Japan Guide
Central Honshū
Eating
1 Asada 3-10-11 Fukashi In a traditional white-walled building behind the NHK radio and TV station, this restaurant has a good reputation for soba served either zaru (cold) or kinoko (in a hot soup). Opening time: Tues– Sun 11.30am–4pm
2 Chikufudō 3-4-20 Nakamachi Local rice dishes and sweets made with chestnuts are served at this restaurant in one of the old whitewashed houses on Nakamachi-dōri. Price: Set meals start at ¥900 Opening time: Daily except Wed 9am–6pm
3 Hikariya 4-7-14 ōte 
0263/38-0186 
www.hikari-ya.com . An elegant old machiya (town house) has been beautifully restored and converted into this very stylish complex of two pricey restaurants: Higashi serving an austere but masterful kaiseki menu, and Nishi specialising in French cuisine. Opening time: Daily except Wed 11.30am–1.30pm & 6–8.30pm
4 
Kura 1-10-22 Chūō The building might be a reproduction of a white-walled storehouse (kura), but the food – topnotch sushi and good tempura – is the real thing. Also on the English menu are local specialities including basashi (horsemeat sashimi) and their own brand of sake. Opening time: Daily except Wed 11.30am–2pm & 5–10pm
5 Marumo café 3-3-10 Chūō Attached to the ryokan of the same name, this charming café is fitted out in the area's distinctive dark cherry wood furniture. Come for breakfast and be lulled by gentle classical music.
6 Nomugi 2-9-11 Chūō Another celebrated soba noodle shop; you may have to queue for one of the few seats here and they close up when sold out which is usually around 2pm. Closed Tues & Wed.
7 Sakuraya 4-9-1 Ōte 0263/33-2660 www.sakuraya.ne.jp . Traditional restaurant specializing in eel dishes, including sasamushi, with waitresses in kimono. There's a variety of set meals described on the English menu. SPrice: et meals from ¥1800 Opening time: Closed Mon