Savor Yamanashi’s Finest Rice | Where to Enjoy Donabe-Cooked Meals（Clay Pot Rice）

The world is paying increasing attention to the taste and nutritional value of Japanese rice. Depending on the region, Japanese rice can offer a variety of flavors and textures—chewy and sticky, firm and hearty, or subtly sweet and aromatic.

One region that stands out in particular is Yamanashi Prefecture. Especially in the northwest area, rice cultivated with the nutrient-rich spring water of the Yatsugatake Mountains is renowned for its exceptional flavor and quality.

In this article, we’ll introduce several recommended restaurants where you can enjoy donabe (clay pot) rice made with Yamanashi-grown rice. These gourmet spots allow you to fully savor the unique sweetness and umami of local rice, cooked to perfection in traditional clay pots.

At the end of the article, we’ll also highlight an accommodation where guests can enjoy freshly cooked Yamanashi rice as part of their stay. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to experience the local gourmet culture of Yamanashi through its rice.

Ginsyari-dokoro Komeemon

At Ginsyari-dokoro Komeemon, you can enjoy five different types of Yamanashi-grown rice, rotated daily. The donabe rice here is prepared using Kyoto-trained culinary techniques, resulting in rice that is fluffy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. Each grain stands tall, delivering a rich taste with every bite.

Both rice and miso soup are unlimited, while guests can select from 6–7 small seasonal side dishes. Main dishes feature local seafood and Yamanashi-raised meats, carefully crafted to pair perfectly with rice. In the evening, guests can also order from the neighboring sister restaurant Jidori no Ueda, offering even more variety.

Step inside, and you’ll find a calm, Kyoto-style teahouse ambiance—an ideal setting to enjoy donabe rice at its finest.

【Ginsyari-dokoro Komeemon】

Meshiya Senzui

Located inside Fujisan Station, Meshiya Senzui offers a truly unique donabe rice experience. The restaurant uses Milky Queen rice grown in Fujiyoshida without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This variety, derived from Koshihikari, is known for its stickiness and ability to stay soft even when cooled.

The donabe are custom-made Shigaraki ware clay pots, designed to retain high heat and prevent uneven cooking. This ensures perfectly steamed rice with each grain standing firm and full of flavor.

Both lunch and dinner include all-you-can-eat rice refills, paired with side dishes made from seasonal local ingredients. Even when full, you’ll find yourself reaching for another serving.

【Meshiya Senzui】

Umami LABO Koizumi

A hidden gem in Kofu City, Umami LABO Koizumi specializes in donabe rice and charcoal-grilled cuisine. The rice used is Tsuyahime from Yamagata Prefecture, which the chef personally considers the best rice ever tasted. Known for its chewy texture and sweetness, Tsuyahime becomes even more flavorful when cooked in donabe.

The restaurant also offers dishes such as charcoal-grilled eel and Koshu beef, enhancing the dining experience. With its intimate and refined atmosphere, this is the perfect spot for a date or special occasion.

【Umami LABO Koizumi】

Cafe & Dining Sakura

Located near Lake Kawaguchiko, Cafe & Dining Sakura is famous for its local specialty Fuji Mabushi, a donabe rice dish featuring rainbow trout raised in the pure spring water of Mt. Fuji.

【How to enjoy Fuji Mabushi】
1. Mix the crispy fried trout with rice.
2.Add local condiments and seasonal sides.
3.Pour hot dashi broth over the rice for a comforting ochazuke-style finish.

This style, similar to Nagoya’s hitsumabushi, offers three different flavors in one meal. From March–May and October–December, a special version called Fuji Hime Mabushi, made with the rare Himemasu trout, is also available.

【Cafe & Dining Sakura】

Private Villa Glamping Fuji Yamanakako | A Luxury Stay with Yamanashi Cuisine

Located in a prime setting with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Private Villa Glamping Fuji Yamanakako offers guests the chance to enjoy glamping in complete privacy while indulging in the rich flavors of Yamanashi cuisine. Surrounded by nature, this property is the perfect retreat for those seeking both relaxation and luxury.

Meals here are centered around BBQ and hot pot dishes, showcasing the best of local Yamanashi flavors. The highlight is the glamping BBQ, featuring Koshu beef sirloin and 14-day aged meat, cooked to your preferred doneness. Guests can also enjoy freshwater fish grilled with salt, raised in the clear streams of Oshino, along with crisp salads made from local vegetables.

One of the unique charms of this property is the option to bring your own ingredients and drinks. Each villa includes a kitchen, making it easy to prepare your own meals. For example, you can cook authentic Yamanashi rice in the provided pot—even without a rice cooker, you’ll have perfectly cooked rice in just 20–30 minutes.

Whether enjoying a BBQ under the stars, savoring locally inspired cuisine, or cooking your own rice, guests will find this glamping villa to be an ideal accommodation for couples, families, and groups of friends looking to immerse themselves in both luxury and local gourmet culture.

Want to know more about Private Villa Glamping Fuji Yamanakako? Click here!

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【Private Villa Glamping Fuji Yamanakako】

Summary

In this article, we introduced some of the best restaurants in Yamanashi where you can enjoy donabe-cooked rice. Rice nurtured by the region’s pure spring water has a distinctive sweetness, elasticity, and umami that set it apart from other regions. Cooking it in a traditional clay pot enhances these qualities even further.

For those who prefer to enjoy rice in its simplest form, we also recommend checking out our related article featuring specialty onigiri shops in Yamanashi. Freshly cooked rice shaped into onigiri is another way to savor the natural flavors of this local staple.

When visiting Yamanashi, be sure to experience the versatility and depth of local rice culture through these unique dining experiences.

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