Interview with Head Chef Nagano
We spoke with Nagano Miho, head chef of the Local Dining Hall, about the restaurant’s concept and future goals.
Could you tell us about the restaurant’s distinctive features and concept?
Nagano (surname only)
The concept is “enjoying the local community.”
We settled on this guiding principle from the early stages of menu development and named it the “Local Dining Hall” to convey the idea of “a dining hall where people can enjoy the local area.”
Our distinctive feature is that we use local ingredients from Okayama throughout. We are so committed that we would “serve nothing but ingredients from this region,” and when developing the menu, we think first about “what ingredients to use” rather than “what to make.”
Could you tell us about ways to enjoy the place besides dining?
Nagano
Of course, we want you to enjoy the food and scenery, but we also hope you’ll take your time and relax before and after your meal.
The same facility also has a bookstore, shops, and a free rest area.
We hope you’ll enjoy spending your time however you like—reading, shopping, or simply relaxing.
We hope to become one of the options that comes to mind when you want to relax on your own or go out with friends or family and wonder, “Where should we go?”
What kind of day would you recommend for enjoying the scenery?
Nagano
Sunsets on clear days are famous, but personally, I’d like to recommend “rainy or cloudy days” instead.
The Seto Inland Sea veiled in mist is as beautiful as a traditional ink wash painting, with a gentle, evocative atmosphere. Visitor numbers are relatively low when the weather is poor, making it easier to enjoy the scenery all to yourself in a quiet setting. It’s also perfect when you want to find some peace of mind.
Could you tell us about your future goals?
Nagano
Not just the Local Dining Hall, but Washuzan Rest House as a whole—we want to make it a place that younger generations can visit more casually.
The building itself is a historic facility, well known to older people, but we sometimes hear younger people say, “I don’t know much about it” or “I’ve never been there.” The facility and its menu both changed significantly with the 2025 renovation, so first, we’d like people to learn about the newly renovated Washuzan Rest House.
Going forward, we’re thinking about menus and events that will make younger generations want to visit, with the ultimate goal of creating a facility that three generations of a family can enjoy together.
We’d be happy if this could become a place that local people would want to bring friends and family visiting from outside the prefecture, and that people in the community could be proud of.
From the Writer
Nagano told us that she hopes people will use the Local Dining Hall not simply as a restaurant, but “as a place to spend a relaxing and fulfilling time.” Her heartfelt hospitality came through in every word.
Savoring Okayama ingredients and spending time as you please while gazing out at the Seto Inland Sea up close—this experience itself may be one of the unique charms of Washuzan Hill.
When you feel like taking a brief pause from your busy everyday life, why not spend some relaxing time at the Local Dining Hall?
Washuzan Rest House Local Dining Hall Information
| Name | Washuzan Rest House Local Dining Hall |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1 Tanoura, Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-479-9164 |
| Parking | Available 45 spaces for large vehicles, 366 spaces for regular vehicles |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last order at 4:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Wednesday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 105 seats total (13 counter seats and several tables seating 4–5 people) |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking (outdoor smoking area available) |
| Restrooms | Multipurpose restroom next to the order counter |
| Childcare | ・Children’s chairs ・Nursing room and diaper-changing area on another floor |
| Accessibility | Ramps, elevator |
| Website | Washuzan Rest House |
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