Ryotei Yamasa Ryokan (料亭 やまさ旅館) Usa

A Tabelog Top 100 Restaurant, awarded the Bronze Award.Here, you can enjoy Oita's famous soft-shelled turtle cuisine at a very reasonable price.The establishment combines a ryokan and a restaurant, and this time I only had the meal during lunch hours.Reservations are essential, and I made a phone call in advance. The staff was very friendly, which left a great impression even before my visit.I reserved a lunch course and visited the restaurant.It’s not located on a major street but rather tucked away on a small side street, exuding the charm of a refined Japanese inn.Dining in a private room filled with a traditional Japanese atmosphere, I could see the garden through the window.I started with the soft-shelled turtle's emperor sashimi, live blood, liver, heart, and soft roe, served in a style similar to appetizers.The emperor had a delightful crunchy texture.The live blood was mixed with orange juice, making it easy to drink without any strong taste.The internal organs of the soft-shelled turtle looked very fresh, and I could enjoy the unique textures of each part.Next was the soft-shelled turtle hot pot.The pot and dishes were shaped like the turtle, making for an appealing presentation. Surprisingly, there was plenty of both vegetables and turtle to enjoy.The texture was similar to chicken, with a firm meat.The homemade ponzu and yuzu pepper added a very refined flavor.The finale was soft-shelled turtle zosui (rice porridge), rich in flavor from the broth and delicious.For dessert, I had vanilla ice cream and tea.The selection of alcoholic beverages, including Japanese sake, was excellent. Since I drove this time, I didn’t have any alcohol, but the homemade soft drinks were also delicious.The staff's service was exceptional, allowing for a comfortable two-hour dining experience. Less

I made a reservation for the weekday-only lunch set meal featuring soft-shelled turtle. Since it was my first time trying soft-shelled turtle, I opted for this special lunch set. I also ordered grilled liver as an extra.The turtle's skin was wonderfully chewy and had a unique texture I had never experienced before. The kara-age (fried turtle) was packed with flavor, tender yet meaty, and the grilled liver had no unpleasant odor, boasting a strong sweetness that was unlike anything I had tasted before. To finish, I enjoyed a soft-shelled turtle hot pot, rich in collagen. I added homemade yuzu pepper for a flavor twist, making for a truly satisfying lunch. I look forward to trying the dinner course next time! Less

I made a reservation for 11 AM at Ryotei Yamasa Ryokan 10 days ago.Located at 1785 Shimoke, Anjuin-cho, Usa City, Oita Prefecture, this restaurant has been in business since 1920.Upon arrival, I was guided to a private room, as all rooms are private.I had placed my order over the phone:● Ajimu Soft-Shelled Turtle Hot Pot CourseFresh blood, vinegared raw liver, and blanched turtle skin,soft-shelled turtle hot pot, rice porridge, pickles, and vanilla ice cream.Additionally, I ordered:● Soft-Shelled Turtle Sashimi.The soft-shelled turtle hot pot was similar to chicken, but the fat was even lighter.Packed with collagen, I’m sure it’s great for my skin!The secret homemade vinegar soy sauce was slightly sweet,and when paired with the homemade yuzu pepper, it tripled the deliciousness—absolutely amazing! The sashimi had a bit of a chewy texture, somewhat similar to sea bream,but it felt more like eating horse sashimi than fish!Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the soft-shelled turtle in the comfort of a private room!If you’re in the area, I highly recommend visiting.It was a great meal! Less

I enjoyed the Delicious Pursuit Course. The first dish featured the liver of the soft-shelled turtle, which had a subtle bitterness and aroma that created an unparalleled flavor experience. The sashimi had a chewy texture reminiscent of horse sashimi, yet it was leaner, releasing umami flavors with each bite, similar to seafood. My favorite was definitely the grilled liver. The selection of Japanese sake was impressive, and the pairing recommended by the owner was exceptional. Thank you for an exquisite experience! I will work hard to come back again! Less