Opened in April 2019 near the Bikan Historical Area, “ICHI (Ichi).”
The restaurant is located behind Aibunsha Bookstore, which was founded in the early Meiji period.
A hideaway-like spot where you can enjoy hamburgers by day and charcoal-grilled dishes at night.
The hamburgers made by owner Omori, who trained in French cuisine, are generously sized!
They’re so delicious you’ll be hooked after one bite, and may become a new specialty of the Bikan Historical Area.
When we interviewed him in 2019, Omori was also continuing to volunteer and provide support in his hometown of Mabi, while running the restaurant.
He told us about his feelings for Mabi, which experienced the July 2018 torrential rains, as well as the care he puts into the restaurant.
The information provided was current when this article was published in February 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Behind Aibunsha Bookstore, a restaurant you discover by walking down a narrow lane: “ICHI.”
The hamburger and charcoal-grill restaurant “ICHI” is located behind Aibunsha Bookstore, which was also renovated in April 2019.
The noren bearing the name “ICHI” is the landmark.
Walk down the narrow lane beside Aibunsha Bookstore.
It’s a little exciting.
The restaurant building comes into view.
It’s a beautiful, modern building renovated from a storehouse about 200 years old.
There’s also a courtyard beside the narrow lane.
It’s the restaurant’s charming logo.
Apparently, the letters “ICHI” are hidden in the design.
Can you spot them?
Inside a storehouse renovated after about 200 years. Charcoal grilling on the first floor, hamburgers on the second
The first floor is mainly used for charcoal-grilled dinners.
With a large counter and spacious kitchen, it’s a live kitchen that looks wonderfully comfortable.
The buns have just finished baking.
The chef makes them by hand with cultured butter and red-yolk eggs; they have a subtly sweet aroma.
For hamburgers at lunch, head up to the second floor.
It’s a bright and lovely space.
The second-floor counter seats have large windows, letting a pleasant breeze flow through.
The view from the window.
It feels lived-in, yet somehow very Kurashiki—a soothing scene.
The counter is equipped with USB charging ports.
The old beams remain in the ceiling, reminding you that the building was once a storehouse.
The lamps are stylish, too.
There’s also a place to wash your hands.
Families with children can feel at ease.
The interior is a warm, wood-grain space that puts you at ease.
We recommend it as a hidden gem where you can spend some quiet time, a little removed from the bustle of the Bikan Historical Area.
The ICHI Burger with homemade buns and ragù sauce is incredibly delicious!
We ordered the lunch “ICHI Burger Set.”
A lovely staff member will bring it up to the second floor.
The ICHI Burger Set shown here is from our 2019 interview. As of January 2023, you can add a fries set or salad set to a hamburger ordered on its own.
This luxurious hamburger is filled with a patty, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, pickles, and a special sauce.
The cheese melts deliciously, and the generous amount of special ragù sauce (meat sauce) is irresistible.
Taking a big bite, I was amazed by the savory meat, the crisp vegetables, and the delicious bun that holds it all together.
This is a hamburger we’d love for lots of people to try.
It’s incredibly delicious!
The homemade buns feature the ICHI logo.
Even with so many toppings, the bun holds its own.
On the side are crispy, crunchy fries.
And, delightfully, it comes with onion rings. I’m always happy when there are onion rings.
The drink mug is adorable.
Even the cutlery is stylish and perfectly suits the atmosphere of the restaurant.
The lunch menu also includes cheeseburgers and classic burgers.
Next, we spoke with the owner, Omori Ichiro.
ICHI Information
| Name | ICHI |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-21 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-442-8482 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | Lunch (Wednesday–Sunday) 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 32 seats Counter seats: 10 on the first floor, 8 on the second floor Tables: 1 on the first floor, 3 on the second floor |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
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