1. What are the best restaurants to try traditional Japanese cuisine in Beppu?
1. Kagetsuan: This restaurant serves traditional kaiseki cuisine, which is a multi-course meal made with seasonal ingredients and presented beautifully.
2. Kokonoe Yutorogi: This restaurant specializes in local Oita dishes, including the famous Bungo beef and hot spring steamed rice.
3. Asuta: This restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes such as tempura, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.
4. Daruma: This is a popular spot for trying Beppu’s specialty dish, toriten (fried chicken), as well as other local specialties like bamboo shoots and yamame fish.
5. Sekiya-tei: This restaurant has been in operation for over 100 years and serves traditional dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including signature wagyu beef dishes.
6. Beppudo Kusa-no-yakata: Located in a beautiful Japanese-style building surrounded by gardens, this restaurant offers seasonal kaiseki courses featuring fresh seafood and vegetables.
7. Maruhachi: Specializing in tofu-based dishes, this old-fashioned restaurant also has private tatami rooms for a truly authentic dining experience.
8. Nakamotoya Sushiken: For excellent sushi and sashimi made with fresh seafood from Beppu Bay, head to this cozy sushi restaurant located near the central train station.
9. Hiyokukan Ryotei Takaoka Bekkan: Featuring elegant surroundings, this ryotei (traditional Japanese-style tavern) offers various kaiseki courses using local ingredients from both land and sea.
10. Yamagen Ryori Manyo-an: Set in a traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths, this restaurant serves seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring local delicacies like pufferfish and abalone.
2. Are there any vegan or vegetarian options available in local restaurants?
Yes, most restaurants in the United States offer vegan and vegetarian options on their menus. It is always a good idea to check with specific restaurants beforehand to see what options they have available.3. Are there any specific cities in the United States known for their vegan or vegetarian food scene?
Yes, there are several cities known for their vibrant vegan and vegetarian food scenes in the US, including Los Angeles, New York City, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. These cities tend to have a higher concentration of plant-based restaurants and cafes, as well as options in non-vegan/vegetarian restaurants that cater to those dietary preferences.
3. Can you recommend a good spot for budget-friendly dining around Beppu Hot Springs?
One option could be “Yonemachi Dining Street,” a collection of inexpensive local restaurants located in the Yonemachi area near Beppu Station. Some popular choices for budget-friendly dining here include Wappa Meshi, a restaurant serving traditional steamed rice dishes; Takeranoyu, which specializes in udon noodle soup dishes; and UME-YA Ramen, where you can enjoy a bowl of delicious ramen at affordable prices. Another budget-friendly option could be the food court inside Beppu Tower, offering various cheap and tasty street food options from around Japan.
4. Is it common to find restaurants serving western-style food in Beppu?
Yes, it is common to find restaurants serving western-style food in Beppu. Many tourists visit Beppu each year and there are a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and cuisine preferences. In addition, Beppu has a large international student population, which has also contributed to the availability of international cuisine options in the city.
5. Where can I find the best sukiyaki or shabu-shabu in Beppu?
Some highly recommended places for sukiyaki and shabu-shabu in Beppu include:
1. Kawakamikaku: This traditional Japanese restaurant offers high-quality beef for both sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
2. Oita Shokuhin-kan: This food hall in JR Beppu Station has a popular shabu-shabu counter serving up local ingredients.
3. Gyu no Uta: Located near the famous Beppu hot spring “Hell Steaming Cooking,” this restaurant specializes in wagyu beef sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
4. Ayamurasaki: Known for its A5 rank Miyazaki beef, this upscale restaurant offers exceptional sukiyaki and shabu-shabu options.
5. Akahige Steak House: This popular steakhouse serves tender cuts of beef for both sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
6. Are there any street food vendors near the hot springs that I shouldn’t miss out on?
Yes, there are several street food vendors near the hot springs that you should definitely try. Some popular options include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and onsen tamago (eggs cooked in the hot spring water). There are also various snack and dessert options such as shaved ice with fruit toppings, dango (sweet rice dumplings), and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste). Be sure to explore and try different dishes to fully experience the local flavors.
7. Do any local restaurants offer a view of the hot springs while dining?
Yes, there are several local restaurants in the area that offer a view of the hot springs while dining. Some options include:
– Riverside Hot Springs Inn and Spa: This restaurant offers outdoor seating with views of the nearby Portneuf River and hot springs.
– Lava Java: This coffee shop and cafe has a rooftop patio with views of the surrounding mountains and hot springs.
– The Greystone Manor: This historic bed and breakfast has a patio with views of the surrounding mountains, including those near the hot springs.
It’s recommended to call ahead or check with each individual restaurant for availability and current policies regarding outdoor seating.
8. How spicy is the local cuisine in Beppu? Are there milder options available?
Beppu’s local cuisine is known for its use of hot spices, especially in dishes such as “Hell Ramen” and “Jigoku Mushi,” which are both popular tourist attractions. However, there are also plenty of milder options available for those who prefer less spicy food. Some popular mild dishes include Beppu “kamado chicken,” a slow-cooked chicken dish, and “tori sashimi,” thinly sliced raw chicken served with a variety of dipping sauces. Many restaurants also offer a range of spice levels for their dishes, so you can request your food to be less spicy if desired. Overall, while Beppu does have some intensely spicy dishes, there are plenty of options for those who do not enjoy extremely spicy food.
9. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Beppu for a luxurious dining experience?
No, there are currently no Michelin-starred restaurants in Beppu. However, the city does have many highly acclaimed restaurants with excellent food and service that offer a luxurious dining experience.
10. Which restaurants serve fresh seafood caught from nearby waters?
This depends on the location of the restaurant and the availability of seafood in that area. Some examples of restaurants known for serving fresh seafood include:1. The Crab Cooker (Newport Beach, CA)
2. Legal Sea Foods (various locations, Northeast US)
3. Desposito’s Seafood Restaurant (Thunderbolt, GA)
4. Mama’s Fish House (Paia, HI)
5. The Oyster Bar at Grand Central (New York, NY)
6. Water Grill (Los Angeles, CA)
7. The Walrus and the Carpenter (Seattle, WA)
8. True Blue Cuisine (Singapore)
9. Pescatore Seafood Co. (San Francisco, CA)
10. Tin Pennies Fish & Chips (Juno Beach, FL).
11. Where can I find some of the best ramen noodle dishes in Beppu?
Some popular restaurants for ramen in Beppu include:1. Ramen Hakkoda: This shop is renowned for its flavorful tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen and generous toppings like chashu (braised pork belly) and boiled egg.
2. Doburoku House Abe: This cozy establishment serves up hearty bowls of homemade ramen with a rich, collagen-infused broth.
3. Ramen Komurasaki: With a focus on local Oita ingredients, this shop serves unique ramen dishes such as guratan ramen (creamy soup with cheese gratin) and bokuden ramen (topped with fried lotus root).
4. Menya Nomoto: This popular spot offers an extensive menu of both traditional and innovative ramen dishes to suit any palate.
5. Ramen Jinya Beppu Station East Entrance branch: Located right near the train station, this branch of the well-known chain serves up a tasty tonkotsu ramen in a casual setting.
6. Nakatsu Ramen Kanzennorikomi Toyotaya: This shop specializes in toripaitan (chicken-based) ramen with an addictive creamy broth and tender chicken chashu.
7. Tomita Seimenjo Aruna-Ba Express Branch: This express branch of the famous Tomita Seimenjo in Kitakata, Fukushima offers their signature shoyu (soy sauce-based) ramen topped with menma (bamboo shoots), tender chashu, and a seasoned boiled egg.
8. Noodle Factory Rokkasui: For something unique, try Rokkasui’s garlic infusion ramens or their signature “rokkasui” style made with dried fish powder and soy sauce.
12. Can you recommend a unique dining experience at a traditional Japanese ryokan inn?
One unique dining experience at a traditional Japanese ryokan inn is kaiseki ryori (multi-course meal). Kaiseki ryori is a traditional and elaborate Japanese dining style that originated as a meal served before the tea ceremony. It typically consists of multiple small, seasonal dishes that are artistically presented and thoughtfully prepared using fresh and local ingredients. The dining setting is also an important aspect of this experience, with many ryokans offering private dining rooms or outdoor terraces with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. This allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the sensory experience of the meal while enjoying the tranquility and serenity of the ryokan environment. Additionally, some ryokans offer experiences such as a private cooking lesson where guests can learn how to make one or two dishes from their kaiseki meal, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. Overall, kaiseki ryori at a traditional Japanese ryokan offers a unique and intimate dining experience that combines culture, tradition, and gastronomy into one unforgettable evening.
13. Is it customary to take off my shoes while dining at traditional restaurants in Beppu?
It is not customary to take off your shoes while dining at traditional restaurants in Beppu. However, if the restaurant has tatami mat flooring or a designated area for removing shoes, it is polite to do so. It is always best to follow the lead of the locals and observe what others are doing. If you are unsure, you can also ask the staff or your dining companions for guidance.
14. Are reservations required for popular dining spots around the hot springs?
Reservations are not always required, but it is recommended to make reservations in advance for popular dining spots around the hot springs. This will ensure that you have a guaranteed spot and avoid any long wait times. Additionally, during peak tourist seasons or on weekends, reservations may be necessary as these restaurants can fill up quickly.
15. What are some must-try dishes or specialties of the region around Beppu Hot Springs?
1. Jigokumushi – A traditional steam-cooked dish using the natural steam from Beppu’s hot springs.
2. Seafood Hot Pot – A hearty and flavorful seafood stew using fresh ingredients caught near Beppu’s shores.
3. Toriten – Fried chicken served with a special soy sauce-based dipping sauce, originating from Oita prefecture.
4. Hatto Nabe – A local specialty hot pot made with thinly sliced konnyaku (konjac) noodles and vegetables in a savory broth.
5. Yanagawa Nabe – A comforting hot pot dish with thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and udon noodles cooked in a sweet and savory broth.
