Traditional Local Food Yumeichi-chaya

This rural restaurant is just steps from the Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus. With the motto of grow and eat local, this little escape will bring you a menu of carefully made dishes that feature seasonal vegetable plates made with ingredients from the Asuka Village.

A popular lunch item is the Ancient Rice Gozen, a feast served in a colorful array of small dishes. The rice is a blend of Hinohikari rice made in Asuka village, and ancient rice (red, black and green grain) steamed to a chewy, fluffy perfection. Along with it you’ll find plenty of volume in this healthy feast, like the lightly sweet Kure Tofu made with Yoshino arrowroot and soy milk. Between early December and the end of February you won’t want to miss the seasonal Asuka Nabe Gozen, a hot pot based on a hearty milk and chicken stock.

As an extra plus, the restaurant is filled with the natural, cozy fragrance of its woody interior, making for a slow and relaxed time away for you to enjoy. When the season is right, we recommend trying the terrace seating. On the 1st floor of the same building there’s a souvenir shop where you can buy freshly harvested vegetables and ancient rice from the Asuka Village, a perfect addition to your stop.