I visited "Yanagiya," located deep in the mountains of Gifu. It was a restaurant I had always wanted to try, and it exceeded my expectations. Every dish enjoyed around the irori (traditional Japanese hearth) was exquisite. The highlights for me were the pheasant and sweetfish, both of which I tried for the first time. The pheasant was surprisingly tender, releasing rich flavors with every bite. It had a distinct taste, different from chicken, with no gamey smell, making it quite refined. The charcoal grilling added a delightful smokiness, making it incredibly delicious. The sweetfish was the best I’ve ever had in my life. Grilled over the irori, it had a crispy skin and tender flesh. There was no unpleasant odor typical of river fish, allowing me to fully enjoy the natural flavors and aroma of the sweetfish. Not only the food but the atmosphere surrounding the irori was special. Dining while watching the dishes being grilled right in front of me felt like stepping into another world. Every dish was truly delicious, and I genuinely felt it was worth the trip to Gifu just for this restaurant. Though it’s not a place I can visit casually, it’s a special spot I definitely want to return to someday.
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