Minoh, Osaka, Japan｜Ichijunisai Ueno Minoh

During our stay in Osaka we came to Mino-o by train to hike to Minoh Falls and upon learning about this Michelin star restaurant we made a reservation online for the 9 course Kaiseki lunch (we prepaid about 26,000JPY for two of us). After having experienced the meal, it was totally worth it and we're glad we could try out this restaurant. The restaurant close to the start of the Minoh Falls hike and only a short walk from Mino-o station. We hiked up to Minoh Falls first and then came back to the restaurant a few minutes before it opened at noon. We were seated in a private room and the courses were served with enough time in between to savor the dishes. As you can see from the photos, each dish was presented artfully and tasted great. They follow some sequence of dishes as required for Kaiseki meals with soup, vegetables, fish, meat and ending with a substantial salmon rice dish ( they packed up the leftover rice dish for us to take out). The whole meal took about two and a half hours. It was such a unique and pleasant experience that we would definitely come here again if we are in this area.

First of all, I want to mention that we were awfully late for our dinner booking because our transport did not turn up and our big group had to make our way over in three different taxis with the last group arriving over 40mins late. Not only did they not make a fuss but were wonderfully understanding. The restaurant is located inside a national park and is absolutely beautiful and serene, I can hands down say this is one of the best setting I have ever dined in. The service was of course impeccable, every dish was explained clearly to us and the pace of the meal was not rushed (despite us being late and it running quite late). Then onto the food, which were beautifully crafted, in their presentation as well as flavours. All the dishes were seasonal and wonderfully prepared to highlight their freshness and flavours. The shirako was my highlight - already a wonderful ingredient in its own right but here they prepared it in a way I have never had anywhere else, lightly grilled and with a ponzu sauce that goes so well with it. Out of this world. It was not cheap and you have to go out of the way to get to it if you are in Osaka but it is most definitely worth it.

Wow! I had a question about one of the dishes and then owner came in to chat with me about it. We were there for 2.5 hours and 12 courses in think. All of the food was good. I only do not like sea urchin. Meat in most dishes, which I appreciate. One part that sets this place apart is the presentation. They bring in large dishes of food to show you what you will be eating. There is a lot of variety in the presentation. Service was great. We had our own room and I enjoyed the privacy. Some restaurants have staff watching you at every moment, which can make you feel pampered but is not private. Our view was just okay. We could see trees and all the insects moving about were cool. We were on the second floor.