This is my second visit. Last time I had a Matsukado bento for lunch, but this time I had a kaiseki course. The quality of the ingredients has improved from the appetizer to the dessert. I was particularly satisfied with the quality and quantity of the sashimi. The price may seem a bit high as it includes tax and service charge, but I think it offers good value for money.

During my visit home, I went to this restaurant with my parents. The colorful and delicious dishes, the beautiful atmosphere of the room, and the cute Hina decorations made my elderly parents very happy. I'm glad I chose this restaurant. The staff were very kind and not only explained the dishes but also the dishes and tea in detail. I would like to visit this restaurant again when I go back home. The food was really delicious. Thank you very much.

I always used to drive by without noticing this restaurant in Kawachinagano, but I'm glad I found it. For weekend lunch, you can choose between a bento box or a kaiseki meal. This time, after a memorial service, I opted for the kaiseki meal. I enjoyed a leisurely meal in a private room, savoring delicious dishes and having a truly happy time. I was also impressed by the attentive service of the staff.

I stopped by at Amano Saketen near me to buy some local sake. The kind staff at the brewery let me try various high-alcohol, high-sake-meter sake. I ended up chatting with the owner about sake and before I knew it, it was already lunchtime. When I asked the brewery owner if there was a good place for lunch, he kindly directed me to a nearby spot. He even offered to hold onto the sake I bought until I returned. The food at Kiichi was a basic three-tier bento box, with small dishes like a Japanese afternoon tea stand. Each dish had a gentle flavor, perfect for someone like me who enjoys a little drink. The wine selection was extensive, and they said it pairs well with Japanese cuisine, but I still preferred sticking to sake or beer. It was nice to have a relaxing time after a long while.

I decided to start by visiting a restaurant operated by the "Osaka Ryorikai" committee... It seems to have won the Tabelog Tire 1 award from 2012 to 2015, but the Tabelog rating at the time of my visit was 3.37, which is not great... With only 14 reviews, I made a reservation smoothly the day before my visit... It's conveniently located a few minutes' walk from Nankai or Kintetsu Kawachinagano Station, but I prefer not to use public transportation, so I visited by car. I entered the restaurant at 12:25 and there were a few customers already there. I was guided to the newly expanded building, which was empty throughout. It was a Saturday, but they treated it as a weekday, offering only three lunch options: a bento box for 2,000 yen, a Matsuhana Gozen for 3,800 yen, and a Miyabi course for 5,500 yen. Since they also offer catering, the bento box seemed like a reasonable choice, but it might end up being cheaper than the round trip transportation cost, so I chose the Miyabi course. After a welcome yuzu kombu tea, the dishes that appeared were: - Appetizer: Chrysanthemum greens and white wood ear mushrooms with matsutake mushrooms - Soup: Conger eel, matsutake mushrooms, and chrysanthemum flowers - Side dish: Tuna, flounder, and squid - Hassun: White harmony (sweet potatoes, ginkgo nuts, shimeji mushrooms), pressed sushi (sea bream, myoga), white fish surimi tempura and tempura soba in a ball chestnut style, and mukago-filled pine needle - Grilled dish: Fig dango, saury yuzen-yaki, and lotus root stuffed with chicken - Boiled dish: Sesame tofu with avocado and shungiku sauce, conger eel and egg rolled with milk noodles, and Nanjing cold soup - Rice: Burdock root mixed rice, red miso soup, and pickles - Dessert: Kyoho grape jelly, Shine Muscat, Western pear, melon, and kiwi - Coffee (seems to be a service only in October due to the consumption tax increase) The dishes were safe and without any surprises, so I will skip the details. I wish they would add a bit more creativity to their cooking, as you can get more solid dishes at a similar price range in Ginza or Shinchi. I may have had too high expectations due to their past Tire award. Perhaps sticking to the bento box would have been more satisfying? I left at 13:45. The bill came to 7,199 yen including a non-alcoholic drink... The #3 visit in November seems to have a consistent 3-star rating for 9 years, so let's hope for the best.

