“Foodie’s Town Guide” introduces must-visit famous restaurants and the latest trendy ones in each area.
We introduce recommended restaurants in the Nara/Yoshino area by genre on this page.
There are currently no Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, and the only place that may make you want to go all the way to Yoshino just for the food is the event “Ristorante Narayama Sou” held twice a month at the “Kominaka Restaurant Narayama Sou”, which is not to be missed. However, there are plenty of hidden gem, reasonably priced restaurants that can satisfy even foodies.
We have picked 11 restaurants that offer satisfying meals for foodies who visit during their trips to Yoshino mountain sightseeing or camping in Higashiyoshino.
On the other hand, the reason for excluding shops on the main street from Yoshino Mountain Station to Nakasenbon, except for kakinoha sushi, is that prices are still high, and their cost performance may make you wonder.
It is recommended to have tea and traditional sweets at a scenic spot in Yoshino and then have a meal elsewhere.
Recommended persimmon leaf sushi restaurants
When it comes to specialties in Yoshino, there’s nothing quite like Kakinoha-zushi, or sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.
Although it’s often associated with takeout, the taste is exceptional when enjoyed in a restaurant.
We’ll introduce three representative shops, so please try them out based on your preferences and convenience.
If you prefer to eat at home, you can also use the Furusato tax system.
“Hyoutaro” at Yoshino-san
Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
This restaurant is highly regarded for its thorough commitment to using high-quality ingredients.
The previous owner, “Hyotaro Mizumoto,” founded the restaurant approximately 50 years ago and has since preserved the traditional taste in the same location.
However, as a relatively new addition to the kakinohazushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) shops in the Yoshino area, customers can truly appreciate the depth of history behind this specialty.
–Restaurant Information on “Hyoutaro”–
Business hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (*Closed when sold out)
Regular holiday: Mondays (Tuesdays during off-season)
Phone number: 0746-32-3070
Address: 429 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3115, Japan.
Official web
“Hiraso（平宗 吉野本店）” at Kamiichi
Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
One of the highest-ranked brands as a producer of Kakinoha-sushi.
Although it has an image of being for takeout, the main store in Kamiichi also offers eat-in options.
It might be worth trying it out as a pilgrimage spot.
–Restaurant Information on “Hiraso”–
Business hours: 11:00am-6:30pm (last order at 6:00pm), sales available from 8:30am-6:30pm
Closed on Mondays (closed the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
Phone number: 0746-32-2053
Address: 614 Iigai, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3113
Official web
“Yakko（やっこ）” at Yoshino-san
Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY, Dinner 2,000-3,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
There are too many famous shops for kakinoha sushi to name, but if I had to choose one more, I would mention “Yakko”.
–Restaurant Information on “Yakko”–
Business hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Regular holiday: Wednesday (open every day in April and November)
Phone number: 0746-32-3117
Address: 543 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3115
Official web
Recommended local food restaurants
“Kinoko-kan（きのこの舘）” at Higashi Yoshino
Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
A restaurant owned by a mushroom producer in Higashiyoshino Village.
As the name suggests, it is indeed “Kinoko-kan” or “Mushroom Hall”.
While there are many set menus such as Kinoko Soba and Kinoko Donburi, you should try the grilled mushrooms at least once.
Many people are surprised at how fresh the freshly made, freshly harvested mushrooms are.
–Restaurant Information on “Kinoko-kan”-
Business Hours: (Direct Sales) 9:00-19:00, (Dining) 11:00-19:00
Closed on Thursdays
Phone Number: 0746-42-0991
Address: 1601 Washiya, Higashiyoshino Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture 633-2422
“Shokudo Ichie（食堂 いちえ）” at Higashi Yoshino
Ave. Budget: Lunch 2,000-3,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
An abandoned elementary school has been renovated into a public facility called “Higashiyoshino Furusato Village,” which now serves as a lodging and camping site.
The dining room of this village is “Shokudo Ichie,” which has also been renovated from the former school cafeteria.
In addition to set meals such as tonkatsu, they serve typical diner fare such as udon and soba noodles.
If you’re in the mood for sightseeing, the “Furusato Set Meal” is recommended.
Fresh river fish caught from the Shigou River in front of the restaurant, such as Amago in the spring and Ayu in the summer, can be enjoyed.
