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Three delicious ways to enjoy one dish! Savor locally sourced ingredients in flavorful kamameshi served in a traditional townhouse in the temple town.
Located at the gate of Taima-dera in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture—famous for its over-1,000-year-old mandalas and vividly colored Pure Land garden—Tamaya is a restaurant housed in a former Edo-period inn built in 1853.
The restaurant's signature kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot) features local ingredients such as Yamato pork, fresh vegetables, and Hinohikari rice sourced directly from Nara farmers. Each pot is freshly cooked at your table after ordering. While delicious on its own, the recommended way to enjoy it is the house-original "Sendomeshi" style:
・First bowl as-is.
・Second bowl topped with a raw egg.
・Third bowl with house-made dashi poured over it like ochazuke.
This lets you savor three distinct flavors in a single dish.
The restaurant offers both table seating and counter seats overlooking a serene courtyard. Open only for lunch, it often sells out early, so reservations are highly recommended. Since it takes about 30 minutes for the kamameshi to cook, many guests place their orders first and then take a stroll around nearby Taima-dera while they wait.
Kamameshi is made with carefully selected ingredients such as Yamato pork, Yamato beef, and Yamato jidori chicken.
“Sendomeshi,” Tamaya’s original way to enjoy kamameshi in three styles, adds a unique twist to the meal.
The “Curry Chazuke” is served with seasonal vegetable tempura.
The restaurant offers both table seating and counter seats.
A private detached room is available for exclusive use on weekdays (inquiries required).
Look for the distinctive sunshade noren at the entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have menus in foreign languages or with pictures? (If so, please let us know the languages available.)
There is a menu with pictures available.
Q
Is takeout available?
Yes, takeout is available. Reservations are recommended.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the restaurant?
No free Wi-Fi available.
Q
Is it possible to reserve a seat?
Yes, it is.
Q
Are there any smoking areas?
Not available.
Q
Is there parking?
There is no private parking, but paid parking is available nearby (500yen per use).
Q
Can portion sizes be adjusted?
No, large or small portion adjustments are not available.
