SPACIA X × Girouette
We asked a chef who developed an appetizer to go with Nikko Brewing 's craft beer.
We asked about the restaurant's particularities and the appeal of Nikko-produced ingredients.
We asked about the restaurant's particularities and the appeal of Nikko-produced ingredients.
They sometimes help out with planting and harvesting the rice they purchase, as well as harvesting vegetables.
Mr. Fukui. He spoke passionately about his love for Nikko.
Mr. Fukui. He spoke passionately about his love for Nikko.
- Girouette
- Chef Shinnosuke Fukui
Girouette
A French restaurant opening in July 2021, located along Omotesando from Tobu-nikko Station to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Chef Shinnosuke Fukui, who trained at two-star restaurants in France, travels to the local area to discover unknown Nikko ingredients and spread the word about their deliciousness.
The appeal of appetizers
Smoked Itadakimasu Trout
First, I would like to talk about the ingredients used in this product.
"top
trout
The main ingredient of "Smoked" is "
top
trout
" This is a Nikko brand trout that is known only to those in the know.
Because they are raised in the clear streams that run through the nature-rich land of Ashio-cho, Nikko City, they have no unpleasant odor and are therefore edible even for people who don't like freshwater fish. What's more, they are carefully raised for a longer period than normal farming, giving them a rich, delicious flavor.
"
Because they are raised in the clear streams that run through the nature-rich land of Ashio-cho, Nikko City, they have no unpleasant odor and are therefore edible even for people who don't like freshwater fish. What's more, they are carefully raised for a longer period than normal farming, giving them a rich, delicious flavor.
Asano Pork Jerky
Another notable ingredient is “asano pork.” This is Tochigi Prefecture's proud brand of pigs, which are raised with special care in terms of feed, water, environment, etc. Although it is a valuable meat that is shipped in small numbers, I am so fond of it that I sell it wholesale. Its characteristics are that the fat is refreshing and the taste is deep! We created "Asano Pork Jerky" in collaboration with a product from a Japanese pepper specialty store in front of our store.
All of these are perfect for when you're feeling peckish, and they pair perfectly with the variety of craft beers sold on board the train.
All of these are perfect for when you're feeling peckish, and they pair perfectly with the variety of craft beers sold on board the train.
Thoughts on SPACIA X
A variety of Nikko-produced vegetables were used on the day we visited. Another appeal is that the ingredients are safe and secure and you can see the faces of the producers.
We are very happy to have the opportunity to let people traveling to Nikko enjoy delicious locally produced ingredients not only at the store but also on the train.
What is your favorite thing about Nikko?
Nikko has many great places, but my recommendation is the winter scenery of Oku-Nikko. Lake Chuzenji and its surrounding areas are deserted and are enveloped in silence. Although it is bitterly cold, being surrounded by the quiet nature will calm your mind.
Introduction of the store
Our recommendation for the ``Chomasu'' that you can eat at the restaurant is the Chōmasu and grapefruit salad (left). This signature salad is made with fresh trout and seasonal Nikko vegetables.
On the right is roasted Asano Pork. It has a chewy texture that is cooked at a low temperature, and the deliciousness of the fatty meat is also noteworthy.
On the right is roasted Asano Pork. It has a chewy texture that is cooked at a low temperature, and the deliciousness of the fatty meat is also noteworthy.
When I was studying in France, I learned that there are shops that can only be opened in rural areas. The restaurant's style is to find hidden local ingredients and serve them as delicious dishes, allowing people to learn about the charm of the region. I think it's a one-of-a-kind experience that you can't experience unless you visit the place.
Nikko is famous for yuba, but many people don't know that it has many other delicious ingredients as well. Blessed with abundant nature and an environment with varying temperatures, the area is characterized by the strong flavors of the vegetables and other ingredients. Through this shop, we want to spread the appeal of Nikko and the ingredients of the prefecture. Our job as chefs is to help bring out the original flavor of the ingredients. delicious! If you think so, that's the charm of Nikko's ingredients.
Additionally, on the table is a welcome plate carved by Nikko that I designed. It is one of Nikko's traditional crafts, but I wanted to show that there are also such colorful works.
Nikko is famous for yuba, but many people don't know that it has many other delicious ingredients as well. Blessed with abundant nature and an environment with varying temperatures, the area is characterized by the strong flavors of the vegetables and other ingredients. Through this shop, we want to spread the appeal of Nikko and the ingredients of the prefecture. Our job as chefs is to help bring out the original flavor of the ingredients. delicious! If you think so, that's the charm of Nikko's ingredients.
