Tasting the nature of Minamiuonuma
”Keyakien”

A nostalgic Japanese house

The countryside of Minamiuonuma-shi becomes a snowy landscape during the winter. There stands a heavy structure with thatched roof. This country house was built in 1872. The scenery is nostalgic even though it is unfamiliar to you. A thick pillar and majestic beam, ”ranma” decorated with carvings, the interior with antique nuance, all give the feeling of good old days in Japan. There is a 1500 year old zelkova tree on the premise which have quietly watched over visitors throughout the years. The food made from seasonal ingredients are delicious and carries a warm comforting ambience for the guests.

The luxury of having seasonal ingredients

The course starts with jellied water shield, followed by boiled chrysanthemums, green onions and Japanese ginger with miso dressing, Japanese yam roll, grilled char, so on and so forth. An array of dishes rustic yet flavorful are served. Nakata’s favorite dish was the rice. “”The rice itself is good, it is cooked so that the rice is plump. It’s probably how it is cooked,”” said Nakata as he continued to eat. He was the first person to go for seconds. “”We try to use seasonal vegetables as much as possible, such as mountain vegetables in spring, home grown organic vegetables during summer,”” says the proprietor Naoko Nagumo. “”What is the secret to cooking rice? Could you give me a tip that anyone can replicate at home?”” Nagumo answers, “”Wash rice quickly and soak in water sufficiently. Use good tasting water. It is also important to let the rice stand and let settle after it is cooked.”” I hope the readers will try this.
Not only can you enjoy a meal but you can also stay at Keyakien. You can relish seasonal ingredients and delicious “”sake”” made in Niigata as you appreciate the scenery of each season. When you wake up after a good night’s sleep, you can enjoy breakfast accompanied by delicious rice. One will thoroughly be satisfied with the luxurious time spent at Keyakien.