Recommended Restaurants for Visiting While Embarking on a "Suzume" Pilgrimage throughout Japan Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jul 14 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Tokyo Kobe Japanese Cuisine Oita Iwate Ehime

Recommended Restaurants for Visiting While Embarking on a "Suzume" Pilgrimage throughout Japan

The pilgrimage route visiting the filming locations of the movie "Suzume" has become extremely popular among foreign visitors to Japan. Travelers from overseas come to see the spots featured in the film. The locations that served as models for the movie's settings can be found throughout Japan, especially in Kyushu. In this article, we will introduce delicious gourmet shops that we recommend visiting while exploring the places that are believed to have inspired the movie "Suzume".

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Iwate, Ehime, Tokyo, Kobe, and Oita.

KYUSHU AREA

"Nichinan City" in Miyazaki Prefecture, which is believed to be the setting for the harbor town where Suzume resides.

In the early stages of the story, there is a mention of "southern Miyazaki Prefecture," and there are scenes where characters speak in what appears to be Miyazaki dialect in the movie "Suzume." While the setting is a "fictional town," it is believed that Nichinan City served as a model for the harbor town based on the landscapes reminiscent of such a setting. In particular, Utsumi Port is considered a strong candidate as the harbor that appears along the route where Suzume encounters Souta, who is searching for a door.

Ise-ebi Cuisine Taikai

At Taikai, located just a stone's throw away from the fishing port, you can indulge in the succulent Ise Ebi (spiny lobster) freshly caught from the sea right in front of your eyes. The freshness is outstanding, with firm and flavorful meat guaranteed. You can enjoy Ise Ebi cuisine throughout the year. In addition, they take pride in serving fresh sashimi and dishes featuring seafood from the ocean. Particularly recommended is the "Taikai Seafood Donburi," which contains over 10 different types of seafood.

Ise-ebi Cuisine Taikai

Open: [Sunday - Wednesday,Friday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] 11:00 - 14:00 (last order 13:30)
Closed: * Closed Wednesday is a regular holiday, two consecutive holidays.
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY
Address: 568-1 Oaza Miyaura, Nichinan-shi, Miyazaki Map
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"Yunohira Onsen" in Oita Prefecture, which is said to be the model for the abandoned hot spring town in the movie.

The initial abandoned hot spring town that Suzume chases Souta to is believed to be modeled after Yunohira Onsen in Oita Prefecture. The stone-paved streets, built during the Edo period, are adorned with numerous red lanterns, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. These red lanterns can also be seen in scenes from the movie. Yunohira Onsen is part of the Yufuin Onsen area and is located near Yufuin Onsen as well.

Yufuin Sansyorou

Yufuin Sansyorou is a restaurant that features locally grown morning-harvested vegetables as the main highlight. They meticulously study the cutting methods, boiling techniques, steaming methods, and seasonings for each type of vegetable to provide dishes where the flavors of the vegetables are maximized in a simple yet delicious way. Their dedication and flavors have been recognized, and in 2018, they were selected for the Michelin Plate. The "Awase-bako” dish, resembling a treasure trove of vegetables, is available exclusively for lunch and showcases a delightful combination of flavors from the sea and mountains.

Yufuin Sansyorou

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from [Yufuin Station]
Address: 2850-51, Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu city, Oita Map
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HIVE coffee

Located right in the heart of the Yufuin tourist area, HIVE cafe is a café operated by a honey specialty shop. They offer a range of items from coffee and crepes to grilled dishes and sandwiches for lunch. The spacious terrace seating area, covered by a large roof, is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, providing a convenient space for visitors with pets. The attached takeout booth is popular for its honey-drizzled soft serve ice cream and churros, among other treats.

HIVE coffee

Open: 09:00 - 17:00 (last order 16:30)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 15-minute walk from Yufuin Station on the JR Kyuodai Line.
Address: 1502-10 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi, Oita Map
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CHUGOKU AND SHIKOKU AREA

"Yawatahama Port" in Ehime Prefecture, which is believed to be the destination reached by ferry in the movie.

The first place Suzume visits after crossing by ferry from Kyushu is Yawatahama Port in Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture. In the movie, you can see the scenery of the former Yawatahama Port Ferry Terminal (the terminal building has been relocated nearby, and the old terminal has been demolished) and JR Yawatahama Station. From the port, the ferry models "Orange Shikoku" and "Orange Kyushu" operate, which are the models of the ferry "Mikan Shikoku" that Suzume boarded.

Toriya Ryokichi Yawatahama Branch

Every day, Toriya Ryokichi Yawatahama painstakingly skewers fresh, locally sourced chicken. They provide tasty yakitori cooked on Binchotan charcoal. Prices start at 120 yen per skewer for yakitori and 150 yen per skewer for kushikatsu, which contributes to the restaurant's popularity. They also accept banquet bookings, so it's best to arrange a meal with unlimited drinks for your pilgrimage group.

