A gourmet dining experience deep in the forest

The views of the river and surrounding forest are breathtaking. However, as we drove to Hatachi Amari Yotsu in Shiga Prefecture, we almost felt as if we had come to the wrong destination. It’s a rustic building on the riverbank, and from the outside it looks more like a barn than a fine dining restaurant.

It’s this element of surprise Team members The team of architects, designers, managers and chefs wanted to see guests coming when the restaurant opened in April this year. Together they came up with the idea of ​​a unique, mountain lodge-like restaurant that could also be considered a tourist destination.

The space’s sleek, ultra-modern interior design contrasts with its understated exterior. The furniture is stylish, and the black and grey tones are both comfortable and elegant. There are two rooms here: a private area that can accommodate up to four people, and the main space, which features an 8-meter-long counter behind which Toru Arai, a French-trained chef with 30 years of industry experience, works his magic.

The focal point of the restaurant is the fire. Not only does it create a cozy atmosphere, Arai also uses it for cooking, adding a rich and unique flavor to the dishes. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the winding river, and the warm flames are unforgettable.

“I was inspired by a restaurant in France where they used fire stoveBut I also want to add some Japanese elements to make it look like a “Irori,” Arai said. “We chose this place because of the river. It’s beautiful. I used to come here to fish with my father when I was a kid because our house is within walking distance.”

Twenty-four solar terms

When Arai was young, he would go out picking wild vegetables with his family every two weeks. This inspired him to design a biweekly menu at Hatachi Amari Yotsu. The menu is based on the 24 setsuki (or sub-seasons): a traditional way of expressing the seasons in Japan, with the year divided into 24 sets of seasons. As a result, regulars can enjoy a different meal each time, and guests can rest assured that they are receiving the freshest ingredients of the season.

For Arai, who combines the sophistication of French cooking with Japanese aesthetics, creating a dining experience like no other is a must. He wants guests to feel at one with nature while dining, while enjoying dishes they may never have tasted before. Our meal features several ingredients that can only be found in Shiga, including trout and summer mushrooms picked from the nearby forests, as well as a variety of delicious cheeses.

Every dish—including catfish, chicken, shrimp lettuce, and ginger ice cream—was amazing. What made it all the more wonderful was the setting. Hatachi Amari Yotsu is more than just a restaurant: it’s a place to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy the countryside while enjoying some fine dining.

More information

To pre-order Hatachi Amari Yotsu, visit hatachiamariyotsu.jp.