Kurochaya 黒茶屋
A couple weeks ago we met a most kind Japanese man who wanted us to experience an authentic Japanese meal with him. A week, and several emails, later and we were being picked up by him and his wife at the Fussa Station. From there we went to Kurochaya, an amazing restaurant along the banks of the Akigawa River (River Aki actually). The grounds, atmosphere, and food were all fantastic.
This is the view of the handmade baskets in the gift shop with the river in the background through the window.
Our private room included a tokonoma (床の間) and ikebana (生け花) to go along with the walls of windows with views. ごちそうさまでした.
Should you ever be in Tokyo, and really want to experience a traditional Japanese meal (kaisekiryori or 懐石料理) and environment, then this is the place for you.
The address is 東京都あきる野市小中野167, info-e@kurochaya.net for reservations.
From central Tokyo take the Chuo Line (with transfer at Tachikawa onto the Ome Line) or Seibu Shinjuku Line west. Transfer at Haijima Station onto the Itsukaichi Line. Ride the line to the end, Musashiitsukaichi Station. You can walk or take a short cab ride from there.
April 11th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Looks great, sounds great. Does the staff speak English? 🙂
April 12th, 2010 at 1:51 am
I doubt the staff speaks English, although portions of their website are in English.
http://www.kurochaya.net/en/index.html (English version)
http://www.kurochaya.net/index-jp.html
I didn’t bring my dictionary along and we asked what the fish was (in Japanese). They came back five minutes later with “Landlocked Trout” written on a piece of paper in English so apparently they have access to a dictionary somewhere on the premises.
You really don’t need to speak Japanese to go here though. Just make a reservation (in English) via email. Show up and point to something on the menu. Eat everything (20+ small courses) and you’ll go home with a big smile on your face.
January 12th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Hi there! Your photos are beautiful! I found your blog because I am looking for photos of Kurochaya for a travel website I’m working on. It’s the work of a non-profit: Yokota Officer’s Spouses Club. The club has been publishing travel tips in a book to help Americans here get out and see Japan. I’m working to update the material and put it on the web.You can see it here: yokotatravel.com. This is an all-volunteer effort and we accept no ads. Unfortunately, I can’t pay, but i can give you credit and a link.
January 12th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
No problem, Liz, so long as you reference traveljapanblog.com/wordpress