Yebisuya, the oldest sake brewery in Hiroshima, was founded in 1603 and continued producing sake until 1995. Steeped in history, parts of the building date back to the Edo period, giving the space a quiet, timeless charm. Today, the restaurant doubles as a small museum, with beautifully preserved pottery sake bottles from centuries past on display—subtle reminders of its rich heritage.

I visited Tomonoura during the off-season, and the stillness made it feel like a truly personal experience. With hardly any visitors around, I felt as though I had the entire place to myself. The building is old, yet impeccably clean and well maintained—it truly feels like stepping back in time. It’s run by a lovely couple.

The menu is simple, offering just one lunch set, but every dish felt thoughtful and comforting. The meal was humble yet deeply satisfying, with each element prepared with care. To finish, I had a light and fluffy chocolate cake that wasn’t overly sweet, paired perfectly with a fragrant cup of hot yuzu tea.

At one point, the owner came over to share that the lacquer tray I was using was over 100 years old. His pride was evident, and I was genuinely surprised by how beautifully preserved it was—a small but memorable detail that made the experience even more special.