Ave. Budget: Lunch 2,000-3,000 JPY, Dinner 2,000-3,000 JPY
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Restaurant features
Katsugen Main Store itself is a popular establishment in Matsumoto, but when I’m in the area, I often visit its branch, Katsugen Rokuan.
While the main store is located south of Matsumoto Castle in the city center, Rokuan is about a 10-minute drive north from Matsumoto Station, nestled at the foothills of Matsumoto City Alps Park.
Why do I find myself coming here so often?
While the quality of tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet) here is certainly high, there are many other tonkatsu restaurants across the country that serve equally delicious tonkatsu. However, what sets this place apart is the overall experience, which includes the ambiance. It embraces the concept known as “culinary” that has been developing mainly in Europe and is about focusing not just on “food” but on the act of “eating” or “having a meal.”
Finding a place where you can savor this sense while enjoying a “tonkatsu set meal” is not common throughout Japan. In this restaurant’s case, I believe that the architecture and the variety of side dishes play a significant role in creating this atmosphere. But let’s start with the building itself.
A traditional Shinshu (Nagano) farmhouse, built in the late Edo period, harmonizing with the region’s nature.
Originally, it was a farmhouse, but it’s said to be a traditional home constructed during the late Edo period.
As soon as you set foot on the property, you can feel the dignified presence that has developed over the course of more than a hundred years, born from the Shinshu soil, overlooking the mountains, and nurturing people.
Upon entering the charming, low-slung entrance, you’ll be greeted by seasonal wildflowers adorning the entrance.
The waves of the thatched roof, a sea of fresh greenery, mountains veiled in snow breezes, the hearth’s warm glow, and crimson leaves visible through lattice doors – all of these elements blend naturally and harmoniously within the old farmhouse, which was built upon the foundation of the region’s culture and traditions.
Shinshu’s Seasonal Side Dishes to Accompany Fried Delights
The value placed on “seasonality” is evident in the side dishes.
While it’s no secret that “seasonal flavors” can’t be achieved in tonkatsu alone, experiencing the likes of spring’s fiddlehead ferns and wild vegetables, or winter’s pickled Nozawana greens alongside your meal is an artful enhancement that enriches the dining experience.
As you’re seated, four small dishes are already waiting on your table.
On this day, they included pickled cucumbers, radishes, and carrots, bean sprout namul, Nozawana greens, Shinshu miso, and fresh cucumbers.
These dishes are separated onto small plates for you to enjoy.
Served alongside your tea, the star of the show, the tonkatsu, makes its entrance.
For this visit, I ordered the “Special Loin Cutlet Set.”
You have the choice of white rice or plum rice, and since I wanted to savor the tonkatsu’s flavor directly, I initially chose white rice.
The rice, cabbage, and miso soup were all available for unlimited refills, so I enjoyed a second helping with plum rice.
The miso soup featured winter melon, a quintessential seasonal flavor of Shinshu. Naturally, it was made with Shinshu miso.
Now, for the main event, the tonkatsu.
The loin cutlet is not very fatty, but it’s prepared skillfully, resulting in a tender, lean meat.
For those who appreciate both the fat and lean aspects of loin cutlets, it strikes a well-behaved balance leaning slightly toward the loin side.
Dessert was a pumpkin pudding.
While you can order a kaiseki course meal with a reservation, this tonkatsu set meal offers a satisfying experience when you walk in without one. It’s clear that finding a tonkatsu set meal of this quality isn’t so common elsewhere.
Menu
【Katsugen-style Set Meals】
- “Fillet Cutlet” ¥2,000
- “Premium Loin Cutlet” ¥2,700
- “Seafood Trio” ¥2,300
- “Assorted (Fillet & Large Shrimp Fry)” ¥3,000
- “Tonkatsu Hittsumabushi” ¥2,500
【Katsuzen-style Course Meals】
Course meals with tonkatsu as the main dish.
- “Yamazen Fillet Cutlet” ¥4,000
- “Umi-zen Shrimp Cutlet” ¥4,000
【Lunch】
- “Okohiru Bento” ¥2,300
- “Temae Bento” ¥3,000
【Charcoal Grilled】
“Fumoto Premium Wagyu Beef Loin” ¥7,000
＊Menu and prices are for reference only. Please note that prices may change depending on the season and availability of ingredients.
How to make a reservation
Reservation possible. from the phone.
Map/Access
It’s a 20-minute walk from JR Ōmachi Station on the Ōmachi Line.
If you’re coming by car, it’s about 1 kilometer from the Shimbashi or Hiraseguchi intersections on National Route 19. It’s a 15-minute drive from Matsumoto IC and approximately 20 kilometers by car from Azumino IC.
parking
There is a fairly large parking lot, so you don’t have to worry about it unless it’s a really high season.
–Restaurant Information on “`Fumotoan Katsugen”–
Business Hours: Lunch 12:00 – Last Order 14:00, Dinner 17:00 – Last Order 20:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Phone Number: 0263-33-1129
Address: 7717 Shimanai, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0851, Japan
Official Website (Japanese)
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