The deep green cross, white shoji hanging scrolls, and calming atmosphere of the traditional Japanese table seating for lunch were a welcome sight. Today, I opted for the "Shokado Bento" on the second floor. Just like last time, the meal started with a fragrant seasonal appetizer, leading into a half-course meal featuring tuna, sea bream, and squid. The sashimi was delicious and flavorful. Next up was the tempura, which surprisingly arrived at just the right time. Even the shrimp, which I usually overlook, was impressively tasty. When my stomach was just right, the Shokado Bento was served, including unique items like sesame tofu, simmered dish, and grilled fish. Each dish was a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds. The upstairs seating provided a quiet and elegant ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience. The mixed rice, flavorful miso soup, and pear dessert were all exceptional. Each dish was truly a delight. After two lunches, I look forward to returning for dinner someday, as this restaurant has proven to be a place where one can continue to enjoy new culinary experiences.

After visiting the grave, we had a meal at this restaurant. It was my first time here, and I heard it has a Michelin 1-star rating, so it must be pretty famous. The traditional Japanese atmosphere was nice, and we were escorted to a private room on the second floor. We started with some beer to quench our thirst. The first dish was some kind of stem, I can't remember exactly. The second dish was bitter melon soup (not too bitter, but a little spicy). Then came the sashimi (the squid was delicious), the assorted appetizers (great with sake), eel with rice (the sticky rice was tasty), tofu, rice, and dessert. We also had some sake, which was easy to drink and didn't make us feel too drunk. Overall, the food was elegant and delicious. Even though I may not fully understand the essence of flavors like others do, I can say one thing. When you eat and drink good things, you don't get heartburn even if you're full. Maybe it's good for your body after all. Thank you for a delicious and enjoyable time.

The world is in full year-end rush mode, but in Kawachinagano, there is a Japanese restaurant that has won consecutive stars from a certain tire manufacturer. The delicate flavors of their lunch menu are impeccable, with the most affordable option being the "Two-tiered Bento Box" featuring a striking brand mark of the restaurant's name and the specialty bento box of Kawachinagano. The pre-meal tea, infused with yuzu fragrance, is slightly bitter and refreshing. The "Ohitashi" dish, featuring chrysanthemum greens with meigou and seaweed, offers a taste of the sea. Opening the bento box reveals a visually captivating assortment of dishes, including grilled items that offer a variety of flavors. The appetizers, enjoyed with a drink, showcase different tastes like salt, sweet soy sauce, and vinegar. The sashimi dish offers a tender texture with a strong umami flavor, while the squid dish provides a chewy texture with a protein-rich taste. The "Nimono" dish, with subtly different dashi broths, is satisfying without being overpowering. The only slightly unconventional item is the "Chawanmushi" with basil sauce, which surprisingly works well. The "Takikomi Gohan" with dried radish and the flavorful "Akadashi" soup with a hint of sansho pepper add a nice touch to the meal. The attention to detail and consideration for elderly diners made a positive impression. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

This is a shop in front of Kawachinagano Station. The parking lot is a bit far away, so be sure to check. It's my second visit since I had dinner here about 15 years ago (lol). We made a reservation in advance, and this time we visited with my family of four. When we entered the restaurant, we were asked if we preferred the first or second floor, so I said I would like a good view! But the response was a bit ambiguous - lol. We were guided to the second floor. There were windows, but no view. That's how it is (lol). The dishes range from 2,500 yen. I was hesitant, but I thought the difference in quantity wouldn't be much, and I thought we would go to a cafe afterwards, so I chose the 2,500 yen "Hyosuji Bento". It might be a bit too cheap for an anniversary, but (lol). ・Kobucha (kelp tea) ・Appetizer. Tastes like peanuts. ・Hyosuji Bento A two-tiered bento box. Simmered dishes, lotus root manju, sashimi, and various others. In the sashimi bowl, the white thing topped with plum meat that I thought was pike conger turned out to be squid. ・Chestnut rice It has a seasonal feel. ・Dessert Grape panna cotta After finishing the meal, we were asked, "Was the rice enough?" but I thought, "There's no more side dishes!" I wish they had asked at the beginning - we're a family of big eaters (lol). The amount was just right at 80% full, and the taste was good enough to enjoy. It was a good time at a restaurant suitable for a formal meal. As for the service that everyone is talking about, it was just normal, with no notable points to mention. It's not a "diner in the downtown area," so especially for expensive dishes, the service may seem less than expected for the price. This was exactly the case with the phone response when making a reservation. It felt like someone who has never worked in phone service was responding? (lol) If you don't mind, there is no problem at all. We enjoyed a leisurely and delicious meal, so we would like to visit again on another occasion. Thank you for the meal ♥

Matsuhana-do Gozen 5057 yen (including tax and service charge) The members of the Osaka Cuisine Association offer a refined dashi flavor. The impression of an adult restaurant.

