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Surrounded by trees and winding stone paths, Ukai Toriyama serves up seasonal Japanese cuisine in a tranquil setting just west of Tokyo.
A Hidden Gem Near Mount Takao
Dining at Ukai Toriyama feels like slipping into another world. Tucked beneath the trees near Mount Takao, this tranquil hideaway welcomes guests with mossy stone paths, gentle streams, and the scent of mountain air.
The moment we stepped into the garden, we felt the presence of quiet beauty and deep care. It was less like entering a restaurant, and more like arriving at a tranquil ryokan.
Strolling the Garden Before the Meal
Before being seated, we wandered through the expansive grounds. There were koi ponds, wooden bridges, mossy stones, and seasonal flowers everywhere we looked. We even saw a traditional Japanese wedding taking place in the beautiful setting.
One of our favorite stops was the open grill hut, where staff carefully tended whole ayu (sweetfish) over glowing charcoal. If you arrive early, take a few minutes to visit the gassho-zukuri (合掌造り) farmhouse museum just across the road. The steep-thatched roof and rustic interior reminded us of homes in Shirakawa-go.
Dining at Ukai Toriyama
The restaurant offers multi-course set menus that change with the seasons. We ordered a few different ones to try a wider range of dishes. The presentation, timing, and ingredients all reflected the season perfectly.
Highlights of Our Meal
- Sesame Tofu – Soft and chewy with a rich sesame sauce, garnished with crushed sesame seeds.
- Carp Sashimi – Served with miso and yuzu kosho, adding a little kick to each bite.
- Grilled Chicken and Wagyu Beef – Juicy and tender, Japan has the best meats!
- Ayu (Sweetfish) – Grilled whole and served with vinegar. Even the bones were tender enough to eat.
- Soboro Rice – Fluffy rice topped with seasoned chicken.
Every dish was thoughtful and satisfying. The meal felt unhurried, giving us time to enjoy both the food and the scenery from our private room.
A Summer Surprise: Fireflies in the Garden
If you visit in early summer, don’t miss the evening firefly display. After sunset, thousands of fireflies are released into the garden.
How to Get to Ukai Toriyama
Train
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line Special Express to Takaosanguchi Station (about 55 minutes). Exit the station and look for the shuttle stop. Ukai Toriyama provides a free shuttle every 20 minutes from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (departing at 00, 20, and 40 past the hour).
- Total travel time: About 1 hour from central Tokyo.
Taxi
- From Takaosanguchi Station, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride (if you prefer not to wait for the shuttle). Fare is about ¥1200.
Pro Tip: Try to arrive before your reservation so you can walk the garden.
Is Ukai Toriyama Worth Visiting?
We’ve been to Ukai Toriyama a few times and each visit has been just as special as the last. The food is consistently excellent and the setting, surrounded by nature and traditional buildings, never fails to impress. The mix of private dining, seasonal flavors, and warm hospitality creates an experience that is both peaceful and memorable.
It’s perfect for a special occasion or day trip from Tokyo. And if you can visit during firefly season, that gentle glow will stay with you long after the meal is over.
More to Explore Nearby
After savoring charcoal-grilled seasonal dishes in Ukai Toriyama’s thatched-roof dining rooms, enjoy more nature and culture nearby:
- Mount Takao (Mt. Takao) – Hike forested trails, ride the cable car, and visit Yakuo-in Temple for scenic views and a spiritual experience.
