Western Honshu Restaurants

Western Honshu is one of the best regions to sample local Japanese seafood, with regional specialties from the Nihon-kai (Japan Sea) and Seto Nai-kai (Inland Sea). The oysters in Hiroshima, sea eel on Miyajima, and sashimi and sushi on the San-in coast are all superb. Matsue's location means that a variety of both freshwater and saltwater fish are available. Most reasonably priced restaurants have a visual display of the menu in the window, if not photos on the menu pages. If you cannot order in Japanese and no English is spoken, you can always lead the waiter to the window display and point. If you’re adventurous, it is always fun to ask, "Osusume?," which means "What do you recommend?"

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  • 1. Yuuki

    $$

    Unagi (freshwater eel) and delectable mountain vegetables maintain Yuki's highly venerated reputation. The kitchen also serves river smelt and other specialties, and in summer they prepare ayu (sweetfish) dishes. The dining room is chock-full of old farm implements, and there's even a stream burbling near your feet. A teishoku set meal is available for lunch (11--3) or dinner 5--10. Reservations are advised, and call the day before to confirm. 

    271--4 Ushiroda, Tsuwano, Shimane-ken, 699-5605, Japan
    0856-72–0162

    Known For

    • Ayu (sweetfish) dishes in summer
    • Unagi
    • Cash-only and rustic atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 2. Aoki Sushi

    $$

    An old-fashioned sushi restaurant with a few tables on tatami mats and a long bar counter with stools, the rustic restaurant has a cheerful staff and reasonable prices. It's also within easy walking distance of Tsuwano Station. Try the jyo-nigiri (deluxe sushi set); it will likely include a slice or two of tasty, chewy koi, or local carp. Have that and a frosty mug of beer. Last order is at 9.30 pm but may close early if it is quiet. 

    78--10 Ushiroda, Tsuwano, Shimane-ken, 699-5605, Japan
    0856-72–0444

    Known For

    • Affordable, quality sushi
    • Friendly atmosphere
    • Cash-only and usually open until 10 pm (late for Tsuwano)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 3. Hamayoshi

    $$

    Three tables and a counter make up this intimate restaurant specializing in fish from the Seto Nai-kai. Sushi is one option; another is mamakari, a kind of vinegary sashimi sliced from a small fish caught in the Inland Sea. Other delicacies are shako-ebi, or mantis shrimp, and lightly grilled anago, or sea eel. No English is spoken, but an English menu is available and the owner is happy to help you order and instruct you on how to enjoy the chef's delicacies. Hamayoshi is on the main street leading from the station, just before the Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel. Unlike many restaurants here, it's open on holidays.

    2--19--30 Achi, Kurashiki, Okayama-ken, 710-0055, Japan
    086-421--3430

    Known For

    • Mantis shrimp sashimi
    • Intimate dining
    • Seafood delicacies

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 4. Kamameshi Suishin Honten

    $$ | Naka-ku

    Famous for its kamameshi, or rice casseroles, this restaurant serves the freshest fish from the Seto Nai-kai—fugu, or puffer fish, oysters, and eel, to name but a few. If you prefer your fish cooked, try the rockfish grilled with soy sauce. English menus (and Japanese-style rooms with horikotatsu pits to hang your legs in) are available.

    6--7 Tate-machi, Hiroshima, Hiroshima-ken, 730-0032, Japan
    082-247–4411

    Known For

    • Local Hiroshima cuisine
    • Fresh seafood
    • Welcoming atmosphere
  • 5. KuShuKuShu (9494)

    $$

    You'll be happy to find this lively little izakaya, a Kurashiki favorite for more than 20 years. Cool music and loud laughter can be heard from here when everything else on the street is locked up tight. Unwind to an eclectic mix of traditional white stucco, black wooden beams, bright lights, and jazz. Though the staff don't speak English, an English menu is available. Scores of tasty snacks, such as grilled meats or cheese and salami plates are paired with low-priced beer and sake. It's tucked along the east side of the covered Ebisu-dori shopping arcade halfway between the station and Kanryu-ji. Last orders are at 10 pm.

    2--16--41 Achi, Kurashiki, Okayama-ken, 710-0055, Japan
    086-421–0949

    Known For

    • Cash only
    • Lively in the evenings
    • Classic izakaya fare

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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  • 6. Restaurant Kiyutei

    $$

    Best known for its steaks, this attractive Kurashiki-style restaurant has been in business since 1909. Kiyutei sits right at the end of the tree-lined Kurashiki River; the entrance is behind a gate across the street from the entrance to the Ohara Art Museum.

    1--2--20 Chuo, Kurashiki, Okayama-ken, 710-0055, Japan
    086-422–5140

    Known For

    • Classic Japanese-Western fusion dishes
    • Affordable lunch sets
    • Crowded on weekends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 7. Wafu Restaurant Nakamura

    $$

    Set-menu courses at this reliable and popular traditional restaurant typically offer a variety of fish, mountain vegetables, miso soup, and steamed rice. Nakamura has tatami and Western seating, but no English-language menu. You can select your food from the tempting window display. Reservations are accepted and recommended for larger parties.

    394 Hijiwara, Hagi, Yamaguchi-ken, 758-0026, Japan
    0838-22–6619

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Simple, relaxed atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed, No lunch mid-Aug.

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