Japan Guide
Central Honshū
Eating
1 
The Fujiya Gohonjin 80 Daimon-chō 
026/232-1241 
www.thefujiyagohonjin The Meiji-era elegance of this one time hotel has been spruced up with a snazzy contemporary design to become a very sophisticated Italian restaurant. The food is pretty authentic with al dente pasta and rustic meat and fish dishes on the menu. Their café-bar overlooking traditional gardens is a lovely place to relax with a drink. Opening time: Daily 11.30– midnight
2 Gomeikan 515 Daimon-chō 026/232-1221 Traditional tourist restaurant in an old white building halfway up Chūō-dōri. Price: The lunch special is ¥1400, the bentō box of prepared titbits ¥2500, while full meals cost ¥5000 Opening time: Daily except Wed, 11am–2.30pm & 5–7.30pm
3 Kosugetei 026/232-2439 Two blocks southeast of the Niomon gate, this cute soba restaurant is decorated with lots of lucky cat statues and old advirtisements. The noodles are made on the premises and their tempura zaru-soba set for ¥980 is a good deal. Opening time: Daily: April– Nov 11am–3pm & 5–8pm; Dec– March 11am–3pm
4 Mankatei Jōyama-kōen 026/232-2326 Enjoy the fine dishes, waitresses in kimono and the twinkling cityscape views at this classy restaurant east of Zenkō-ji, on the edge of Joyama-kōen, overlooking the downtown area. Price: A bentō lunch is ¥2800, a kaiseki-ryōri dinner ¥3990 Opening time: Daily 11am–2pm & 5–9pm
5 Patio Daimon On the corner of Chūō-dōri and Route 406 This new complex of restaurants and shops is styled like traditional white-walled kura (storehouses). Most tastes and budgets are catered for here, from a cheerful café specializing in tofu-based sweets to the private dining room. Opening time: Fri & Sat only Price: ¥15,000 per head
6 Rakucha Rengakan 67-1 Daimon-chō 026/231-6001 Set in an attractive red-brick building dating from 1910, this high-ceilinged café does a decent Japanese-style beef curry. Their rich chocolate cake is also worth sampling. Price: Set meal of local dishes for ¥1150 Opening time: Daily 10am–9pm
7 Suyakame Honten 625 Nishi-go-chō 026/35-4022 Café and shop specializing in miso – they even serve miso ice cream. From 11.30am to 2.30pm they offer a set menu of rice balls topped with different types of miso sauce (¥410). Opening time: Daily 10.30am–5pm
8 Tokugyōbō 448 Motoyoshi 026/232-0264 This old pilgrim's inn is a good place to sample shōjin ryōri. Reservations are recommended and the owner speaks a little English. Opening time: Daily noon–1pm & 5–6.30pmPrice: From ¥3000 per person