Located in Nishikawa Town, Yamagata, Dewa Ya is a renowned traditional inn that has been serving mountain vegetable cuisine for 98 years, nurtured by the rich nature of Mount Gassan. The restaurant is situated in a nature-filled area of Nishikawa Town, accessible by bus from JR Sagae Station, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yamagata Station. Despite the distance, it is known as a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts from all over the country seeking its exquisite flavors.On this day, I made a reservation for 1 person at 1:00 PM on a Saturday. The interior features a spacious layout with 120 seats, creating a calm Japanese atmosphere. It offers a relaxing ambiance, allowing guests to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful moment.The menu includes soba, which does not require a reservation, as well as course meals that require reservations and the exclusive chef's table, which is difficult to book.I reserved the "Ofurimai Ryori Okondate (JPY 15,000, tax included)." Even with just one person, I was guided to a fully private room for the course.The course lineup is as follows:*Served in order*◾️ Homemade Wild Grape Juice ◾️ Appetizers - Fried Fuki Buds - Aiko - Mizuna - Dohina - Yama Urui ◾️ Seasonal Small Bowl - Junsai - Udo with Walnut Miso - Kogomi with Sesame ◾️ Small Bowl - Hayawasi - Warabi - Iwana Sashimi ◾️ Five Layers - Narukoyuri - Nirinso - Koshia Bura - Simmered Fuki - Amadokoro ◾️ Small Clear Soup - Gassan Bamboo Shoots - Shelled Soba ◾️ Tofu Dish - Mountain Vegetable Tofu ◾️ Grilled Dish - Sakura Masu Grilled with Mountain Vegetable Miso ◾️ Hot Pot - Mountain Vegetable Hot Pot with Chicken Thigh and Soba ◾️ Seasonal Dish - Grilled Gassan Bamboo Shoots ◾️ Fried Dish - Seasonal Tempura (Iwana with Shiso, Gassan Bamboo Shoots, Udo) ◾️ Rice Dish - Bamboo Shoot Sushi Rolls - Miso Soup - Pickles ◾️ Sweets - Kuromoji Yokan - Strawberry The first dish, "Wild Grape Juice," has a subtly sweet and sour flavor that sets the tone for the meal, enhancing the anticipation for the upcoming courses.The appetizers and small bowls showcase the unique characteristics of each mountain vegetable. The variety of bitterness, aroma, and texture allowed me to truly savor the essence of the mountain's bounty.The "Iwana Sashimi" offers a clean taste without any strong flavors. It is light yet flavorful, pairing excellently with the mountain vegetables.The "Mountain Vegetable Hot Pot" is filled with an abundance of mountain vegetables like warabi and Gassan bamboo shoots. The rich broth infused with the aroma of the vegetables was incredibly comforting and delicious.The "Grilled Gassan Bamboo Shoots" is a luxurious dish featuring three whole bamboo shoots. Grilling enhances their sweetness, allowing me to enjoy the natural flavors directly. The accompanying miso pairs perfectly with it.The final dish, "Bamboo Shoot Sushi Rolls," leaves a lasting impression with its fragrant bamboo shoot and gentle seasoning. I was able to enjoy the seasonal flavors until the very end.Dewa Ya is a distinguished restaurant where you can fully appreciate the depth of mountain vegetable cuisine. If you're looking for a special dining experience in Yamagata, this place is definitely worth a visit.
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