Toriya Ryokichi Yawatahama Branch

Open: 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 1-1440-6 Shinmachi, Yawatahama-shi, Ehime

KINKI AREA

The abandoned amusement park that Suzume arrived: "Kobe Otogi o Kuni" in Hyogo Prefecture.

During her journey, Suzume encounters Rumi, who lives in Kobe, and they both arrive in Kobe. The "doors" that bring misfortune also appear in the nighttime Kobe. While the dilapidated amusement park where they confront the concept of "locking the door" is not a real location, some speculate that it may be inspired by the "Kobe Otogi No Kuni" amusement park at the MIchi-no-Eki KOBE Fruit & Flower Park Ozo, based on the shapes and layout of the attractions.

Kobe Kitano Hotel French Restaurant Ash

French Restaurant Ash offers graceful French cuisine that values tradition and formality while incorporating cutting-edge techniques based on science. Their dishes feature locally sourced ingredients, including seafood caught in Akashi and the Seto Inland Sea, vegetables grown using natural farming methods in Tamba and Nishi-Kobe, and Kobe Takami beef. The excellent compatibility with sommelier-selected wines further enhances the dining experience.

Kobe Kitano Hotel French Restaurant Ash

Open: Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (last orders at 2:00 p.m.); dinner: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (last orders at 9:00 p.m.)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: A 15-minute walk from the west exit of Sannomiya station on the JR Tokaido main line, or a 15-minute walk from the west exit of Kobe Sannomiya station which is served by the Tokyu Kobe main and Kobe high-speed lines.
Address: 3-3-20 Yamamotodori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Map
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KANTO AREA

The "Hijiri-bashi Bridge" where Suzume jumps into the river, located in Tokyo.

The area around Ochanomizu in Tokyo is famous as a sacred place. Not only does JR Ochanomizu Station appear as it is, but the Hijiri-bashi Bridge where Suzume jumps is also adjacent to Ochanomizu Station. This bridge is a reinforced concrete arch bridge that forms a parabolic shape. It was completed in 1927 as one of the bridges constructed for the restoration after the Great Kanto Earthquake. Other locations, such as Juntendo University, also appear directly in the film.

Kobe Kitano Hotel Dining Igrek

A tradition of Western food flourishes in the ancient port city of Kobe. At the Kobe Kitano Hotel, you can taste "Kobe Bistro Western Cuisine," which mixes cutting-edge culinary techniques with traditional Western cuisine that has become a "everyone's treat." The recipes are designed to bring out the best flavors in the ingredients while appealing to all five senses through warmth, texture, and presentation. The "Night Dessert Buffet" is also highly recommended throughout the evenings.

Kobe Kitano Hotel Dining Igrek

Open: Dinner 17:30 - 21:00 (last order 19:00) / Lunch 12:00 - 15:00 (last order 13:30) / Other 14:00 - 16:00 (last order 15:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPY
Access: 15-minute walk from Sannomiya Station on the Hanshin Main Line.
Address: Kobe Kitano Hotel 1F, 3-3-20 Yamamoto-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Map
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Tankuma Kitamise Kobe Branch

Established in December of Showa 3 (1928) near the Takase River in Kyoto, "Tankuma Kitamise Kobe Branch" serves traditional Kyoto food in the unique environment of Kobe. They value the essence of Kyoto cuisine, which allows you to completely experience the four seasons via the use of seasonal ingredients. While maintaining tradition, they are always engaged in research and development to create new dishes in order to live up to the reputation of a long-established restaurant.

Tempura to Washoku Yamanoue

The seasonal course menu at the historic restaurant Tempura to Washoku Yamanoue, which debuted simultaneously with the founding of the Yamano-ue Hotel on the hilltop, is a highly recommended dining choice. Delicacies such as plump live Japanese Tiger Prawn and rich-tasting fresh sea urchin are available, with the tastes enclosed inside a crispy tempura batter. Whether you sit at the bar, in one of the private rooms, or at a table, you will be served freshly cooked tempura.

Tempura to Washoku Yamanoue

Open: Dinner 17:00 - 20:00 (last order 19:00) / Lunch 11:30 - 15:00 (last order 14:30)
Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station on the JR Lines.

Address: Yamanoue Hotel 1F, 1-1 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
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Sushi Matsumoto Ochanomizu Branch

A renowned restaurant in Akasaka “Akasaka Sushi Matsumoto”, which has received one Michelin star consecutively in the Tokyo Michelin Guide for 2019 and 2020, has opened a branch in Ochanomizu. The restaurant offers a meticulously crafted course menu that beautifully contrasts the chef's imaginative and playful appetizers with the traditional and authentic Edo-style sushi. The course begins with a rich clam soup and continues with creative and witty appetizers, leading to the traditional and authentic Edo-style nigiri sushi. The restaurant only offers an "Omakase Course" (Chef's tasting menu) for both lunch and dinner.

