A representative tourist spot in Kurashiki, Bikan Historical Area.
It is a beautiful place with townscapes and rows of willows.
Buildings with white walls line the streets, some of which were built during the Edo period.
The buildings have been renovated to operate souvenir shops and restaurants.
Although the traditional houses appear to be all Japanese restaurants at first glance, there are also Western-style restaurants.
One of them, Restaurant Kameyutei, looks like a Japanese restaurant from the outside, but the menu features Western cuisine.
Now, let me introduce the Western-style restaurant "Kameyutei" located on the main street of Bikan Historical Area.
About the location of Kameyutei
Restaurant Kameyutei (hereafter, Kameyutei) is located near the entrance of Bikan Historical Area, along the Kurashiki River.
Since the main street of Bikan Historical Area runs along the Kurashiki River, it is a very well-located restaurant.
Next to Kameyutei, two swans are swimming gracefully, making it a nice photo spot.
The idols of Bikan Historical Area, Yume and Sora.
Opposite Yume and Sora is Japan's first private Western art museum, the Ohara Museum of Art.
Kameyutei is located in a place where attractions are concentrated.
About the building of Kameyutei
Now, let me introduce the building of Kameyutei.
Surrounded by well-maintained white walls, the entrance is also impressive.
You might not expect it from the traditional Japanese-style exterior, but Kameyutei is a Western-style restaurant.
The building itself was constructed in 1911, but it was not originally a restaurant.
It is said to have originally been the meeting hall of Kurashiki Church located in Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, near JR Kurashiki Station.
It opened as a restaurant in 1978.
Looking at the restaurant's pamphlet, you can see that the exterior has hardly changed from its days as a church meeting hall.
Upon entering the building, you will immediately see an open kitchen straight ahead.
An open kitchen that you wouldn't expect from the Japanese-style exterior!
The interior is a fusion of Japanese and Western styles.
The building is long and narrow, with seating arranged deeper inside.
The partitions between the tables are stylishly made of Kurashiki canvas.
The second floor is a completely reservation-only special room named "Kawasemi" (Kingfisher).
From the window, you can catch a glimpse of the Kurashiki River and the Ohara Museum of Art.
As someone who has visited Bikan Historical Area many times, this view is a first for me!
You can only see it if you enter Kawasemi.
In the center of the room is a long table that can accommodate 4 to 8 people.
It is made from a single piece of solid wood.
Since it is a private room, it seems like a place to spend a luxurious time.
Menu of Kameyutei
The meals at Kameyutei are Western-style menus loved by a wide range of ages.
There are pork steaks from Bisei pork, large shrimp tempura, hamburgers, and more.
Information as of April 2023 (Reiwa 5). Prices include tax.
| Lunch Menu | Price (including tax) |
|---|---|
| Kurashiki River Boat Steak Set (limited to 15 servings) | 2,400 yen |
| Special Lunch | 1,750 yen |
| Kurashiki-style Omuhayashi | 1,750 yen |
| Wagyu Lean Steak | 3,800 yen |
| Imported Beef Steak | 2,800 yen |
| Bisei Pork Steak | 2,500 yen |
| Set Menu | Price (including tax) |
|---|---|
| Kameyutei's Shrimp Tempura | 2,300 yen |
| Bisei Pork Cutlet with Demi-glace Sauce | 2,300 yen |
| Beef Stew | 2,300 yen |
| Hamburger with Demi-glace Sauce | 1,800 yen |
Kameyutei's signature dish, Kurashiki-style Omuhayashi
I am torn on what to choose, but I decide to go with Kameyutei's signature dish, "Kurashiki-style Omuhayashi."
It seems to be a popular menu item, especially among younger people.
The half-cooked egg gently placed over the chicken rice is creamy.
The generous serving of Hayashi sauce has been passed down for 40 years since the establishment.
This menu is a fusion of traditional flavors and modern fluffy omelet rice.
Mixing the half-cooked egg, I take a bite.
The Hayashi sauce has a sweetness from the tomatoes, and I can understand why it has been loved for 40 years.
Western-style menu using local ingredients
I also tried the limited-time "Special Lunch."
The main dish changes depending on the season.
When I dined there in December 2021, the main dish was grilled Bisei pork.
The main dish comes with today's soup, salad, and either bread or rice.
The mushroom sauce is made from mushrooms produced in Ushimado, Okayama Prefecture.
Bisei pork, as the name suggests, is produced in Bisei-cho, Okayama Prefecture.
It has just the right amount of fat, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavor of the meat.
It is well-cooked, yet so tender that a knife glides through it effortlessly!
A lunch made with plenty of local ingredients.
Kameyutei, facing the main street of the tourist spot, Bikan Historical Area.
We spoke with the manager of Kameyutei, Umakoshi Tetsuya, who welcomes both tourists and locals.
Data on Restaurant Kameyutei
| Name | Restaurant Kameyutei |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2-20 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-5140 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Lunch: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes 2nd floor special room "Kawasemi" is by reservation only |
| Seating | 1st floor: 34 seats, Number of tables: 10 2nd floor: 8 seats, Number of tables: 1 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | High chairs available |
| Website | Restaurant Kameyutei |
