Kayanoya
KAYANOYA, in the Countryside
It was early spring when we visited the “Kayanoya” restaurant in the suburbs of Fukuoka. Kayanoya is a famous brand for “dashi” soup(soup broth) or various seasonings, and its shops are located in Tokyo Midtown, Coledo Miuromachi, and others.
After about an hour's flight from Hanada Airport to Fukuoka, we went to JR Hakata station, where we took the train (The Fukuhoku Yutaka Line) for about 15-20 min. to Sasaguri station, where the courtesy car was waiting. It was about a 15-20 minute car ride to get to a mountain town surrounded by nature. The thatched-roof restaurant at the side of a brook caught my eye. What a nostalgic view that I have never seen in Tokyo.
The entrance lobby was stylish and attractive. When I ran through an entrance curtain, I saw a chic Japanese space decorated with vegetables and flowers.
After waiting on the seat around a fireplace, I was ushered to the restaurant. A high ceiling and spacious and relaxed atmosphere reminded me of “The Gassho of Japan” in NY. The (guest’s) name written by a flower character on a Japanese Washi sheet welcomed guests. Then welcome tea and an Oshibori (hot towel) were served.
Here's the menu: Muguki course (JPY5,400)
Appetizer - Snap garden peas, Japanese egg cockle with mustard sauce, Sushi rice topped with bamboo, Spring vegetables rolled with Berkshire pig, vinegar soy sauce, oiled salmon escabeche
Soup - Root vegetables (potate for this month)
Reddish bean tofu - Reddish bean puree and mixed with arrowroot starch (kuzuko) with dashi soup
Spanish mackerel steamed by Yuan style
Butterbur and butterbur sprout cooked in dashi and sweetened sauce
Main dish Local beef cooked with soy sauce, dashi and sugar, with vegetables
(Choice of grilled sea bream and burban shell, cooked with herb and butter)
Rice (10 main cereals), Miso (Natto miso) soup, Pickles, Fresh Egg
Dessert Strawberry panna cotta, a fresh brewed coffee
Needless to say, all of the meals were intricate and delicious and the local produce and seasonal fresh products have been used to fully enjoy local flavors.
The space and atmosphere were comfortable. Everything was so stylish and perfect. The jazz piano music was pleasing to the ear. The view from a window was not a building, but a brook, mountain, and trees. The thatched roofs we do not have a chance to see in the city these days were graceful and affectionate.
Kayanoya has the vision to provide Japanese traditional meals based on our wisdom and teach them to the next generations. Their objectives seem to be successful, as they are providing comfortable time, space, and meals for visitors.
Kayanoya restaurant has been proud of serving quality meals for ten years in this place. It is fully booked every day, attracting visitors from all over the country. “The Kubara Honke Group” companies underpin the management of the restaurant.
How to get there:
Take a train (Fukuhoku Yutaka Line) from JR Hakata station to Sasaguri station. (Express 16min. JPY270). Then take a taxi for 20 min. (JPY2,500). Or a courtesy car is available by reservation. (Telephone: 092-976-2112)
By car, take Rt.21 from Fukuoka towards Nogata. Turn left at the Yamanokami traffic light, and follow the road.
It is about 2km from the Ino Shrine.
There are private rooms and other kinds of rooms for events and parties. Menus change monthly.
Price: JPY3,800 upwards
Opening hours:
11:00~13:30
17:00~20:30
(Closed at 22:00)
Closed on Wednesdays (If Wednesday is a holiday, next day will be closed.)
First Tuesday of the month Opening hours 11:00~16:00
Please check with the update.
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Address:
395-1 Oaza-Ino、Aza-Kushiya, Hisayama-machi, Kasuya-Gun, Fukuoka-Pref.