphere that feels just right.

The grill is a gas-fired roaster.

Although the era of charcoal grilling is in full swing, there are advantages to a gas roaster.

One of them is that it’s easy to adjust the heat, making it easier to cook thinner cuts of meat to your liking.

While the menu lists various tantalizing cuts of meat, I’ll introduce the ones I chose on my first visit.

 

The ordered meat

Duck – 720 yen

First, what caught my attention was the duck meat.

It’s not often seen in yakiniku restaurants.

As a substitute for tongue, I decide to try grilling it first.

As I put it on the grill, the meat juice starts to seep out, and it looks perfect.

It’s delicious even just with salt, but it’s outstanding when paired with miso.

 

Mixed organ meat platter – 1100 yen

 

Wild boar loin – 1050 yen

When it comes to game meat, I’m the type who always orders it if it’s available, so next up was the wild boar loin.

This is also a menu item that can be said to be unique to the local area.

You can choose between sauce or salt, but I prioritized safety over meat quality and selected the sauce.

It has a charming wildness to it that is different from the neatly sliced meat prepared for hot pot dishes.

Although it doesn’t have any gamey smell, the flavor is rich.

Considering the quality of the meat, it would be satisfying enough to simply eat it with salt.

 

Harami (beef skirt steak) – 650 yen

The cut is relatively closer to a chunk and has a rough appearance, which makes it challenging to cook, but the taste is excellent.

The good tenderness and flavor of the harami are packed tightly.

Although each dish is for one person, they are about 1.5 times the volume compared to when ordered in Tokyo or Osaka.

After having these three dishes, I already feel like my stomach is about to burst.

 

There are three types of sauces

As for seasonings, three types of sauces, salt and pepper, and miso are included.

Special sauce

For garlic, you grate fresh garlic yourself.

However, it didn’t get much use, perhaps due to the type of meat ordered.

Garlic is the best for cabbage sauce.

 

Miso

This might be my personal preference, but what worked really well was the miso sauce.

It was a perfect match for both the duck and wild boar.

 

Side menu:

Cabbage (complimentary)

Since it’s a complimentary item, it’s difficult to say anything, but it’s just ordinary.

The outer part is crispy when eaten raw, and I also tried grilling the inner part.

 

Vegetable salad 390 yen

 

Cold tofu

I ordered this cold tofu without much meaning, just to have something other than meat. It was just delicious.

 

Tail soup

There are many restaurants that specialize in tail soup, so it may not be the best, but I thought it was just delicious.

As it is a “side” item, it doesn’t make too strong of an impression, but I have a good impression of it.

 

Rice (medium)

This is a bit more than my usual “normal” portion size.

It’s somewhere between a normal and large portion size.

 

I’ve included the menus from two visits, but the first time I went alone and spent around 3,000 yen.

The second time, I went with a friend and spent just under 2,500 yen per person.

The roughness of the flavors, which is also included in a good way, and the cost performance made it heavenly for someone living in the city.

There was a review that said, “I come from Osaka every month,” and I can fully understand why.

 

 

How to make a reservation

Reservation available. Please call to make a reservation.

 

Map/Access

Located along National Route 169, 500 meters west of Gosha Tunnel near the border between Yoshino-cho and Kawakami-mura.

It takes about 15 minutes by car from Kintetsu Yamato-Kamiichi Station.

 

 

 

 

 

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