I previously visited this restaurant with the owner of a tea kaiseki restaurant, and I returned for lunch during my recent trip to Karatsu.This renowned Japanese restaurant beautifully reflects the changing seasons in each dish. The cuisine, elevated through delicate techniques, allows you to savor the blessings of the clear streams and the breath of the mountains, providing a memorable dining experience that embodies the local culture and history.The building, established in the 9th year of the Tenpo era, features a calm design reminiscent of a historic farmhouse, nestled by the clear stream of the Tamashima River.In this tranquil environment, you can see only the river and mountains from the windows and the raised seating area, enjoying the sounds of nature, such as the gentle flow of the river and the chirping of insects.In the waiting room, which has a charming irori (traditional hearth), I felt the warm hospitality of the kind proprietress. The walls are adorned with photographs of notable figures and politicians, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment, and my expectations soared!The course I enjoyed that day was the River Fish Bamboo Course for lunch, priced at JPY 12,000, which is slightly lower than the middle course, so I opted for it.This course featured a selection of seasonal delicacies, including small dishes, boiled eel, koi sashimi, grilled river fish, two medium-sized tsugani (freshwater crabs), tsugani soup, tsugani rice, and fruit.The boiled eel was lightly blanched and then chilled, served with homemade red onions from the garden and a special ponzu sauce. The delightful texture of the tender skin and the firm flesh created a refreshing taste experience.The grilled eel, prepared without sauce, was charred to perfection, crispy on the outside while remaining surprisingly fluffy and tender inside, showcasing the strong umami and refined sweetness of the river fish.The signature tsugani at Ame Gen is surprisingly rich in flavor for its small size, with each bite bursting with intense sweetness. The crab miso packed in the shell stands out with its deep richness and rich aroma, making it a perfect pairing with Japanese sake.The yamame (a type of trout) is a dish that beautifully reflects the clarity of the stream where it was raised. You can enjoy the straightforward flavor of the grilled fish seasoned with salt and the traditional technique of ame-yaki (sweet grilled fish), each offering a unique charm.I look forward to coming back for a light eel set meal next time. It was a great meal.The relaxed atmosphere during lunch in nature was absolutely wonderful.
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