10 Best Must Visit Places to Eat Local Specialties of Yamaguchi!

Yamaguchi prefecture is located at the most western area of the Honshu Island, and also a neighboring prefecture of the Kyushu Island. Being surrounded by the seas, it has a wide variety of fresh seafood, but there are many specialty foods that are not known well enough. If they would get known, many people would want to try. So, check this list of the 10 Best Must Visit Places to Eat Local Specialties of Yamaguchi. Visit Yamaguchi and have fun with the delicious food!

Hirasei

“Iwakuni Zushi” is one of Yamaguchi’s local specialties, which is also called “Tonosama Zushi [lord’s sushi]” since it used to be eaten by the people of castle. It is said that this sushi was originally a preserved food. Looks very brilliant like a whole cake with beautiful layers of vinegar seasoned rice, lotus root, kinshi tamago (shredded omelet), and other ingredients.

Hirasei is spacious with 60 seats, but you might want to be there earlier if it is weekend or holiday because this restaurant is located in the tourist area. This is the very best place to have delicious sushi watching the great view of the beautiful architecture. Visit and enjoy the luxurious time.

Mihara-ya

There is another place for Iwakuni Zushi. “Mihara-ya” is a long standing Japanese inn that serves lunch for those who made a reservation. Since its establishment, the taste of their Iwakuni Zushi has been maintained by the successive owners including the current 8th owner for over 300 years.

Mihara-ya’s Iwakuni Zushi is a bit different from those of others. The difference is the minced fish mixed in the vinegar seasoned rice, sushi meshi. The rich taste reflects its deep history. By eating their sushi that used to be donated to the lord, you might feel as if you were one of the nobles. Try Mihara-ya’s Iwakuni Zushi when you visit Yamaguchi.

Ikkyū

Today, there are many kinds of local ramen noodles in every area of Japan. Yamguchi prefecture, of course, has its own popular local ramen noodles, “Ube Ramen”. Its noodles are medium thick type and the soup is made based on pork bone broth. It is said that its characteristic is a softness of the noodles.

“Ikkyū” is a ramen shop that serves delicious Ube Ramen. Their soup made of pure pork bone broth seasoned with soy sauce tastes nice strong, and goes well with a little soft thin noodles. Most of the time, real local ramen cannot be eaten at anywhere else. Stop in the local ramen shop while touring around.

Ganso Kawara Soba Takase

In Japan, there are a wide range of delicious, casual, cheap local folk foods, called “B-kyū [B-class] Gourmet”. One of Yamaguchi’s popular B-kyū Gourmet foods is “Kawara[roof tile] Soba”. As its name implies, it is grilled matcha flavored soba noodles on a roof tile. It is said that Kawara Soba was invented based on a local story that warriors from other areas had eaten wild herbs and meat, grilling them on a heated roof tile between battles.

“Kawara Soba Takase” is the origin of the Kawara Soba. A savory scent of the grilled tea flavored soba on kawara hits your nose, and it is topped with shredded dried seaweed, kinshi tamago(shredded omelet), simmered beef slices, and momiji oroshi (grated Japanese radish with red chili). Dip them in their special sauce when you eat. Enjoy Kawara Soba at its origin restaurant.

Shunrai-ken

“Bari Soba” is Yamaguchi’s local cuisine that has been loved for a long time. It is deep fried ramen noodles with lots of veggies and a little thick chicken-based soup.

The previous owner of “Shunrai-ken” is said to be the inventor of the dish, and at this place, very big size of Bari Soba is on offer. After having some portion with the taste of the slightly thick chicken-based soup, you can add vinegar so that you would not get bored. It is kind of fun. You must try Shunrai-ken’s delicious original Bari Soba.

Kappō Fukugen

Yamaguchi’s seaside location allows it to have various delicious seafoods, and “Fugu Ryōri [pufferfish dish]” is really popular among tourists. If you want to eat Fugu dish, “Kappō Fukugen” is highly recommended.

“Kappō Fukugen” serves strictly selected wild caught tiger puffer dishes. Because of its quality ingredients, they are a bit pricey, but it is worth both in quantity and quality. The course meal includes: Fugu-sashi (pufferfish sashimi), tecchiri (pufferfish hot pot), zosui (rice soup), etc. Makes you happy and full. They have private rooms, so it would be a good idea to book in advance, and have a luxurious private time over their delicious meal with Japanese sake.

Mimasu

Yamaguchi is famous for its excellent Fugu dish, but some people might hesitate to go to high class Japanese restaurants worrying about the price. For those people, an casual izakaya restaurant, “Mimasu” would be perfect. They serve wonderful seafood dishes, including mainly pufferfish dishes such as fugu sashimi, fried fugu, etc.

Pufferfish they use is wild caught tiger puff. They open at 3:00pm, which is a bit early for izakaya restaurant, but it would be good to get there early and enjoy a slow meal with nice Japanese sake. There is a counter seating and low table seating at tatami space. Perfect for both groups and individuals. Visit this place if you want to enjoy puffer fish dishes without worrying about your budget.

Kenran-gyū Dining Gen

Among many local foods, “Branded Beef” would be one of the most popular products. Yamaguchi also has popular branded beef, of course. Its name is “Kenran-gyū [beef]”, which is a beef cattle produced by crossbreeding Japanese original Mishima-ushi raised in Yamaguchi and Holstein cow. The Mishima-ushi is designated as a natural treasure.

Despite that this place is located at an inconvenient distance, it is really popular and always packed with guests even on weekdays. Still, “Dining Gen” is worth the wait. You should eat the rare branded beef at its producing prefecture, Yamaguchi.

Chūkobē Kamaboko

In Japan, there are many local specialties that have been allowed to be developed because it is located in the area with lots of delicious seafoods. “Kamaboko (fish cake)” is definitely one of them. Yamaguchi also has its own local kamaboko, “Hagi Kamaboko”. Its unique producing method called “Yakinuki” is: slowly, indirectly grill shaped fish cake and sear up the surface. People say the process gives it a nice springy texture.

“Chūkobē Kamaboko Honten” is a long standing kamaboko shop that serves the traditional yakinuki kamaboko. Established in 1855, and used to donate their products to the lord. Their various products include from traditional ones to modern versions such as cheese taste and black pepper flavors. You will find one you like.There is no eating space, so get them as snacks to eat during exploring around, or at hotel. They can be great souvenirs, too.

Honda-ya Kaiko-an

Have you heard the name of Japanese confectionery, “Uirō (sounds like willow)”? It tastes slightly sweet with a jelly-like texture. To Japanese people, Nagoya is the famous place for it, but actually, Uirō has been Yamaguchi’s local traditional confectionery, too.

If you want to try the traditional confectionery, “Honda-ya Kaiko-an” is the place to go. It is a long standing confectionery shop established in 1917. In fact, warabi starch is currently rare, but they are making their best efforts to make Uirō with traditional ingredients. It would be perfect for souvenirs, or to eat during your travel.

Eat delicious local specialties in Yamaguchi!

How did you like it? This article was about the places that serve amazing must-eat local food of Yamaguchi. From fancy seafood dishes to casual cuisines, there are many kinds of delicious local foods in this prefecture. You should eat the super tasty local specialties while touring around the wonderful attractions. Use the list above and visit any of them when you travel to Yamaguchi.