There is a place where you can take a break from your busy daily life and enjoy the view of the sea.
Located in Kojima, Kurashiki City, Washuzan Rest House Local Diner (hereinafter referred to as "Local Diner") is a diner that boasts a location with a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. Here, you can enjoy a variety of dishes that utilize local ingredients, such as octopus from Shimotsui, fish from the Seto Inland Sea, and peach pork from Okayama Prefecture.
We introduce the "Local Diner," where you can enjoy not only the meals but also the scenery as part of the feast.
About Washuzan Rest House Local Diner
The Local Diner is a restaurant located on the third floor of Washuzan Rest House, which was renewed and reopened in April 2025.
On the second floor, there is a bookstore "aru Washuzan Store" and a free resting area, while a shop is located on the fourth floor, allowing you to enjoy dining, shopping, and reading all in the same facility.
Inside the Diner
What first catches the eye inside the diner is the large glass window that spans an entire wall. The window frame resembles a picture frame, and the ever-changing scenery of the Seto Inland Sea feels like a work of art.
Orders are placed at the counter, and payment is made in advance.
Water service, meal pickup, and dish return are all self-service.
Specialty Menu Using Local Ingredients
The menu at the Local Diner is characterized by a thorough commitment to local ingredients. Most dishes use Okayama ingredients, such as fish from the Seto Inland Sea, peach pork from Okayama Prefecture, and Sakamoto Eggs.
Popular Menu "Shimotsui Octopus Rice and Seto Inland Sashimi Set"
I ordered the most popular dish, "Shimotsui Octopus Rice and Seto Inland Sashimi Set".
While listening to customer feedback, they pursue a texture that a wide range of generations find "delicious." They are constantly adjusting the cooking process.
From each grain of rice, you can feel the umami of the octopus that has soaked through to the core. The octopus is neither too hard nor too soft, providing just the right amount of chewiness. The gentle flavor is nicely accented by the saltiness of the salmon roe.
The sashimi we received during the interview included sea bream, grilled saury, and amberjack.
The sea bream has a chewy texture, the grilled saury crumbles in your mouth the moment you take a bite, and the amberjack has a light crunch. The differences in texture made for an enjoyable dish.
Drinks Available for Takeout
Drinks at the Local Diner are available for takeout. Enjoying them outside while feeling the sea breeze from the Seto Inland Sea would surely enhance the experience.
This Seto Inland Honey Lemonade also uses honey sourced from within the prefecture and lemons from the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Its refreshing taste makes it a drink you want to gulp down on a hot day.
Vegan and Halal Menu Options
Starting in April 2026, a new menu item, "Okayama Seasonal Vegetable Tempura Rice Bowl", has been added to accommodate vegan and halal diets.
Vegan
A philosophy that avoids animal-derived foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. It may also include a lifestyle that avoids using animal-derived products as much as possible.
Halal
Meaning "permitted" in Arabic. Refers to what is allowed according to Islamic teachings. In terms of food, it avoids pork, alcohol, and improperly processed meat.
There are two main features.
First, the tempura batter does not use eggs. Second, while the sauce for a typical tempura rice bowl contains animal-based dashi such as bonito or conger eel, they use a special vegan dashi that contains no animal ingredients.
As the name "Okayama Seasonal Vegetable Tempura Rice Bowl" suggests, it is packed with seasonal vegetables from Okayama Prefecture, such as Tsurajima burdock, lotus root, Alaskan beans, and Senryo eggplant. Additionally, they serve tempura made from Washu Nori, known for its production in Shimotsui.
We spoke with the head chef of the Local Diner, Nagano Miho, who is dedicated to creating dishes that utilize Okayama ingredients.
Washuzan Rest House Local Dining Data
| Name | Washuzan Rest House Local Dining |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1 Tanoura, Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-479-9164 |
| Parking | Available 45 large vehicles, 366 regular vehicles |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order at 4:30 PM) |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | No |
| Seating | Total 105 seats (13 counter seats, multiple tables for 4-5 people) |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking (smoking area available outdoors) |
| Restroom | Multipurpose restroom next to the order counter |
| Childcare | ・Children's chairs ・Nursing room and diaper changing space on a different floor |
| Barrier-Free | Ramp, elevator |
| Website | Washuzan Rest House |
