Japanese Cuisine Yorifuji Ayu

Located near Zenkoji Temple, within the charming and historic Patio Daimon complex, Japanese Cuisine Yorifuji Ayu offers a unique and memorable dining experience. This hidden gem specializes in two traditional Japanese delicacies, each prepared to perfection: ayu (sweetfish), known for its delicate, slightly sweet flavor, and unagi (eel), prized for its rich, savory taste. It's an ideal stop for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan’s culinary heritage in a beautifully preserved setting.

With a proud history of over 120 years, Yorifuji Ayu, located in Nagano City, is a long-established restaurant specializing in two iconic elements of traditional Japanese cuisine: eel (unagi) and sweetfish (ayu).

The restaurant is known for its use of time-honored techniques and a closely guarded, generations-old sauce that enhances the rich, natural flavor of its eel dishes. For guests seeking a more subtle taste, Yorifuji Ayu also offers refined preparations that highlight the fish’s delicate texture—including rare wild-caught eel, considered a true delicacy in Japan.

The sweetfish served at Yorifuji Ayu is sourced from the Kawabe River in southwestern Kumamoto, one of Japan’s cleanest and most pristine waterways. This region is celebrated for producing sweetfish of exceptional quality, known for their fresh aroma and pure, clean taste.

Guests are invited to relax in a serene and welcoming atmosphere while enjoying an authentic culinary experience rooted in Japan’s rich gastronomic tradition. As some dishes require extra preparation time, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit accordingly to fully appreciate all that Yorifuji Ayu has to offer.

Try some Japanese river fish form the freshest streams and travel back in time to the late 1800's when these style of dishes were popularized. This is definitely an experience that won't be forgotten easily, whether it is simple trying one of the fish or getting the whole meal!