You can also eat wild boar or duck hot pot if you make a reservation.
–Restaurant Information on “”–
Business hours: <Weekdays> 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last Order 4:30 PM), <Weekends> 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last Order 5:30 PM)
Closed on Tuesdays.
Phone number: 0746-43-0655
Address: 739 Daizu-namiki, Higashiyoshino Village, Yoshino District, Nara 633-2442
Recommended restaurants for western food
“Narayamasou（古民家レストラン ナラヤマソウ）” at Yoshino
Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
–Restaurant Information on “Narayamasou”–
Business hours: Lunch 11:00-14:00, Cafe 14:00-16:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 0746-35-7003
Address: 881 Yanagi, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3325, Japan.
Official web
Recommended Yakiniku restaurants
“Ashibi Yakiniku-ten（馬酔木焼肉店）” at Yoshino
Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY, Dinner 2,000-3,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
A yakiniku restaurant located in a remote location in Yoshino, in a village called Kitayama that is beyond the tunnel.
In fact, this popular restaurant can be called a “hall of fame” for affordable and delicious yakiniku, with regular customers coming from places like Osaka.
Due to the local area, the fact that wild boar and duck meat are offered on the menu at the same price range as other meats makes it a favorite among game lovers.
–Restaurant Information on “Ashibi Yakiniku-ten”–
Business hours: 11:00am to 9:00pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Phone number: 0746-36-6389
Address: 271 Kashi’o, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3436
“Yakiniku Kikuya（焼肉のきくや）” at Kamiichi
Ave. Budget: Dinner 3,000-5,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
A yakiniku restaurant operated by a butcher shop.
Located near the Yamato-Kamiichi Station, it is one of the few restaurants that opens at night, and although there is no competition, it is a much-appreciated establishment that maintains a delicious taste that hits the spot.
–Restaurant Information on “Yakiniku Kikuya”–
Business hours: Dinner <Mon-Wed, Fri> 17:00-21:30, <Sat-Sun> 13:00-21:30
Regular holiday: Thursday
Phone number: 0746-32-8690
Address: 2146-3 Kami-ichi, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3111
Recommended ramen shops
“Ramen Kawa（ラーメン 河）” at Yoshino
Ave. Budget: Lunch 1,000-2,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
A famous ramen shop that is often featured in the media as a “hidden gem” in the Kansai region.
The ramen itself is a salt-based ramen with yuzu flavoring.
The refined deliciousness slowly seeps into your stomach.
–Restaurant Information on “Ramen Kawa”–
Business hours: 10:00am to sold out (usually around 2:00pm)
Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Phone number: 0746-32-8384
Address: 470 Natsumi, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3446
Recommended Cafe
“Little Oven（リトルオーブン）” at Higashi Yoshino
Ave. Budget: Lunch 500-1,000 JPY
View information on Tabelog
A patisserie and cafe that only operates three days a week on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
They offer a variety of sweets ranging from classic desserts to cakes made with seasonal local fruits.
The exquisite atmosphere almost feels like being in a hotel lounge, but the beautiful nature of Higashiyoshino spreads out right in front of you.
Their tea is also exceptional, with a selection ranging from the traditional local Japanese tea “Kabe” to the organic pioneer “Makai Barri” from Darjeeling.
Of course, they also serve coffee.
If you have the chance to visit on the days they’re open, it’s a cafe that’s definitely worth checking out after enjoying the nature of Higashiyoshino.
–Restaurant Information on “Little Oven”–
Business hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Regular holidays: Sundays to Wednesdays
Phone number: 090-4305-1968
Address: 72-1 Kogurusu, Higashiyoshino Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture 633-2423
What is Foodies Town Guide?
If you go here, even if you are a food connoisseur who is used to eating, you will not be disappointed. From understanding the traditional food culture of the area, to notable trends, and digging up hidden treasures that are not yet known. The purpose is to
The staff searches for restaurants that you should visit, which you can’t find on word-of-mouth sites that post general popularity and rankings, and check them with your tongue and write an article.
This series is based on the concept of helping foodies who are particular about food to visit good shops in the area most efficiently when they visit a city for gourmet trips, sightseeing, business trips, workations, etc.
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