Having opened in 2018, Monzen Terrace Enya has quickly established itself as one of Nagano’s most popular restaurants. Serving a mixed menu of both Japanese and Western cuisine, Enya is known for its delicious menu, wide variety of drinks, friendly service and English-speaking staff. Located just before the entrance to Nagano near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple, Monzen Terrace Enya a popular destination for local residents and international visitors – a modern and exciting restaurant in the city’s historic heart.

— Where is Monzen Terrace Enya?

— What is on the Menu at Monzen Terrace Enya?

— Seating Arrangements and Interior Atmosphere

— Tours and Charters Around Nagano

Monzen Terrace Enya offers diners both indoor and outdoor dining, spread across varied spaces and rooms. The restaurant’s terrace is popular in all seasons – even in winter! – as one of the few venues in Nagano offering outdoor seating all year round. Open from 11:30 to 22:00, Enya serves a wide range of cuisine including sit down dining for lunch and dinner, drinks and snacks, and takeaway. Enya prides itself on using locally-sourced vegetables from the nearby farms of Iiyama and fresh seafood bought directly at coastal markets on the Sea of Japan. Head chefs prepare outstanding sushi and sashimi, complemented by a full menu of Japanese favorites including wagyu, soba noodles, ramen, tempura and more. Pizzas, fondue, wraps and others round-out the menu along with a tempting selection of cakes and pastries made on the premise – perfect to enjoy with a coffee anytime of the day.

WHERE IS MONZEN TERRACE ENYA?

Located only a 5 minute walk south of Zenko-ji Temple, Monzen Terrace Enya is in the perfect location for travelers looking to stop in for a bite to eat. Open from 11:30 – 22:00, Enya is a great option for lunch or dinner, or even for drinks later in the evening. Enya is set in the Patio Daimon shopping plaza, a small collection of Japanese style buildings with carefully planted gardens creating a relaxing atmosphere despite being mere meters from a major road. Enya can be easily identified from the outside by its large wooden terrace, including outdoor seating, which is a rarity in Nagano. Access from Zenko-ji Temple is as simple as walking south out of the temple precincts, and turning left after crossing the first major intersection. For guests coming from Nagano Station, it is around a 20 minute walk to Enya. Alternatively, the local bus, departing from the north side of Nagano Station, will have you to Enya within 10 minutes if you alight at the “Zenkoji Daimon” bus stop.

WHAT IS ON THE MENU AT MONZEN TERRACE ENYA?

Monzen Terrace Enya’s extensive menu was made to satisfy all types of customers and taste buds, with a wide variety of foods including both Japanese and Western on offer. Drinks, including local apple juice and sake, are also available and make Enya a great place to stop in even for a light snack during the day. Japanese staples such as agedashi tofu, tempura, freshly-made tofu, and more complement a range of grilled dishes including local Shinshu beef, salmon and mushroom, oysters, and the indulgence of Nagano famous Fukumidori chicken or cheese fondue with vegetables. Meals popular with kids are also available, and the restaurant is welcoming for families, friend groups, or single travelers alike.

One of Enya’s popular items is the Grilled Lunch Set, with its main dish being composed of various grilled meats and veggies, some locally produced in Nagano. Topped with a tasty sauce, this is a great fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine and is perfect for a filling lunch. Japanese Pumpkin, or Kabocha, is generally included and is a real must try while you are in Japan.

No Japanese restaurant would be complete without some Sushi on the menu, and Enya doesn’t disappoint. Lovers of sushi, sashimi and all things seafood are spoiled for choice with the restaurant serving an array of classic nigiri sushi including seared salmon, whitefish, and akami, toro, otoro tunas, along with sashimi and unique combinations such as eel and cucumber or nozawana leaf rolls. While Nagano isn’t traditionally known for its sushi (due to being far from the ocean), thanks to modern technology you can enjoy fresh and tasty raw fish dishes even here – and you should, if you like sushi!

Monzen Terrace Enya offers a range of Western dishes including pizza and other appetizers, along with notable vegetarian cuisine such as potato salad pickled nozawana and wasabi, avocado and tofu topped with seaweed, and a range of salads. Of course, for those with a sweet tooth Enya ensures that you will leave satisfied, serving soba pudding, matcha chiffon cake, dark chocolate mousse cake, and ice cream among other delights!