I entered the restaurant with my grandmother and parents. I used to come to Kawachinagano often when I was a student, so I was surprised to find such a restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is completely Japanese-style, and we had our meal at a table. The tuna sashimi was unexpectedly delicious, and I was surprised to find such high-quality food in this area.

It was a wonderful experience. We made a reservation for a special occasion and visited with our relatives. Everyone enjoyed the dishes made with seasonal ingredients and new ingredients we had never tried before. The local sake was also delicious. We were able to relax and enjoy our meal and conversations.

Such a great find in this area. It's a wonderful shop with genuine hospitality.

This is my first visit. I was treated by business associates. It's amazing that this restaurant has been featured in Michelin Guide for 4 consecutive years, haha. Despite being such a great restaurant, it seems like it's not well known since the number of reviews on food blogs is in single digits. The owner, Kiichi Kitano, honed his skills at a long-established Kyoto ryotei. The restaurant is decorated with many gourds, reminiscent of Kyoto's "Hyotei". I wonder if the owner trained there. We were seated at a table on the second floor. There are also private rooms and tatami seating available. The "Gashu Lunch Set" allows you to enjoy the seasonal flavors and colors of a leisurely kaiseki meal. The attention to detail in the dishes was evident, each dish was carefully prepared and had a well-balanced flavor. The texture of the ingredients in the simmered dish was surprising as it retained its texture while the broth was rich. I could never replicate this at home. Truly deserving of being a Michelin-starred restaurant. I forgot to take a photo of the dessert, but it was a lemon and orange jelly. The photos I posted show the dishes without the lids, and the tableware was also beautiful. The entrance and the restaurant itself may not be flashy, but everything was well taken care of. From the hanging scrolls in the room, the flower arrangement alcove, the food, to the serving staff's demeanor and tone of voice, attention to detail was evident in everything. There were two servers, one was a friendly older lady who provided excellent service. The other was a young man who seemed very nervous, his hands were shaking and his explanation of the dishes was a bit hesitant, but his effort was endearing. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

On March 7, 2016 at 13:26, I visited the famous Nishijo Sake Brewery in Kawachi-Nagano, known for its "Amano Sake" dating back to the third year of the Kyoho era (1718 AD). I was introduced by Nishijo Yozo, the 10th generation head of the brewery and my college classmate, to a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant located in front of the station, the only one in Minami-Kawachi. The evening menu at this restaurant is as follows: - Yuki Assortment Course: 3,500 yen - Saga-no Course: 5,000 yen - Arashiyama Course: 7,500 yen - Takao Course: 9,500 yen - Chef's Choice Course: 13,000 yen We visited with a group including elderly people, so we requested a package including drinks for around 8,000 yen. We started with a toast with Suntory's Premium Malt beer and enjoyed appetizers such as minced green onions and black beans, as well as tofu and horse mackerel sushi wrapped in cherry leaves. The sashimi included fatty tuna, red snapper, small fish, and squid, all of high quality. The clear soup with clams and spring vegetables was delightful, and the grilled cherry salmon was elegant and flavorful. We paired these dishes with the premium "Amano Tsuyu" sake from Nishijo Sake Brewery. The fried goby fish and simmered daikon were surprisingly delicious, and the vinegared dishes were made with high-quality seafood. The tempura of shrimp, eggplant, and butterbur sprouts was excellent, and the meal ended with rice and anglerfish soup. The dessert was a refreshing melon juice made from musk melon. The value of the meal exceeded its price, and the restaurant also offers bento boxes, catering, and other services. The restaurant manager is a sommelier, so there is a wide selection of wines available. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience.

