Interview with manager Miyake Mari
We interviewed Kitchen Ashiato manager Miyake Mari.
Could you tell us how you came to open Kitchen Ashiato?
Miyake (surname omitted)
I had always wanted to run a shop, and I thought that if I was going to do it, I might as well make it a place where dogs were welcome.
I have a dog myself, and whenever I wanted to go out to eat somewhere, I felt frustrated that I had to leave my dog at home and had to hurry back.
If dogs were welcome at the restaurant, I could bring my dog too, not just the customers, so I opened this place.
Could you tell us how you came up with the restaurant's name?
Miyake
The first meaning of “Ashiato” (footprints) in “Kitchen Ashiato” is that it brings dogs to mind.
I think it's easy to see why, since the sign has an illustration of a dog's paw prints.
And there's actually another meaning: I named it Ashiato with the hope that people would come here and leave behind happy memories.
Does the restaurant have a particular concept?
Miyake
I hope this place will become a place for dog lovers.
Most of our customers seem to live in Kurashiki City, but we also have many customers who come from far away.
I get the impression that many customers eat here before heading home after attending pet-related events in the surrounding area or going out with their dogs on a day off.
I haven't heard of many places that allow pets during their evening izakaya hours.
So I hope people will come here as a place where they can dine with their families and dogs or get together with friends.
Is there anything you value in running the restaurant?
Miyake
I do want it to have the friendly atmosphere of a downtown neighborhood restaurant.
I also talk to customers who are visiting for the first time. We have many regulars, and everyone is friendly, so regular customers often get into lively conversations with one another.
A customer who was in town on a business trip from far away and staying at a hotel near the restaurant came to eat here, then returned a few months later on another business trip.
I was really happy when they brought their colleagues and others along, too.
The food we serve here may not be “Instagrammable,” but it's all homemade, home-style cooking that we hope will warm your heart.
We operate as an izakaya in the evenings, but we're happy if you just come for a meal, even if you don't drink alcohol. We also have soft drinks, so it's fine if you don't drink.
By the way, I don't drink alcohol myself, so please feel free to come in for a meal.
Could you tell us about your goals or plans for the future?
Miyake
I'd like to turn the second floor of the restaurant into lodging.
We're currently cleaning and making repairs, with the goal of opening next year (2026).
We have many customers who come from far away, such as Kansai and Shikoku, but I often hear that there aren't many places around here where they can stay with their dogs, so they usually go home the same day.
I want to create lodging on the second floor where people like that can stay with their beloved dogs, and enjoy a relaxing outing with them.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Miyake
Everyone is welcome, whether you have a beloved dog or not, as long as you're comfortable around dogs.
You might find it a little hard to come in because you can't see inside from outside, but it's fine to order just one drink, or simply drop by while out for a walk.
Whether you're on your own or with friends or family, I hope you'll enjoy a lovely meal at Kitchen Ashiato.
From the Writer
Every dish is delicious and home-style, and you can enjoy a meal here at wallet-friendly prices, whether at lunchtime or in the evening.
Whenever I eat here, I feel that the owner and the other customers are all friendly, creating a warm atmosphere.
Through the interview, I learned about the owner's love and care for dogs, and wanted dog lovers to know that there's a dog-friendly lunch spot and izakaya in Mizushima.
Be sure to visit for the delicious home-style cooking and the warm welcome from the owner and staff.
kitchen Ashiato details
| Name | kitchen Ashiato |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-7 Mizushima Higashitokiwa-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-1355-4391 |
| Parking | Available Behind the restaurant |
| Hours | 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.–midnight |
| Closed | Monday and Tuesday Open if a public holiday falls on these days |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) *Only e-cigarettes may be used indoors |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | kitchen Ashiato |
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