Additionally, on the table is a welcome plate carved by Nikko that I designed. It is one of Nikko's traditional crafts, but I wanted to show that there are also such colorful works.
You can relax in the chic white-based interior.
A colorful Nikko carving welcome plate. This is a one-of-a-kind Nikko carving designed by Mr. Fukui and created by Keiichi Nakayama of Nikko Mishimaya.
Girouette
- TEL
- 0288-25-5001
- business hours
- 11:30-14:00 (LO 13:00), 18:00-22:00 (Food LO 20:00, Drink LO 21:00)
- Regular holiday
- Monday/Tuesday
- location
- Tochigi 956 Shimohachiishi-cho, Nikko-shi, Nikko
- access
- 13 minutes walk from Tobu-nikko Nikko Station on the Tobu-nikko
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SPACIA X × Izawaichigoen
Izawaichigoen created original sweets products.
We visited Atsuhiko Izawa in Shimotsuke, Tochigi Prefecture, and asked him about his hometown of Tochigi and his thoughts on the products he has developed.
We visited Atsuhiko Izawa in Shimotsuke, Tochigi Prefecture, and asked him about his hometown of Tochigi and his thoughts on the products he has developed.
Mr. Izawa is still involved in growing strawberries, paying special attention to water and soil.
Gelato trained at a famous store in Tokyo.
Gelato trained at a famous store in Tokyo.
- Izawaichigoen
- Mr. Atsuhiko Izawa
Nikko Dorabata-san (Nikko Dorabata-san)
A shop that sells "Dorabata-san", a new type of hybrid sweets created by gelato and cafe Izawaichigoen. It is located in Nishi-Sando Chaya, which is convenient for sightseeing. You can take out original sweets made by a long-established confectionery store in Tochigi City, such as dorayaki with red bean paste sandwiched between the hand-baked skin and our signature gelato.
What is the appeal of the five types of sweets served on the train?
Some people may find it strange that Izawaichigoen, which is also a strawberry producer, created a product that will be sold inside the SPACIA X It is true that we are the primary producers of strawberries. However, they are also focusing on activities that bring back vitality to rural areas, and in addition to gelato made with home-grown strawberries and other ingredients, they also produce a variety of other products. The basis of this is the awareness that no matter what product we produce, we are the representatives of farmers and that we make them heroes. I believe that by using ingredients from local farmers in Shimotsuke and Tochigi Prefecture, as well as from domestic and overseas farmers who are serious about agriculture, we can revitalize farmers and restore vitality to rural areas. Therefore, Yoshidamura Village was established on the former JA site in Shimotsuke. We renovated a magnificent warehouse made of Oya stone and opened a shop, cafe, hotel, and glamping facility. Our restaurant is located next door, and we are now attracting a lot of people.
In addition to the "Sake-kasu Gelato" that is only available on SPACIA X,
We offer recommended products as "Today's Gelato"
We offer recommended products as "Today's Gelato"
With this in mind, one of the products we have created to be served on board is "Sake-kasu Gelato." This is a product that is only available on board the train, combining cheese gelato made from pasteurized milk from Nasu Senbonmatsu Farm with sake lees from Watanabe Sahei Shoten, a sake brewery in Nikko where sake is sold on board. There is also a "Today's Gelato" that is a Tochigi-style product made with home-grown strawberries. All of the gelatos are made with a natural sweetness in mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor of the ingredients.
Sake lees butter sandwich
Sake-lees & Rice-flour Cracker Biscuits
Sake-lees & Rice-flour Cracker Biscuits
The sake lees from Nikko's Katayama Shuzo, which also produces sake for sale on the train, have been kneaded into butter sandwiches and cracker biscuits. These products are designed to go well with beer and sake.
Thoughts on SPACIA X
Through SPACIA X
Introduction of the store
This product is sold exclusively at Nikko stores. The one on the left is Mr. Dorabata (strawberry), and the one on the right is Mr. Dragera (milk). A unique taste that combines Japanese and Western flavors.
Although our gelato shop is a little far from Nikko, we have two in our local roadside station Shimotsuke and in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture. There is a directly managed cafe in Yoshida Village Village next to the head office, and a restaurant next door that uses locally grown vegetables. Furthermore, in Nikko, which will be our destination on SPACIA X The skin of the dorayaki, which is hand-baked in the store, is made by artisans who are particular about the ingredients, including the moist and textured Takaragasa wheat flour, orchard eggs from Nasu, beet sugar from Hokkaido, and ripe acacia honey. thing. The filling is also carefully cooked with Hokkaido-produced large-grain red beans, Toyosho.
