4 Must-Try Local Restaurants in Urahoro

ichiao687
Aug 10
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Although Urahoro is a small town, it has surprisingly many great places to eat!

In this article, I’ve picked four lunch spots and four dinner spots that are conveniently located and easy to access on foot. These are all local restaurants that I personally love and highly recommend.

As for the other hidden food gems not featured here, I’ll leave them for you to discover when you visit Urahoro yourself! 🍴✨

【LUNCH】

01. Torinome Shop

One-line Feature: A cozy, stylish bookstore café furnished entirely with wooden decor, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Recommended Items: Japanese-style Pad Krapow (Minced Pork Rice), Japanese Rose (hamanasu) Soda, Cheesecake.

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 7-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Lunch L.O. 1:30 PM) | Closed: Sundays & Mondays
💳 Payment: Cash & Credit Cards accepted
📖 Menu Language: Japanese & English (with photos)
💡 Tip: Service may take a little longer during peak hours when it gets busy.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dCyeYvptDhzGEzbbA

02. Chanko Ryogoku

Feature: A beloved local hotspot serving authentic Chanko Nabe (Sumo Wrestler Hot Pot) cherished by Urahoro locals.
Recommended Dishes: Daily Special Lunch, Ozeki Chanko Nabe (Evening Recommendation).

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 3-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Closed: Sundays
💳 Payment: Cash Only
📖 Menu Language: Japanese & English (with photos)
💡 Tip: If you plan to order Chanko Nabe, reserving in advance is recommended so the owner can prepare the ingredients. The lovely owner is an elderly and moves at a gentle pace, so please be patient! While an English menu is available, she doesn't speak English, so using a translation app is highly recommended.
📍 Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/yo8Lv3ENFy3T3aZG7

Daily lunch (tenpura rice bowl that day)

03. Kashiwaya Soba

Feature: The only soba noodle shop in town, famous for its signature green-hued buckwheat noodles.
Recommended Dishes: Curry Namban Soba, Butadon (Pork Bowl).

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 2-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch L.O. 1:30 PM) | Closed: Sundays
💳 Payment: Cash & Credit Cards accepted
📖 Menu Language: Japanese & English (with photos)
💡 Tip: It gets quite busy around 12:00 PM (noon), so visiting slightly before or after peak hours is recommended.
📍 Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/4pNsqTziA7mxTS8Q6

Tendon(shrimp and vegetable tempura rice bowl)+ Curry Namban Soba(S size)

04. Sakae

Feature: Known for its generous portion sizes—guaranteed to leave you fully satisfied!
Recommended Dishes: Kushiro Specialty "Spakatsu" (Spaghetti topped with Tonkatsu & Meat Sauce), Oroshi Tonkatsu Set (Pork Cutlet with Grated Daikon).

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 7-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Lunch L.O. 1:00 PM) | Closed: Saturdays
💳 Payment: Cash Only
📖 Menu Language: Japanese only
💡 Tip: Portions are huge! If you have a smaller appetite, feel free to ask for less rice or noodles ("Gohan / Men Sukuname").
📍 Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/qcV1urPCg7gSxyB49

【DINNER】

01. Izakaya Nagi

Feature: One of the rare restaurants open on Sundays, featuring an extremely welcoming and friendly hostess who loves greeting international guests.
Recommended Dishes: Bone-in Fried Chicken, Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet), Grilled Fish/Squid, Tebagyoza (dumpling meat stuffed in chicken wings).

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 3-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free street parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Closed: Mondays
💳 Payment: Cash Only
📖 Menu Language: Japanese & English
💡 Tip: Check the red lantern outside—if it isn't lit, the restaurant is closed for the day. Although the owner doesn’t speak English, she is super friendly to foreign visitors.
Please be aware if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke.
📍 Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/x9N92GUeHjP8G8as7

Tebagyoza (dumpling meat stuffed in chicken wings)

02. Furaibo

Feature: A local favorite renowned for its masterfully prepared, exceptionally fresh sashimi.
Recommended Dishes: Sashimi, Yudofu (Hot Tofu Pot).

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 6-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Closed: Sundays
💳 Payment: Cash Only
📖 Menu Language: Japanese only
💡 Tip: The restaurant is occasionally booked out for private group events and may not accept walk-ins on those nights.
📍 Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/yM4fAyQn7rDuyQhf9

Seasonal sashimi platter (incl. Pacific saury that day!)

03. futatsuki

Feature: A stylish café by day that transforms into an Italian à la carte bistro at night. Wine lovers shouldn't miss their curated wine list!
Recommended Dishes: Fried Chicken (Super Juicy!), Risotto, Seasonal Specials.

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 4-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free street parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed: Irregular
💳 Payment: Cash Only
📖 Menu Language: Japanese only
💡 Tip: Days off vary, so be sure to check their official Instagram account before visiting.
📍 Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/3DawnsvwY5MKYBJR6

04. Chinese Restaurant Abe

Feature: The one and only Chinese restaurant in town, serving comforting classic dishes.
Recommended Dishes: Yakisoba (Stir-fried Noodles), Steamed Pork Dumplings, Fried dumplings.

ℹ️ Practical Information

🚶‍♂️ Access: 3-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free street parking available
⏰ Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed: Sundays
💳 Payment: Cash Only
📖 Menu Language: Japanese & English
💡 Tip: Calling ahead to confirm they are open before you head over is highly recommended.
📍 Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cowav2UYdfqbb8ru8