The white-walled post town, the Daimyo-Gyoretsu, and for the author, a town to buy delicious soy sauce, Yakage Town.
The calm streets of the post town always soothe my heart, making it a favorite place.
The relaxed pace of time in Yakage Town, different from the Bikan Historical Area, is also part of its charm.
Bichuya Choemon Restaurant Yurari is a perfect Japanese restaurant for adult tourism in Yakage.
You can enjoy lunch with Japanese cuisine and special brown rice noodles while admiring the simple and warm atmosphere of the garden.
At the restaurant Yurari, you will likely fall even more in love with Yakage Town as you savor the rich experience.
A 120-year-old traditional house "Bichuya Choemon Restaurant Yurari"

Located in the post town of Yakage, Bichuya Choemon Restaurant Yurari features an exterior that blends into the post town's atmosphere.
During the day, you can enjoy a Japanese lunch with brown rice noodles, and at night, you can have sushi and sashimi sets, as well as kaiseki cuisine available by reservation only.

Originally starting as a chopstick factory, it became a private residence, then land owned by Yakage Town, and opened as a lodging facility and restaurant in April 2017.
The 120-year-old traditional house has been renovated, with the first floor serving as the restaurant and the second floor as the lodging facility.

Not only the restaurant Yurari, but also many townhouses remain in the post town of Yakage.
It is a recommended walking spot where you can relax just by walking around.

At the entrance of the restaurant, photos and game records from the 66th Osho Championship's seven-match series, held on February 13 and 14, 2017, are displayed.
Surprisingly, the Osho Championship match between the then Osho Sota Fujii and 9-dan Akira Kubo took place on the second floor of Bichuya Choemon!
It felt strangely exciting to be in a building where active shogi players had competed.
A view of the seasonal garden from modern table seats

The modern interior with tables in a tatami room creates a calm atmosphere, which is likely to please older guests.
On weekdays, there are many female customers, but on weekends, families and foreign visitors often come as well. Children are very welcome.

The garden remains as it was when it was used as a residence. The window side is a special seat where gentle greenery and refreshing breezes are comfortable.
It feels a bit wasteful to monopolize this view.

In May, there are azaleas, in June, hydrangeas, and in autumn, the leaves change color, allowing you to feel the passage of the seasons.

From inside the counter, you can hear the cheerful voices of the Matsumoto couple who run Yurari.
They happily shared that Yakage Town is lively lately, and new shops are increasing.

Seasonal flowers are also placed on the tables. Such thoughtful details are likely to please women.

Inside the restaurant, there is also a cute floor plan of Bichuya Choemon.

The entrance to the lodging is on the opposite side of the restaurant. Like the townhouses in Kyoto and the Bikan Historical Area, it is built in a long row style.
Lunch's Hime Gozen. Beautiful first course with vegetables from Yakage

The lunch menu at Yurari is as follows.
| Product Name | Price (including tax) |
|---|---|
| Yako Gozen | 900 yen |
| Yako Gozen + Sushi (4 pieces) | 1,300 yen |
| Special Bisei Beef Brown Rice Noodles | 1,800 yen |
| Hime Gozen (first course + brown rice noodles) | 1,500 yen |
| First course + Bisei Beef Brown Rice Noodles | 2,300 yen |

First, the first course of the Hime Gozen arrived, featuring five small dishes of the day.
The five dishes include steamed vegetables from Yakage, vinegared kohada, grilled mackerel, asparagus with sesame, and tempeh.
Each small dish is beautifully presented with vibrant colors and textures! The balance with the dishes is also lovely.

Here are the steamed vegetables from Yakage. The glossy vegetables are served with a special blended miso.
The pumpkin and daikon are surprisingly sweet and have a rich flavor. I was amazed by the freshness and intensity of the taste of all the vegetables.

The grilled fish is mackerel, perfectly grilled to a fluffy texture. It is rich and delicious!

This is "tempeh." Tempeh is a fermented soybean product originating from Indonesia.
There is also a tempeh specialty store across from Yurari, making it a bit of a local specialty ingredient in Yakage.
The tempeh is seasoned like fried chicken, making it a hearty dish that is healthy yet satisfying.
Gluten-Free "Yurari Brown Rice Noodles" Made with Yakage Grown Brown Rice

The hot "Yurari Brown Rice Noodles" have arrived (normally, the brown rice noodles are served after finishing the first course).
The brown rice noodles, made with brown rice from Yakage Town, are gluten-free noodles.
Since they do not contain wheat, they can be safely enjoyed by those with wheat allergies.

The broth is a blend of chicken bones, bonito flakes, and char siu sauce, resulting in a slightly sweet and gentle flavor.
The rich aroma of animal-based ingredients is complemented by a light hint of bonito in the soup. This is a taste that lingers.

And above all, this brown rice noodle. The texture is "slightly grainy," and the mouthfeel is "smooth," creating a mysterious sensation.
The surface feels the fibers of the brown rice, and the noodles are strong and elastic. The aroma of brown rice spreads out.
The soup is filled with plenty of cabbage and garlic chives, making this bowl filling and very satisfying!

And accompanying the brown rice noodles is the spicy miso. Customers often ask to buy it, and it is truly delicious!
The contents of the miso are said to be a "company secret," but it pairs perfectly with the brown rice noodles and is also delicious with steamed vegetables! This spicy miso goes well with anything, and I hope they sell it.
Enjoy Seasonal Flavors in the Garden. Relaxing and Luxurious Time

For those who want to linger a little longer, how about a dessert set for an additional 500 yen?
Enjoy a moment of relaxation while looking at the garden with a set of ice cream, seasonal fruits, and coffee or tea. Sometimes, such luxury is nice.

The charm of the post town Yakage is condensed in "Restaurant Yurari."
I was truly healed during lunch time by the food, the garden, and the relaxed atmosphere unique to Yakage.

Old and new. The ability to flexibly embrace both may be the charm of Yakage.
Please experience the unique flavors and the time that can only be spent here.





