Gelato is also available at stores in Nikko. The photo shows half of our signature product, strawberry milk and pistachio.
To go with this dorayaki, there are 4 types of Nikko Dorabata sandwiched with special butter cream, and 6 types of Nikko Doragela sandwiched with homemade gelato. In the center of Nikko, where many people gather, we will convey the thoughts and stories of farmers from all over the region.
Yoshida Village Village, where Mr. Izawa serves as the village chief. It used to be a place where JA housed and locals gathered, but after it closed, it became an empty warehouse. Mr. Izawa renovated it into a place where people from outside the prefecture can also visit.
Lunch menu at the restaurant attached to the headquarters. There are plenty of vegetables, many of which are locally grown.
Nikko Dorabata-san (Nikko Dorabata-san)
- TEL
- 0288-25-6970
- business hours
- 10:00～17:00
- Regular holiday
- Wednesday
- location
- Tochigi 10-20 Yasukawa-cho, Nikko-shi, Nikko
- access
- 30 minutes walk from Tobu-nikko Nikko Station on the Tobu-nikko
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SPACIA X × Mitsuyama Youkan Honpo
The yokan has the same flavor as the one from the main store, wrapped in a cutely designed package that is only sold inside the train.
We asked Yasuhiro Mitsuyama, the 4th generation owner, about the thoughts and commitment he put into this.
We asked Yasuhiro Mitsuyama, the 4th generation owner, about the thoughts and commitment he put into this.
Mr. Mitsuyama talked about his love for Nikko as well as his commitment to yokan.
In the guest room opposite the main store
In the guest room opposite the main store
- Mitsuyama Youkan
- Yasuhiro Mitsuyama
Mitsuyama Youkan Honpo
Since its founding in 1895, this long-established store has consistently made only yokan. It is a famous Nikko confectionery with a long history, and has been used as a gift to the imperial family resting at the Tamozawa Imperial Villa in Nikko, and also as an official item at Nikko Futarasan Shrine. The elegant sweetness and rich flavor of red beans are created through traditional handcraft techniques that have been passed down through the generations. In addition to the bite-sized One-bite Yokan, we also recommend the mizu yokan, which brings out the deliciousness of Nikko's famous water.
What is the appeal of the yokan in the original package inside the car?
One-bite Yokan (1 piece)
What we offer on the train is One-bite Yokan, which is also sold at our main store. However, the small box is a colorful one depicting the scenery of Nikko, and the outer box containing 3 pieces has a Kanuma Kumiko pattern reminiscent of the window frame of SPACIA X, so you can see the pattern on the small box. We have Inbound a product that is suitable for the new limited express, combining Nikko's traditional yokan with a new design.
One-bite Yokan (set of 3)
The ingredients for yokan are really simple: azuki beans, agar, sugar, and water. The unique characteristics of the ingredients come out directly, and changing the manufacturing method will also change the taste. For this reason, we continue to carefully select raw materials and are particular about handmade products that have remained unchanged since ancient times. Using Nikko's famous water, it has a smooth and elegant texture, and a rich sweetness that is satisfying as a Japanese sweet. However, the taste is actually changing little by little to match the tastes of customers, which change with the times.
Thoughts on SPACIA X
I feel that Limited Express Train is packed with the fun of traveling. In a sense, they are the guardians of Japan's travel culture. We hope that together with our new customers, we will bring a new breeze to Nikko.
What is your favorite thing about Nikko?
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this area offers a variety of natural scenery. Of course, there is history, and there are many famous historical sites. My first favorite is Takio Shrine, located north of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. There are hardly any people in sight, and the atmosphere is quiet and dignified.
The other is Kannonji Temple, which stands on a hill behind the main store. This place is rarely visited by tourists, but it is recommended because you can get a panoramic view of Nikko city. The atmosphere is different from the tourist-filled streets of Omotesando and other areas of Nikko, and you will be able to see both the ``dynamic'' and ``static'' aspects of Nikko.
The other is Kannonji Temple, which stands on a hill behind the main store. This place is rarely visited by tourists, but it is recommended because you can get a panoramic view of Nikko city. The atmosphere is different from the tourist-filled streets of Omotesando and other areas of Nikko, and you will be able to see both the ``dynamic'' and ``static'' aspects of Nikko.
