Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan｜Hoshide-chaya

The most delicious Udon ever! The owners of this restaurant were gracious, kind, and very friendly. I would encourage anyone in the area to stop by and enjoy their hospitality and delicious food! As a foreigner traveling in Japan, this was the perfect little stop for lunch, it felt like traveling back to a time long forgotten.

A cute roadside tea shop right next to the park and shrine. They have lots of udon, mochi, and tempura options with and without side dishes. There is an English menu available but no accompanying pictures. Their wild edible vegetables are seasonal and they serve complimentary barley tea. I had the udon with beef and it was pretty good, but I recommend getting the whole set if you can. Ask for a "teishoku" (定食). The prices range from 650y to around 1000y if I remember correctly. For dessert, get the warabi mochi! Also, they have an elevated seating area in the traditional Japanese style of tatami, floor cushions, and a low table. If you decide to sit there, please take your shoes off before stepping on the tatami! You can also ask for a fork by saying "fo-ku kudasai". And in Japanese fashion, the servers do not check up on you periodically, so if you need anything, you can call out "sumimasen" in a loud voice to get their attention in the back. Don't worry, it's not rude!

The rabbit horn and warabi mochi were very soft and delicious. Nursery rhymes were playing in the store. I wonder if it matches the atmosphere of the store. In addition to eating in, you can also take home warabi mochi, rice balls, etc. In addition to eating and drinking, it also serves as a small general store.