Nagano City, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a vibrant hub where the area from the iconic Zenkoji Temple to Nagano Station serves as the city’s center. Near Zenkoji Temple itself, a concentration of ‘Shukubo(宿坊)’ (temple lodgings) offers visitors a unique accommodation experience, where traditional Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meals) are served, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine
Situated in Japan’s mountainous region, Nagano is celebrated for its traditional cuisine, which reflects the area’s rich agricultural heritage and natural beauty. A staple dish is Shinshu Soba (信州そば), made from locally grown buckwheat and often enjoyed either cold with a dipping sauce or in a warm broth, showcasing the simplicity and quality of regional ingredients. Another local specialty is Unagi (eel), typically grilled and served over rice, offering a rich and savory flavor that is especially popular during the summer. Additionally, Nagano has embraced Jingisukan, a grilled lamb dish originally from Hokkaido, adding a unique touch to the region’s culinary offerings.
- Specialty Dishes
- Syojin Ryori(At Shukubo stay)
- Shinshu Soba
- Jingisukan
[Dinner Restaurants]Nagano-長野 - Google マイマップ
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1. Kitanoya Honten-そば処 北野家
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPxDsKenHL9JFhnr5 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Kitanoya Honten is a long-established soba restaurant located near Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, known for its traditional Shinshu soba. The restaurant offers a variety of soba dishes, including the limited-availability Juwari Soba, made from 100% buckwheat flour. Visitors have praised the crispiness of the tempura, the firm texture of the soba noodles, and the rich flavor of the soba broth. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, especially during quieter hours, making it a great spot to enjoy a peaceful meal after visiting Zenkoji Temple. The restaurant also has an extensive izakaya-style menu, adding to its appeal for those looking to explore more than just soba. With its convenient location and reputation for quality, Kitanoya Honten is a favored destination for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic soba experience in Nagano.
2. SOUSAKU 28-長野蕎麦（そば）ダイニング
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☆☆☆☆☆ - Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eUd1pCav1rLh5f1q9 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Sousaku 28 in Nagano offers a unique dining experience that combines creative soba dishes with a stylish ambiance, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant is known for its inventive take on traditional soba, with options like Sudachi soba and Nozawana tempura that are hard to find elsewhere. Patrons appreciate the carefully prepared dishes and the wide selection of sake, which pairs perfectly with the soba. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet inviting, with clean, well-maintained interiors and attentive staff, making it an ideal place for a casual night out or a more intimate dining experience. The restaurant’s late-night hours are also a plus, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy high-quality soba late into the evening. While the prices are on the higher side, the quality of the food and the overall experience make it worth the visit.
3. Hamanaya-浜名屋
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QqiAZpiUnVxJuVEA7 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Hamanaya is a well-regarded unagi (eel) restaurant in Nagano City, known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. The restaurant, tucked away on a narrow street with convenient parking nearby, offers a range of unagi dishes that are popular among both locals and visitors. The unagi is grilled to perfection, with a soft texture and a slightly sweet, savory sauce that complements the eel beautifully. While some diners find the sauce a bit on the salty side, the overall experience is highly satisfying. The menu offers various options, with the number of unagi slices increasing with each tier, from the standard to the special, ensuring there’s something for every appetite. The atmosphere is cozy and nostalgic, with the restaurant maintaining a traditional feel that appeals to those looking for an authentic dining experience. Despite occasional price increases, the quality and quantity of the food remain impressive, making it a go-to spot for unagi lovers in the area. The option to add extras like liver skewers and miso soup enhances the meal, although these need to be ordered separately. The restaurant’s longstanding reputation and consistent quality have made it a favorite among those who appreciate classic Japanese cuisine.
4. Furukawa Gondo Ten-北国のジンホル屋ふる川 権堂店
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☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfhgTQpki1ADnQ139 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Furukawa Gondo Ten in Nagano is a notable spot for enjoying Genghis Khan, a dish featuring mutton grilled on a hot plate. The restaurant offers a variety of options, including a popular Hormone Set that combines the signature Genghis Khan with offal, served alongside bean sprouts and onions. The mutton is well-seasoned, delivering a tender, flavorful experience that pairs well with the light and slightly sour dipping sauce. The restaurant’s relaxed, izakaya-style atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for casual dining. Though not the most upscale setting, the quality of the food, especially the lamb and offal, is praised for its freshness and flavor. The menu also includes other dishes like ramen, which is made with noodles from Hokkaido and cooked in a broth rich with the essence of mutton and vegetables. Customers appreciate the restaurant’s ability to offer a taste of Hokkaido in Nagano, with well-balanced seasoning and a variety of dishes that cater to different palates.
5. Suki tei Hon Ten -すき亭
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54 246 070*82 - Description
Suki Tei Hon Ten, located near Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, is a renowned restaurant known for its sukiyaki, particularly featuring Shinshu beef, a delicacy raised on apples. The restaurant offers an elegant, traditional atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The Shinshu beef, known for its fine marbling and subtle sweetness, is the star of the menu, whether served in sukiyaki or shabu shabu. The sukiyaki is prepared with a warishita sauce that can be adjusted to personal taste, allowing diners to customize the flavor to their liking. The meal is often accompanied by a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, and shirataki, making for a well-rounded and satisfying dish. The restaurant’s attentive service includes staff preparing the first portion of meat for guests, allowing them to enjoy the perfect bite before continuing at their own pace. The set menus, which include appetizers, rice, miso soup, and dessert, provide a comprehensive dining experience that is both indulgent and memorable. Suki Tei Hon Ten is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and high-quality sukiyaki experience in Nagano.