Introduction of the store
Yokan from Nikko has a history of being loved by travelers since the Edo period. Continuing to preserve this tradition. I believe that it is not about things remaining the same, but about passing on the good parts and continuing to change. In this way, we are able to continue to protect Nikko's yokan, a traditional confectionery, that is accepted by customers of each era.
One-bite Yokan that has the same taste as the yokan sold inside the train. Available retail and in boxes (from 8 pieces), they have a long shelf life and are popular as Nikko souvenirs.
Mizu Yokan, which has a smoother texture and a softer texture, is also one of their signature products that you must try (Image provided by Mitsuyama Youkan Co., Ltd.)
Inside the store, you can feel the style of a long-established store.
It is located about 300 meters from Shinkyo Bridge in front of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, making it a convenient location to stop by when visiting two shrines and one temple.
Mitsuyama Youkan Honpo
- TEL
- 0288-54-0068
- business hours
- 8:00～18:30
- Regular holiday
- new year's day
- location
- Tochigi 914 Naka Hachiishi-cho, Nikko-shi, Nikko
- access
- 20 minutes walk from Tobu-nikko Nikko Station on the Tobu-nikko
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SPACIA X x Uezawa Umetaro Shoten
We will start serving miso soup from spring 2024, which is perfect for eating bento in the car.
We visited Uezawa Yuki to learn more about the appeal of these products, which are full of the essence of Nikko.
We visited Uezawa Yuki to learn more about the appeal of these products, which are full of the essence of Nikko.
Uezawa-san continues to carry on the traditions of his long-established business while also taking on new challenges
- Uezawa Umetaro Shoten
- Yuki Uezawa
Uezawa Umetaro Shoten
This is a long-established store representing Nikko, founded at the same time as the construction of Nikko Toshogu Shrine as a storehouse for the rice tax of Nikko Shrine. It began producing miso and soy sauce in the mid-Edo period, and invented "tamari pickles" after World War II. Today, it is a beloved Nikko specialty. The freeze-dried miso soup served on board is one of its most popular items, due to its Nikko-esque character and convenience.
What is the appeal of miso soup?
Freeze-dried miso soup sold in stores
The Nikko miso and yuba miso soup served on board the Spacia X is the "Yuba and Spinach Freeze-Dried Miso Soup" that is also sold in stores and online. This product was created with the desire to make it possible for people to enjoy delicious miso soup even on busy mornings by simply pouring in hot water. The ingredients that go with the additive-free, naturally brewed Nikko miso made from Nikko rice and soybeans are deep-fried yuba, a Nikko specialty, and colorful spinach. The koji used to make the miso is made from special rice grown in terraced fields that draws water from the Kirifuri River that flows through the Kirifuri Plateau.
In fact, fried yuba and spinach miso soup is a familiar dish that is often served in ordinary households in Nikko, where yuba is common. Nikko has many famous dishes, but I'm glad you learned about this simple local miso soup.
In fact, fried yuba and spinach miso soup is a familiar dish that is often served in ordinary households in Nikko, where yuba is common. Nikko has many famous dishes, but I'm glad you learned about this simple local miso soup.
Thoughts on SPACIA X
For us, who are locals of Nikko, "riding the Tobu Railway" means "going on a trip" or "starting a new life." All those memories are linked to the scenery we saw from the train window back then, and are burned into our minds... That's what makes this a special railway.
That alone is wonderful enough, but the Spacia X is not just a means of transportation; it is a special express train that allows you to enjoy the time you spend on board. I think many people will visit Nikko on the Spacia X, and I would be very happy if our miso soup could add color to the Nikko region as an expression of its local character.
That alone is wonderful enough, but the Spacia X is not just a means of transportation; it is a special express train that allows you to enjoy the time you spend on board. I think many people will visit Nikko on the Spacia X, and I would be very happy if our miso soup could add color to the Nikko region as an expression of its local character.
What is your favorite thing about Nikko?
After working in China, I came back to my hometown. I was surprised by the blueness of the sky in Nikko, the freshness of the air, and the irreplaceable charm of the place. Nikko is rich in nature. My favorite area in Nikko is the Koraigawa area. The area is filled with idyllic scenery that can be called the original Japanese landscape, woven together by rivers, mountains, and valleys. It's fun to travel around in search of the unknown Nikko.