6. Onsen Tamago – Eggs cooked in the natural hot spring water, resulting in a unique texture and flavor.
7. Onsen Manju – Steamed buns made with cherry blossom-shaped molds and filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings like matcha or chestnut.
8. Kuri Bento – A boxed lunch featuring various regional specialties such as grilled fish, tempura, and pickled vegetables.
9. Kabosu Ramen – A refreshing and tangy ramen dish made with kabosu citrus fruit and locally-sourced pork broth.
10. Bungo Beef Steak – High-quality wagyu beef raised in the nearby Bungo region served in steak form or as part of a shabu-shabu meal.
16. Are there any halal options available for Muslim travelers in Beppu?
Yes, there are a few halal options available for Muslim travelers in Beppu. Some suggestions include:
1. Melli Beppu: This restaurant serves authentic Turkish cuisine and has halal options on its menu.
2. Spice Kitchen: This Indian restaurant offers halal food and has a separate section on their menu for halal dishes.
3. Kebab Knight: Another Turkish restaurant that serves halal kebabs, shawarmas, and other Middle Eastern dishes.
4. Sushinomiki: This sushi restaurant offers a vegetarian menu with some halal options.
5. Islamic Center of Oita: Located about 40 minutes away from Beppu by train, this mosque also has a small halal grocery store where you can buy snacks and ingredients to cook your own meals.
It is always recommended to confirm the availability of halal options with the restaurants before dining to avoid any confusion.
17. Can you suggest a restaurant with English-speaking staff for non-Japanese speakers?
Yes, there are many restaurants in Japan that have English-speaking staff for non-Japanese speakers. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Hard Rock Cafe – This restaurant chain is popular among tourists and has English-speaking staff at most locations in Japan.
2. Outback Steakhouse – Another popular chain with English-speaking staff and a variety of American-style dishes.
3. Tokyo Bay Cruise – A unique dining experience on a boat with English-speaking staff and stunning views of the city.
4. TGI Fridays – This casual dining restaurant has English menus and staff who can assist with ordering.
5. Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511 – For a more high-end dining experience, this restaurant serves Kobe beef and has English-speaking staff available.
6. The Farmers Market Restaurant – Located in Shibuya, this farm-to-table style restaurant has English-speaking staff and menus for non-Japanese speakers.
7. Gonpachi Nishiazabu – This famous Japanese restaurant is known as the inspiration for the fight scene in the movie “Kill Bill” and offers English menus and staff who can assist with ordering.
8. Genki Sushi – For sushi lovers, this conveyor belt sushi chain has an English menu and some locations have iPad ordering systems in multiple languages.
9. 82 Ale House – This British pub-style restaurant has English menus and friendly English-speaking staff who can help with ordering food and drinks.
10. Pizzakaya Roppongi Hills – For Italian cuisine, this restaurant has an extensive menu available in both Japanese and English, along with bilingual servers to assist non-Japanese speakers.
Remember to look out for restaurants located near major tourist areas or hotels, as they are more likely to have English-speaking staff or offer bilingual menus to cater to international visitors. Additionally, apps like Google Translate can also be helpful when communicating with non-English speaking service staff at other restaurants not listed here.
18. Which local food markets offer fresh produce and ingredients for those wanting to cook their own meals?
Some popular local food markets that offer fresh produce and ingredients are:
1. Union Square Greenmarket in New York City
2. Pike Place Market in Seattle
3. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco
4. Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia
5. Grand Central Market in Los Angeles
6. Eastern Market in Detroit
7. West Side Market in Cleveland
8. Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston
9. The Original Farmers Market in Dallas
10.Castle Farms Farmers Market in Chicago
19. Do any restaurants offer cooking classes for tourists interested in learning how to make Japanese dishes?
Yes, there are several restaurants in Japan that offer cooking classes for tourists. Some popular options include Cooking Sun (Tokyo and Kyoto), Haru Cooking Class (Osaka), and Yuka’s Japanese Cooking (Kyoto). These classes typically last around 2-3 hours and include a hands-on lesson on how to prepare traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, or ramen. Prices vary depending on the restaurant and menu.
20.From your experience, what has been your favorite restaurant or dining experience around Beppu Hot Springs and why?
It is difficult for me to choose just one favorite restaurant or dining experience in Beppu Hot Springs as I have had so many amazing meals there. However, if I had to pick, I would say my favorite experience was at a traditional Japanese kaiseki restaurant called Yama no Oto.
The dining room at Yama no Oto overlooked a picturesque garden with a small stream running through it. The atmosphere was serene and peaceful, perfectly complementing the delicious and artfully presented dishes we were served.
The meal itself was an unforgettable journey through various courses of beautifully prepared and seasonal ingredients. Each dish was not only aesthetically pleasing but also bursting with flavor. The chef’s attention to detail and use of local ingredients truly made the meal stand out.
Not only was the food exceptional, but the service at Yama no Oto was impeccable. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing.
Overall, my dining experience at Yama no Oto was the perfect blend of delicious food, beautiful ambiance, and outstanding service. It left a lasting impression on me and remains one of my top dining experiences in Beppu Hot Springs.