Experience Irori Grilling in Oku-Takao! Discover Mountain Village Food Traditions at Irori no Sato Takaosan Nanushi Gonsuke

Buildings that evoke old Japan spread across approximately 19,800 square meters of spacious grounds.
At night, light spills from the windows as the aroma of grilling food and the sound of laughter drift through the air.
The scene captures the nostalgic feel of a night in a mountain village.
The paths from reception to the separate dining buildings are deliberately laid out like a maze.
Simply following a small path without knowing where it leads is part of the experience.

The 30 separate dining buildings scattered across the grounds vary in layout and atmosphere.
Options include table-and-chair seating, horigotatsu seating (low tables with a sunken space underneath for your legs), and tatami rooms with mat flooring and floor seating, so you can choose what suits your group size and occasion.
Some rooms also welcome guests with pets.
Reclaimed main support pillars and large structural beams from rural farmhouses feature throughout the property.
The character and warmth of this reclaimed timber give Gonsuke its distinctive sense of comfort.

Gonsuke is surrounded by Oku-Takao’s lush natural scenery.
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, deep greenery envelops the grounds in summer, and Japanese maples turn fiery shades in autumn.
The setting changes with the seasons, making every visit feel fresh.
Spots to explore are dotted around the grounds, including Tsukimidai (a moon-viewing platform) and Kappa Pond.
Along with robatayaki, you can enjoy the scenery of each season.

One key to irori grilling is to avoid putting too many ingredients on the grill at once.
Grilling everything at the same time creates smoke and means all the food will be ready together.
The trick is to choose a few things you want to eat and tend to them patiently as they cook.
The ideal level of doneness varies by ingredient.
Some ingredients become tough if overcooked, while others develop a deeper flavor when thoroughly grilled over charcoal.
If you are unsure about anything, the staff will be happy to help.

Once the food is cooked all the way through, savor it one piece at a time.
Charcoal grilling brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
As you enjoy the sweetness of the meat’s melting fat or the savory flavor of plump, tender fish, the distinctive aroma of charcoal grilling adds to the pleasure.
Enjoy each item fresh from the grill, taking your time to appreciate its individual character.

In your own separate dining room, you can enjoy time together in complete privacy.
Grilling food together naturally sparks conversation and soon has everyone laughing.
Perhaps that intimate atmosphere explains why people often choose it for special occasions such as marriage proposals or a first meeting between a couple’s families.
After your meal, take a leisurely stroll around the grounds.
Time spent soaking up the mountain village atmosphere brings your Gonsuke experience to a fitting close.

This classic set menu brings together a balanced selection of meat, fish, shellfish, and vegetables from land and sea.
Its broad appeal makes it the most frequently ordered set menu.
The nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) turns soft and flaky over the charcoal, while the donko shiitake mushrooms release more flavor with every bite.
The abalone has a pleasantly springy texture, and pairing it with butter brings out even more aroma and savory flavor.
Grated yam provides a refreshing finish to the meal.

Built around beef tenderloin, this set menu focuses on meat dishes, including wagyu beef steak skewers and fresh sausages.
It is a popular choice for hearty eaters and families with growing children.
The wagyu beef steak skewers deliver rich flavor from fat that seems to melt the moment it touches your tongue.
The signature Gonsuke mochi is crisp and fragrant on the outside, with a soft, chewy center.
Adding the sweet sauce brings out the mochi’s natural sweetness.
If you want to indulge in rich, meaty flavors, this is the set menu for you.

The restaurant is about five minutes by car from Takaosanguchi Station or about 15 minutes from JR Takao Station.
There is a dedicated parking lot with space for 70 cars.

The journey from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station takes about 55 minutes on a Keio Line limited express train.