Introduction of the store
The owner two generations ago created tamari pickles, which are now a standard Nikko souvenir. Tamari pickles are vegetables pickled in tamari, the clear top layer of miso produced in-house, and their signature product is pickled scallions grown in the prefecture. They also use carefully selected ingredients for their other products, such as ginger from Mibu Town in the prefecture and radishes harvested in the winter that are aged for a long time at low temperatures.
Our shop in Shimo-imaichi, which is committed to in-house manufacturing and direct sales, offers a wide variety of products like these, as well as other delicious ways to eat rice. In addition, in a Japanese-style house behind the shop, we also operate a breakfast specialty shop called "Shiruhanka no Mise Inkyo Uwasawa," where you can enjoy rice, miso soup, and a variety of pickles. You can experience a rich Japanese breakfast without getting bored of its simplicity.
Our shop in Shimo-imaichi, which is committed to in-house manufacturing and direct sales, offers a wide variety of products like these, as well as other delicious ways to eat rice. In addition, in a Japanese-style house behind the shop, we also operate a breakfast specialty shop called "Shiruhanka no Mise Inkyo Uwasawa," where you can enjoy rice, miso soup, and a variety of pickles. You can experience a rich Japanese breakfast without getting bored of its simplicity.
The main store is packed with a wide range of products.
They also sell clay pots for cooking delicious rice.
Miso made with rice koji from rice terraces is aged after preparation.
In addition to the classic tamari pickles, new products such as mixed nuts and dried fruit tamari pickles are also available.
Uezawa Umetaro Shoten
- TEL
- 0288-21-0002
- business hours
- 8:30～17:30
- Regular holiday
- Third Wednesday of every month (may vary on public holidays and during peak periods)
- location
- Tochigi 487 Imaichi, Nikko-shi, Nikko
- access
- 14 minutes walk from Shimo-imaichi Station on Tobu-nikko
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Information on On-Board Cafe
Food menu introduction
Appetizers/Snacks
- raw materials
- Asano pork, salt, soy sauce, Japanese pepper, red wine, pepper
- Specified raw materials
- none
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - pig
- raw materials
- Top trout, salt, pepper, herbs, olive oil
- Specified raw materials
- none
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - none
- raw materials
- Flour, rice flour, butter, milk, sake lees (Katayama Shuzo), sugar, salt, pepper (some of the raw materials include wheat and dairy products)
- Specified raw materials
- wheat, milk
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - none
- raw materials
- French fries (potatoes (China), vegetable oil, salt), powdered soy sauce, tamari miso soy sauce powder, seasonings (amino acids, etc.)
- Specified raw materials
- wheat
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - soy
- raw materials
- Glutinous rice (100% domestic), vegetable oil, dried yuba (contains soybeans), salt, sugar, chili pepper, garlic powder, seasonings (amino acids, etc.)
- Specified raw materials
- none
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - soy
Sweets
- raw materials
- Milk (raw milk (produced in Tochigi Prefecture)), skim concentrated milk, natural cheese powder, sake lees (Watanabe Sahei Shoten), sugar, glucose, honey, fresh cream, almonds, salt/trehalose, stabilizer (polysaccharide thickener), ( (Contains some dairy products)
- Specified raw materials
- milk
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - almond
- raw materials
- Butter, flour, sugar, sake lees (Katayama Shuzo), almond powder, white chocolate, egg yolk, honey, salt (some of the raw materials include wheat, milk, and eggs)
- Specified raw materials
- wheat, milk, eggs
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - almond
- raw materials
- Butter, egg whites, granulated sugar, almond flour, domestic wheat flour, vanilla oil
- Specified raw materials
- wheat, eggs, milk
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - almond
- raw materials
- Rusks (wheat flour, shortening, yeast, sugar, salt, wheat gluten, cornstarch, wheat malt powder, acerola powder) / Semi-chocolate (vegetable fats and oils, sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, skimmed milk powder) / Emulsifier, coloring (beetroot), flavoring, antioxidant (V.E), (contains wheat, dairy products, soybeans)
- Specified raw materials
- wheat, milk
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - Soybeans (contains wheat, dairy products, and soybeans)
- raw materials
- Sugar (domestic production), red beans, agar
- Specified raw materials
- none
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - none
- raw materials
- Sugar (domestic production), red beans, agar
- Specified raw materials
- none
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - none
- raw materials
- Semi-chocolate (vegetable oil, sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, skim milk powder) (manufactured in Japan), dried strawberries/emulsifier, fragrance (contains milk ingredients and soybeans in part)
- Specified raw materials
- milk
- For specific raw materials
equivalent - none
