Ureshino Onsen, celebrated for its “beauty-enhancing” hot spring waters, is a quaint onsen resort town in Saga Prefecture, known for its relaxing atmosphere. The town’s dining options are scattered between the Shiota River and National Route 34, but with few standout restaurants, it’s highly recommended to enjoy a tranquil dinner at your ryokan.
The local specialty is Onsen Yudofu (温泉湯どうふ), a delicately boiled tofu dish made using the mineral-rich hot spring waters of Ureshino. This traditional dish results in tofu with a silky, smooth texture and naturally enhanced flavor, often served with a simple dipping sauce to let the subtle taste shine.
[Dinner Restaurants]Ureshino-嬉野温泉 - Google マイマップ
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1. Souan Yokochou-宗庵 よこ長
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Souan Yokochou is a popular restaurant in Ureshino Onsen, known for its famous hot spring tofu (yudofu). Upon arriving at the restaurant around 5:30 PM, we found a small queue, which quickly grew, indicating its popularity. The traditional entrance immediately heightened our anticipation. We ordered both the standard yudofu and the fish yudofu, along with a bottle of beer. The yudofu was served with a thick, sweet dipping sauce that perfectly complemented the tender, melt-in-your-mouth tofu. The fish yudofu was packed with ingredients like fish, crab sticks, shiitake mushrooms, and tamagoyaki, making it a great accompaniment to the beer. Although the korokke was a bit too sweet for our liking, everything else was delicious. The relaxed atmosphere allowed us to take our time and enjoy the meal, and by the time we left, there was a considerable wait outside. Despite the slight wait for the food, which is understandable given the meticulous preparation, the experience was well worth it. The tofu, cooked in the mineral-rich hot spring water, was a standout, offering a flavor and texture that redefined the concept of yudofu. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience, and I highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area.
2. Toiro-十一口(といろ)
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Toiro, nestled within the charming Ureshino Onsen area, offers a delightful dining experience that perfectly complements the nearby soothing hot springs. Upon arriving with a reservation, we were seated in a spacious and beautifully appointed room, setting the stage for a memorable meal. The courses included a meticulously arranged bento box with nine different appetizers, creamy chawanmushi, the famous Ureshino Onsen yudofu, decadent Saga beef shabu-shabu, white rice, and nori-flavored miso soup, culminating in a delightful matcha and black bean tiramisu. Dinner at Toiro, attached to Yoshidaya Ryokan, is a carefully timed affair with an 18:30 start, offering a consistent and relaxed dining experience ideal for couples or those seeking a romantic evening. The serene atmosphere, combined with superb food and service, makes Toiro a standout destination for anyone visiting Ureshino Onsen, despite minor logistical challenges like limited parking and entrance steps, which may be difficult for elderly guests or those with mobility issues.
3. Risoan-李荘庵
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Risoan, located within the historic Wataiya Besso in Ureshino Onsen, offers a delightful dining experience that perfectly complements the soothing hot springs of the region. Guests can enjoy a meal featuring the famous Ureshino Onsen yudofu, served alongside premium Saga beef and Wakakusu pork. The meal, which includes everything from appetizers to desserts, consistently impresses with its high quality and attention to detail. One guest celebrated a birthday with a surprise plate, adding a personal and memorable touch to the experience. While the restaurant’s main draw is the shabu-shabu, it also offers other options like hayashi rice and roast beef bowls for lunch, ensuring that every palate is satisfied. Despite some logistical challenges, such as limited parking and the necessity of reservations, the restaurant’s excellent service, delicious food, and serene atmosphere make it a top choice for anyone visiting Ureshino Onsen. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch or a more elaborate dinner, Risoan consistently delivers a satisfying and memorable dining experience, perfect for special occasions or a relaxing retreat.
4. Funoki Shokudo-楓の木食堂
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Funoki Shokudo, located in the heart of Ureshino Onsen, offers a delightful blend of retro charm and home-cooked comfort. Despite its name, this establishment is more of a cozy Western-style diner, perfect for a relaxed meal. The menu is surprisingly affordable, with dishes like the Hamburger Steak Set at just 820 yen, which includes a choice of rice or bread, salad, soup (which is a comforting miso), and a drink. The hamburger is juicy and flavorful, complemented by fresh salad and handmade bread that’s slightly sweet and wonderfully soft. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for solo diners or those with company. The restaurant also offers dishes like a Wagyu Rump Steak Set for 1,800 yen, which comes with a full meal, including dessert. The combination of quality, portion size, and price makes this a must-visit spot for anyone in Ureshino Onsen. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal after a dip in the onsen or just a pleasant place to unwind, Funoki Shokudo delivers a wonderful dining experience.
5. Suzushiro-ダイニング すずしろ
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Suzushiro in Ureshino Onsen offers a delightful dining experience, known for its relaxed atmosphere and high-quality dishes. The restaurant serves a variety of local specialties, including Imari beef and the region’s famous tofu dishes. Diners rave about the tender and flavorful Imari beef, which, despite being rich, is not overly heavy, making it easy to enjoy. The set meals, such as the tofu and pork shabu-shabu, are particularly popular, with the tofu being especially praised for its soft, melty texture. The restaurant also offers a range of other dishes, all consistently delicious. The ambiance is calm and spacious, making it a comfortable place to dine. Additionally, the restaurant is known for its reasonably priced, high-quality sake, including Dassai, which adds to the overall value of the dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Suzushiro provides a satisfying and memorable meal, perfect for enjoying the local flavors of Ureshino.