Last but not least, Enya offers a delicious apple pie, using Nagano’s famous apples. Although little known internationally, Nagano is the 2nd biggest producer of apples in Japan and orchards full of fruit tress can be found throughout the prefecture. The big temperature swings between day and night are said to be great for growing tasty apples, and at Enya you can enjoy the fruit of the local farmers labor. Don’t worry about stopping in just for one pie, and remember that they are also sold to-go if you are in a rush.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS AND INTERIOR ATMOSPHERE

Enya provides multiple options for seating, including indoor, outdoor, and semi-outdoor. Reservations are accepted, and for large groups whole floors can be rented out (40+ people for the 1st floor, and 25+ people for the 2nd floor). Please see below for a description of each seating area, along with pictures.

Indoor Seating: 1st Floor

Enya’s spacious first floor includes a number of seating options and space for over 40 people. With tables, booths, and comfy chairs, there is a little bit of everything here. The restrooms (one for men and one for women) are also located on the first floor, at the bottom of the stairs.

Indoor Seating: 2nd Floor

Enya’s second floor is a little more private and cozy than the first, with space for 25+ people. Built with spacious windows and a good view over town, you can enjoy people watching if you happen to get a window seat. The second floor also contains a small detached bar, useful for larger groups. The stairs are separated between staff and customers for ease of movement and to avoid congestion.

Roofed-Terrace Seating

Perfect for rainy, windy, or cold days (and there will be plenty of cold days during Nagano’s famous winter season), the roofed-terrace seating area is protected with a roof and plastic sheets, while still letting you feel like you are out in the open. With both sofa seating and normal tables, there are a few options for your comfort. In winter, heaters are provided, making the area toasty and warm and perfect to relax after a few hours walking in the snow.

Outdoor Terrace Seating

As one of the few restaurants with year round outdoor seating in Nagano, Enya always has a fun and lively atmosphere. In summer, you can enjoy a cold beer outside in Nagano’s fresh evening air, and in autumn you can enjoy a hearty meal with a front row seat of the changing leaves. Festive string lights bring a bright and festive feeling during the nighttime hours.

In Winter, domes are provided outside to give you a full range of view but keep you out of the cold wind. While there is no additional heating, keeping your coat on and enjoying a warm drink is all you will need to stay warm and enjoy the view of Nagano from your bubble.

TOURS AND CHARTERS AROUND NAGANO

As Nagano’s No.1 tour operator, we are proud to offer multiple tours around the Nagano area, including visits to such famous attractions as the Snow Monkey Park and the Nakasendo Trail. No matter the season, we can help you make the most of your time in Nagano. Whether with your family or friends, or on your own, we are sure to have something that suits your needs!

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:35 – 17:35
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only)
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Our most popular offering is our “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple and Sake in Nagano“. Guests on this delightful excursion will first be treated to Sake Tasting and a guided tour of the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, including lunch at a nearby restaurant.

With the first half of the tour complete, you will then depart for the Monkey Park on our private tour vehicle. Once you have arrived your guide will lead the way up to the place the Monkeys call home, before you once again board the bus and return to your starting destination.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun In Shiga Kogen
Period	December to March
Time	08:45 – 17:30/18:00
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Snow Monkey Park Area
Adult Rate	¥21,800
Child Rate	¥13,300

For those guests coming in the Winter, we also offer the “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen“, combining exciting snow activities such as sledding and riding snow scoots with a visit to the Monkey Park. Lunch is also included, making for the perfect day trip for anyone looking to experience what winter in Nagano is all about!

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
Period	April to November
Time	08:15 – 18:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Matsumoto Station
Adult Rate	¥23,800
Child Rate	¥11,900

If the beautiful nature of Nagano is beckoning to you, why not answer its call and join our tour of the Japanese Alps? Considered one of the most scenic spots in Japan, Kamikochi is an alpine valley at 1,500 meters elevation, sitting in the middle of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. Blessed with clear water and abundant wildlife, this tour operates from April to November and is sure to impress you no matter which season you visit during.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagano & Matsumoto: Step into the Past on the Nakasendo
Period	March – June / September – December
Time	08:15 – 18:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Matsumoto Station
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥12,900

The Nakasendo Trail was once one of the primary roadways in Japan, transporting millions of people throughout its life as a central government backed road under the auspice of the Shoguns. Now, it is quieter but still draws visitors looking for a nice hike through beautiful countryside. Lining the way are several well preserved post towns, once the centers of administration and service on the roads, always filled with inns and eateries to cater to the crowds. With your friendly guide at hand, you will be shown the best way to enjoy the trail while learning all about its storied history.

For those interested in private charter services, we would be pleased to provide a vehicle and propose an itinerary to suite your needs! Please see our charter page and send us your trip details so we can can start planning your journey together.