Sushi Matsumoto Ochanomizu Branch

Open: [Weekday,Sunday,Saturday] Dinner 17:00 - 00:00 / Lunch 12:00 - 14:00
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station on the JR LInes.
Address: 4F, 87th Tokyo Bldg., 2-6-11 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
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Soba to iroriyaki Sou

Soba to Iroriyaki Sou is a restaurant where you can enjoy handcrafted soba noodles, including daily lunch sets featuring hand-pulled soba and seasonal tempura, as well as a dinner menu featuring carefully selected ingredients for iroriyaki and fine sake. The restaurant takes pride in grinding the buckwheat flour on-site, offering a variety of options such as hot and cold soba. The iroriyaki dishes feature ingredients sourced from various regions including Hokkaido, Aomori, and Nagasaki.

Soba to iroriyaki Sou

Open: [Weekday] Dinner 17:00 - 22:00 (last order 21:30) / Lunch 11:30 - 14:00 (last order 13:30)
Closed: Saturday,Sunday,Holidays
Average price: [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Ogawamachi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
Address: 1F, Hosaka Bldg., 1-10-3 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
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TOHOKU AREA

Otsuchi Town in Iwate, where boats have climbed onto the roofs of houses

There was a scene after the earthquake where a boat climbed up onto the roof of a house, and that location was Akahama district in Otsuchi Town, Kamihei, Iwate Prefecture. Many people may have seen footage of the tourist boat 'Hamayuri' stranded on top of buildings in Akahama immediately after the actual Great East Japan Earthquake. Additionally, in Miyagi, 'Michi no Eki Oya Kaigan' is considered to be the model location for the spot where Suzume and her companions take shelter from the rain.

Kitano Ajidokoro Tokishirazu

Located about a 3-minute walk from JR Ofunato Station, Kitano Ajidokoro Tokishirazu is a restaurant that opened in 2010 with the intention of offering Hokkaido cuisine to the people of Ofunato. The owner personally provides fresh seafood, including fish and shellfish caught by themselves, as well as dishes that incorporate abundantly fresh ingredients directly delivered from the food kingdom of Hokkaido. The affordable pricing, made possible by being the shipowner, is also something to be delighted about.

Kita no Ajidokoro Tokishirazu

Open: [Sunday,Monday,Wednesday,Thursday] 17:30 - 22:00 (last order 21:00)[Friday,Saturday,Day Before Holidays] 17:30 - 23:00 (last order 22:00)
Closed: Every Tuesday is a regular holiday.
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk fron the Ofunato Station on the Ootsune Line.
Address: 41-2, Aza-chayamae, Ofunato-cho, Ofunato-shi, Iwate Map
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Yakiniku Restaurant Gyugyu Main Branch

Yakiniku Restaurant Gyugyu Main Branch is a restaurant where the manager personally selects and procures carefully chosen A5-grade premium Japanese beef. They put effort into the way the meat is cut to bring out the natural flavors. One highly recommended dish is the "Gekisen Wagyu Aburi Sushi," limited to 10 servings per day. It is a masterpiece that allows you to directly savor the melt-in-your-mouth richness and sweetness of the beef. They also offer a wide selection of wines, champagnes, and other alcoholic beverages to complement your meal.

Yakiniku Restaurant Gyugyu Main branch

Open: [Monday,Wednesday - Saturday,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 17:00 - 00:00 (last order 23:30)[Sunday,Monday,Wednesday - Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:30 - 14:30 (last order 14:00)[Sunday,Holidays] Dinner 17:00 - 23:00 (last order 22:30)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: 15-minute wak from the Kamaishi Station on the Sanriku Line.
Address: 1-1-4 Tadakoshi-cho, Kamaishi City, Iwate Map
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Sanriku Izakaya Isaribi

At Sanriku Izakaya Isabiri, you can enjoy fresh seafood directly delivered from Kamaishi Port. Among the diverse and ever-changing menu, a recommended dish is the "Nama Kaki" or fresh oysters, which are best enjoyed simply with a squeeze of lemon. These oysters are sourced from Sanriku and are known for their large size, rich, and creamy flavor. Another highlight is the "Hotate" or scallops, which are served on the same day they are caught. Whether they are grilled on a net or served as sashimi, they are delicious in any form.

Sanriku Izakaya Kagaribi

Open: 16:00 - 22:00 (last order 21:30)[Sunday,Wednesday - Saturday] Lunch 11:30 - 14:00 (last order 14:00)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 15-minute walk from the Kamaishi Station on the JR Kamaishi Line.
Address: 1-9-5 Omachi, Kamaishi City, Iwate Map
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.