The restaurant is located a few minutes from Kawanishi-Nagano Station. This time, we were guided to a tatami room. My friend made a reservation for us. We started with a toast with beer. The appetizers arrived, which had a New Year's feel to them - black beans, rice cakes, arrowhead, and herring roe. Sake would probably go better with these appetizers than beer. Next, we were served a soup with goby and clam. It had a slightly cloudy appearance, maybe due to the addition of kudzu starch, and the clam broth enhanced the flavor of the goby. It was delicious. Then came the sashimi, which included spiny lobster and fatty tuna. It was decently tasty. The next course was the assortment of small dishes, which were perfect for accompanying drinks. The sake went down smoothly. Following that was the abalone liver stew, where the tender abalone and the rich flavor of the liver complemented each other well. Finally, steamed dishes and pickled vegetables were served, leading to the main course of eel over rice. I was full by the end of the meal. Overall, the food had a somewhat rustic feel to it, but it was delicious.

In December 2010, I visited Kawanishi-Nagano to pay respects at a grave and on the way back, I stopped by a restaurant without a reservation, but it was fully booked! I was shocked, but they said they could prepare a table for two if we were willing to wait for an hour, so we entered! Luckily, we were led to a room at the back of the second floor and ordered a bento box. It was around 3000 yen, I think? First, we had pickles (appetizer). Oh, it was delicious. I thought this might be promising. However, every dish that was served one after another was delicious! The seasoning was slightly on the stronger side, which I like, and it was exquisite! Even though it was a private room, the timing of serving the dishes was perfect, from finishing one dish to moving on to the next. It was unbelievable! (Were they watching us with surveillance cameras or something because the timing of serving the dishes was perfect. Just a coincidence?) The bento box had a certain elegance to it and the portion of the rice for the end was just right. (By the way, you can ask for seconds.) Moreover, the dessert of "Almond Tofu & Fig Mousse & Pomegranate" was one of the best Japanese sweets I've had this year. What is this place, I wondered? There were no reviews on Tabelog, but it's quite impressive! (I could hear voices from the next room saying, "The food here is delicious.") It's a bit far from Osaka city, but since it's right in front of Kawanishi-Nagano station, it's definitely worth going just for this restaurant. However, it seems like making a reservation is a must. Thank you for the delicious meal~ I felt like the taste could easily compete in Kyoto with this lunch for around 3000 yen. It's very much appreciated! In March 2014, I revisited. This time, I made a reservation in advance and went there~ Somehow, it had become a famous restaurant representing Minami-Kawachi and had received a Michelin star since 2013. When I entered the restaurant, I noticed gourds placed here and there, and when I think of gourds, I'm reminded of "Hyotei" in Kyoto. This time, I was guided to a table seat on the first floor~ I ordered the Gourd Two-Tiered Bento Box (2625 yen) this time. Following the Yuzu Tea Nanohana Ohitashi, the Gourd Two-Tiered Bento was brought to us~♪ Inside was as shown in the image. The sashimi can be enjoyed with Andean rock salt or soy sauce. The seasoning was not as strong as before, which left an impression, and it seemed to have a flavor that would appeal to everyone. (Was the seasoning strong last time because it was winter?) After this, I had a meal: Takikomi Gohan, Miso Soup, Pickles, and Banana Mousse, Chocolate Cream, and Fruits. The timing of serving the dishes did not impress me as much as last time (maybe because the staff was younger?), but the food was very delicious. Thank you for the meal~

I heard that there was a restaurant in Kawachinagano, a place with connections to me, that had won a Michelin star, so I decided to visit while on a trip to Osaka. I don't eat out for Japanese food often (I usually eat it at home), so I was looking forward to it. The restaurant had a stylish entrance that stood out from the other places around. The course options were priced at 2400, 3350, and 4200 yen. I chose the middle course, which had generous portions. The presentation was beautiful, and I was excited to see so much food laid out in front of me. The taste was okay, considering the price range, but not exceptional. However, the service was not good, or rather, it was bad. Perhaps they were busy, but it made me uncomfortable. It felt like they lacked the hospitality spirit. I probably won't visit again. It's a shame. Maybe my expectations were too high.