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This article features five local specialties you can enjoy in Saitama and Chichibu. We've carefully selected local dishes and provided a detailed explanation of popular restaurants easily accessible from the city center, offering you a unique dining experience that is distinct in Chichibu.
Located in the western part of Saitama Prefecture, Chichibu is an attractive area rich in nature and traditional culture.
Surrounded by mountains and blessed with pure water sources, it has cultivated a unique food culture. This article will introduce the local specialties of Chichibu that are easily accessible from the metropolitan area.
Picure courtesy of Hot Pepper Gourmet
When it comes to Chichibu's local specialties, the first thing that comes to mind is Waraji Katsudon. As the name suggests, the large pork cutlet protrudes from the bowl like a waraji (straw sandal), which is a notable feature.
Yasudaya is an old-fashioned restaurant that can be considered the origin of this dish. The cutlet is crispy and infused with a secret sweet and savory sauce. It's also conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Chichibu Station.
Picure courtesy of Hot Pepper Gourmet
If you want to enjoy the locally beloved B-grade gourmet dish "miso potato," then head to Jinjinbaa. The fluffy potatoes are generously drizzled with a sweet miso sauce. It is conveniently located on a 5-minute walk from Chichibu Station, perfect for when you're a little hungry. Additionally, you can also savor game dishes caught in the backwoods of Chichibu, making it a popular spot for regional cuisine among tourists.
Picure courtesy of Hot Pepper Gourmet
Nagashima, with its atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era, is a popular yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant among locals and tourists. You can enjoy fresh offal at reasonable prices.
It is easily accessible, just a 7-minute walk from Chichibu Station, making it a great recommendation for those wanting to fully enjoy the nightlife in Chichibu.
Picure courtesy of Hot Pepper Gourmet
If you want to savor another local specialty, the "pork miso don” at Nosaka is the go-to choice. The pork marinated in a secret miso sauce is grilled over charcoal and generously placed on top of rice. It's just a 3-minute walk from Chichibu Station, making it highly accessible.
Picure courtesy of Official Website
Picture courtesy of Official Website
Wahei Soba, which serves traditional walnut soba, features an impressive quaint shopfront. The homemade soba pairs beautifully with the rich walnut sauce. It takes about a 12-minute walk from Chichibu Station, making it a recommended stop during your stroll.
What did you think of our restaurant picks? Chichibu's city center has many attractive places where you can enjoy local gourmet dishes. Be sure to visit and experience the unique flavors that Chichibu has to offer!
Main image courtesy of Hot Pepper Gourmet