A Full Experience | Eating Houses to Try in Toyama

by Aldwin Maralit Tolosa

Japan continues to be one of the most visited countries among travelers. With its popular destinations, there is no doubt that this country is a place to be. But aside from this, the land of the rising sun is also best known for their umami cuisine, fresh and seasonal recipes, and mostly seafood dishes. So if you’re planning to explore more of Japan and its delicacies, you might want to consider some of the food places in Toyama.

Gingyono Hanare Gin Chirori

Indulge in authentic Japanese foods at Gingyono Hanare Gin Chirori. Its specialties include the Special Sashimi Platter and Firefly Squid Sashimi that is perfect for those who are craving for seafood dishes. Customers can also enjoy beverages to pair with the food of their choice. Known as an izakaya (a casual public house in Japan to eat and drink), Gin Chirori is a resting place for those who want to eat and relax after a long tiring day.

Kurobe Dam Observatory and Rest House

After a one-of-a-kind journey along the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, stop over at Kurobe Dam Observatory and Rest House to have a taste of their wide variety of dishes. The rest house is best known for Kurobe Dam Curry, a Japanese curry dish inspired by the shape of the dam.

Wakakoma Sake Brewery

While you’re in Inami City, a city known for wood carvings, you might as well visit the Wakakoma Sake Brewery. The beverage place is located on the main street of Inami and offers a variety of freshly brewed sake (Japanese rice wine) products. If you’re up for a more memorable experience, try using your own-carved sake cup from the city and savor the complementing taste of wood and rice wine.

Iso Hanabi

The Iso Hanabi is a popular place located along the seashore in Toyama. It is an onsen ryokan (a hot spring inn) and a restaurant at the same time. This means that you will have the luxury of experiencing both worlds, a relaxing bath and a delightful meal. When it comes to its delicacies, Iso Hanabi offers traditional Japanese food like sashimi, seafood, ramen, and fresh fruits. The highlight of the dining experience is the restaurant’s wide and clear glass windows that provide a massive view of the sea and the Tateyama mountain range.

Yohachi

Known for its history, Yohachi is a preserved gassho-zukuri (a traditional hut of Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village) that was later transformed into a restaurant. True to its origin, the restaurant resembles a Japanese home upon entering the place. The eating house offers a variety of foods like soba noodles, Gokayama tofu, katsudon, and its signature tempura dish. Yohachi is also a souvenir shop that sells Gokayama items like Sasara, a wooden string clapper instrument.

Farmhouse restaurant Okado

Have a taste of local Japanese foods at Farmhouse restaurant Okado. This food house is popular among the locals of Tonami for its collection of generations-old recipes. Its signature dish, Okado Somen noodles, is made of ingredients that are exclusively produced in Toyama. 

Restaurant: Barrier

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Japan, the Barrier at Kanazawa City is definitely for you.Unlike the typical vibrant food house, the barrier’s interior has dark hallways and dim lamps that light up the dining table and some decorations. With its serene and quiet ambiance, the barrier offers a variety of delicious delicacies like soups, dumplings, mackerel, Shabu-shabu, seasonal vegetables, meat, and other Japanese dishes.

When travelling, it is important to make the best out of every journey. For countries like Japan, their destinations and delicacies are highly sought-after. Thus, explore Toyama’s delicacies to unlock the full experience.