Japanese restaurant • 5120-6 Furutokoro, Shirako, Chōsei District, Chiba 299-4212, Japan
NaoTomi, located in the mountains of Chiba Prefecture, is a restaurant renovated from a 160-year-old traditional Japanese house. The thatched roof and white walls convey centuries of romance, transporting visitors into a world beyond time and space. Enjoying warm sake and spending time in the tatami room adorned with inkstones and ancient books, one cannot help but imagine the life of ancient Japanese people.
The seasonal kaiseki cuisine, carefully crafted by the head chef, is like a work of art. Each dish, with its vibrant appearance and carefully selected seasonal ingredients, is a culinary masterpiece. Utilizing local ingredients such as seafood and mountain delicacies, each dish prepared with traditional techniques encapsulates Japanese culture.
In the evening, the landlady herself performs traditional Japanese music and taiko drumming. It is an irreplaceable time to experience the pinnacle of art. Different from a glamorous stage, here one can deeply sense the essence of Japanese culture. It will become not just a place to enjoy food but also a memorable experience that remains in the heart.
The way to NaoTomi is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo through the mountainous countryside. Although it requires a short walk from the nearest station, the sense of achievement upon arrival is part of the charm of the journey. Away from the bustle of the city, immerse yourself in the ancient Japanese spirit and momentarily forget time; this is a truly special place.
A space filled with the weight of history and a variety of traditional flavors interwoven to create an exquisite experience. Even for non-Japanese, opportunities to encounter culture are limited. Why not encounter the soul of Japan at NaoTomi?