Eating Your Way Through Yamatokoriyama: 3 Local Spots

Nara offers a quieter alternative to Kyoto, with historic sites and expansive parklands easy to explore. Yamatokoriyama, linked to Toyotomi Hidenaga—the influential military leader and younger brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century—may be best known for its history, but today the town’s character comes through in its notable lunch and dinner spots, where local ingredients and regional flavors shape the dining experience.
Information current as of September 2025—please check official sites for updates.

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A City Rediscovered in 2026

Yamatokoriyama is gaining attention as the setting of the 2026 historical drama (Taiga drama) Toyotomi Brothers!. Taiga dramas are Japan’s long-running, year-long historical TV series based on real figures from the past. The story follows Toyotomi Hidenaga, younger brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who once ruled from Koriyama Castle in what is now the city. Today, visitors come to explore sites linked to his legacy—and to enjoy the town’s notable lunch and dinner spots.

Sansanii

Savor regional flavors just 10 minutes by car from Tsutsui Station. Dining centers on set-style menus across Japanese and Western cuisines, including hot pots and French-influenced courses. While known locally as a gathering place, the restaurant is equally appealing to travelers for its distinctly old-school Japanese atmosphere: a spacious, multi-room interior organized around a large karaoke hall that gives the space a nostalgic, slightly theatrical charm. More than a trendy or polished venue, it offers a chance to enjoy lunch or dinner in a setting that feels unmistakably “local Japan.”

MỘC CAFE / Vietnamese

A mellow riverside café where Vietnamese flavors meet Nara’s slower pace. With its gentle broths, fresh herbs, and comforting dishes, MỘC CAFE brings Vietnamese cuisine into a friendly, local setting in Yamatokoriyama. Order pho, spring rolls, or warming soups, or simply stop by for milk tea or fruit tea during a mid-day break. Cilantro and chili levels can be adjusted to taste, keeping the dishes approachable for first-timers and longtime fans of Southeast Asian cuisine alike. With karaoke, a screen, and a small stage adding a touch of energy, it’s less about quiet dining and more about enjoying an easy, everyday slice of local life.

Le BENKEI

Where Japanese ingredients meet classic French technique, just steps from the Koriyama Castle ruins. Founded in 1975, this long-established restaurant serves seasonal cuisine using vegetables from its own garden and locally sourced regional ingredients, prepared with classical French technique. Its flower-inspired lunch course is especially popular for anniversaries and special occasions, and a smart-casual dress code is requested—fitting for a dining room that feels refined yet warmly welcoming.

Where Local Tables Tell Old Stories

Discover Yamatokoriyama as renewed interest shines on this former castle town, rooted in the legacy of the Toyotomi era. Stroll its walkable streets and sample local specialties, letting each meal become part of the journey.

History, flavor, and gentle hospitality come together here, creating memories that last well beyond the trip.