Yururi (Japanese)

9-1 Iwazono-cho, Ashiya/0797-25-1255/11:30～15:00(L.O14:00)17:00～23:00(L.O22:00)/Check for closed days/5000-10000yen/6.5 pickles

Convenient kaiseki (traditional Japanese food course) place in Ashiya.

This 77-seat Japanese restaurant is unique in an area whose many other restaurants are mainly Italian and French. Designed by a famous "space" designer Yoshihiko Mamiya, Yururi embodies its unusual name, which means something like "relaxed." Upon climbing its tiny steps, I momentarily felt as though I were in Kyoto, the traditional heart of Japan.

Food at Yuriru is served in a traditional "kaiseki" style that involves 8-10 small dishes including sashimi , "yakimono" (grilled fish), tempura, etc. Everything satisfies both eye and tongue. One can get better Japanese kaiseki food in the pricey restaurant districts of Kyoto or Osaka but this restuarant is quite convenient for those who want to try traditional Japapanese food in their neighborhood or for entertaining guests from abroad. You can order a la carte, but since there is no English menu, it is safest to order a course. We ordered the 7000 yen course and found ourselves pretty much stuffed when fruit finally came. Service is attentive and sincere. There are loft rooms for up to 8 people, but free-range Occidentals may prefer the downstairs area.

Food: 6 Service: 8 Ambience: 6.5 Total: 6.5 pickles

No English menu. Their name reads"ゆるり"in Japanese.

How to get there: From JR Ashiya station, go to Miyagawa River and turn left. Walk about 10 minutes. The restaurant is on the right side of Miyagawa Riger, across the street from the Ikari Supermarket. See the maphere.