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 Go-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.