Sara no Ki Shointei [Tsuwano-cho, Kanoashi]

A great place with a view of a tranquil Japanese garden: Visit it here in Tsuwano

After visiting the shrine, Miwa Ishihara went to “Sara no Ki Shointei” for a short break.

This restaurant is a symbol of “Tsuwano, Little Kyoto,” where you can enjoy the owner's special cha-kaiseki (tea-ceremony dishes) while viewing the beautiful Japanese garden of the former residence of a chief retainer of the Tsuwano Domain.

The staff took her to the tatami room at the back of the restaurant. From the large window in the room, you can see the breathtaking Japanese garden. This garden is also a registered national monument.

In a calm, classic atmosphere, she was served lunch, “Koto, Sansai-tsuduri (dishes of wild vegetables).” When you open the lovely round-shaped lid of the lacquered box, you will see beautifully arranged dishes of wild vegetables, just like a treasure box.

A variety of local dishes with simple flavors, such as sashimi konnyaku (made from yams) in the shape of the flower of the “sara tree” (the name of the restaurant), and wild vegetables boiled or simmered in soy sauce. Also served were gomoku chirashi (ingredients such as sashimi and cooked vegetables on top of vinegared rice), jade-colored soba noodles kneaded with kumazasa bamboo and soup, all of which were quite gorgeous.

“I thought this Was green tea soba, but it is actually Kumazasa bamboo soba. It is aromatic and delicious!”

Miwa really enjoyed the taste and presentation of the unique dishes that were created by the owner. For dessert, she enjoyed coffee jelly with a hint of brandy and a cup of bean tea.

She said, “I can really tell that each and every dish, even the dessert, has been very carefully prepared. It was all delicious! Gochisosama (Thank you to the chef and for the meal).”