Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

1. Kuramanbo Sweets (Balaam's Baumkuchen)

Delicate baumkuchen rolls filled with Kuramanbo (Kurashiki's famous amanatsu oranges) cream. Try them at Balaam's, a historic Western-style house.

Local Ingredient: Features the unique flavor of Kurashiki's amanatsu oranges
Historic Atmosphere: Savor the treats in a beautifully preserved Western-style house
Limited Availability: Only available during amanatsu season (late December to early February)

Thick and rich pork-based broth served with a chewy noodle. A popular spot is Ramen Tenkaichi.

Rich Broth: The signature thick and rich pork broth is a must-try
Chewy Noodles: Unique texture of the specially made noodles adds to its charm
Local Twist: Features a distinctive Kurashiki touch, slightly different from other ramen styles

Sip on the well-balanced flavor of Kurashiki sake at one of its numerous breweries.

Quality Ingredients: Made from high-quality local rice and water
Brewery Tours: Many breweries offer guided tours, explaining the sake-making process
Tasting Opportunities: Taste a variety of sake types during a tasting session or meal

Savor the tender eel marinated in a sweet sauce, served on rice at Unagi no Midori.

Tender Eel: The eel is carefully simmered to achieve its melt-in-your-mouth texture
Sweet Sauce: The unique sauce adds a delightful flavor to the dish
Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional unaju preparation at Unagi no Midori

Warm yourself up with a steaming pot of oden filled with local ingredients like chicken, fish cakes, and vegetables at Kinkaicho.

Local Ingredients: Features regional produce such as chicken, fish cakes, and seasonal vegetables
Warming Meal: Perfect for cold winter days, as the ingredients are slow-cooked in a soy sauce-based broth
Cultural Experience: Shared communally, it encourages conversation and bonding among diners

Thick and chewy noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat. A popular spot is Mizuno.

Chewy Noodles: The signature thick, chewy yaki soba noodles are a must-try
Versatile Toppings: Customize your yaki soba with a variety of toppings like benishoga (pickled ginger)
Local Flavor: A unique twist on the classic Japanese yaki soba, adapted to Kurashiki's taste

Enjoy fresh sushi at a local sushi restaurant like Sushi Katsura, featuring regional seafood.

Fresh Seafood: Uses the freshest fish and seafood from nearby waters
Traditional Preparation: Prepared with traditional techniques to bring out the natural flavors
Sushi Chef's Skill: Experience the skill of the sushi chef in creating artful and tasty pieces

Savor the savory pancake filled with cabbage, seafood, and your choice of toppings at Okonomi-mura.

Customizable: Choose from various fillings and toppings for a dish tailored to your taste
Cultural Experience: Learn the art of making okonomiyaki in a hands-on cooking class
Local Twist: A unique version of okonomiyaki, showcasing Kurashiki's culinary style

Crispy tempura batter enveloping fresh local seafood and vegetables at Tempura Tsuneyoshi.

Fresh Ingredients: Features seasonal, high-quality ingredients
Light Batter: The batter is light and crispy, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to shine
Cultural Experience: Learn about tempura's history and techniques in a cooking class

Slurp down the thick, chewy udon noodles served in a rich dashi broth at Udon Kanketsu.

Thick Noodles: The signature thick and chewy udon noodles are a joy to eat
Rich Broth: A rich dashi broth adds depth of flavor to the dish
Local Flavor: Experience the unique Kurashiki twist on this classic Japanese dish

Cook thin slices of meat and vegetables in a simmering pot at Shabusen.

Fresh Ingredients: Offers fresh, seasonal produce
Customizable: Choose from various meats and vegetables for a personalized experience
Social Dining: Enjoy the communal aspect of cooking and sharing dishes with friends or family

Fresh mizuna greens tossed in a light sesame dressing at local izakayas (Japanese gastropubs).

Local Ingredient: Features the crisp, peppery flavors of mizuna greens
Healthy Option: A refreshing and light option among richer dishes
Versatile Pairing: Can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course with additional ingredients

Refreshing cold soba noodles served with a dipping sauce at Soba-ya Kagafuki.

Refreshing: The perfect dish to cool down during hot summer days
Local Ingredient: Made from high-quality local buckwheat flour
Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional soba noodle-making process at Soba-ya Kagafuki

Roasted sweet potatoes coated in a crispy batter at the Yaki Imo Festival.

Seasonal Delight: Available during the winter season, typically late November to early December
Crispy Texture: The batter creates a crispy, sweet coating over the tender sweet potato inside
Community Event: Attend the Yaki Imo Festival to enjoy this treat while soaking in the festive atmosphere

Savor the delicate flavors of grilled fish at Ikizukuri Yatai.

Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh seafood, often caught that day
Simplicity: The fish is simply grilled, allowing its natural flavor to shine
Cultural Experience: Watch the iki-zukuri (fish preparation) process and learn about this traditional technique