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Katsura Chaya
Your go-to spot for local cuisine and souvenirs that showcase the unique character and flavors of Oita Prefecture.
Located roughly in the middle of Kyusuikei Gorge, a dramatic canyon lined with sheer cliffs and surrounded by untouched forest.
The dining area offers a wide variety of rustic yet distinctive dishes. Light bites include salt-grilled yamame trout, carefully grilled one by one over charcoal, and grilled dumplings enjoyed with the shop’s special yuzu soy sauce. For heartier fare, there are filling set meals such as Oita’s local specialty toriten (chicken tempura) set. In autumn and winter, the yamakake soba, served using natural wooden chopsticks, is also highly recommended.
An on-site souvenir corner is another highlight. By far the most popular item is the shop’s original sweet, “Even Demons Shed Tears”, sold by the box. This bestseller features handmade cookies generously sandwiched with cream containing wild mountain grapes, and its striking name has become a hit on social media.
As an added bonus, customers who spend 1,000yen or more receive a discount coupon for a nearby day-use hot spring facility located on the premises.
Highlights
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A dining and souvenir spot located roughly in the middle of Kyusuikei Gorge, surrounded by primeval forest.
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The restaurant offers a lineup of simple yet distinctive dishes.
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Popular items include salt-grilled yamame trout cooked over charcoal and grilled dumplings enjoyed with a special yuzu soy sauce.
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The hearty toriten set meal, an Oita specialty, has many repeat customers.
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The shop’s No.1 item is the original souvenir “Even Demons Shed Tears,” available only here.
Photos
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A popular rest stop when visiting Kyusuikei Gorge
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The shop’s original souvenir “Even Demons Shed Tears”-available while supplies last
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Oita’s local specialty, the Toriten Set Meal
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have menus in foreign languages or with pictures? (If so, please let us know the languages available.)
We have menu with pictures.
Q
Do you serve vegetarian menus?
Yes, we do.
Q
Can I get take-out?
Takeout is available for some menu items.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the restaurant?
Yes, it is.
Q
Is it possible to reserve seats?
Reservations are available for groups of 10 or more ordering the same menu.
Groups of around 15 people can usually be accommodated with little to no waiting.
Q
Are there any smoking areas?
There is outdoors smoking area.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 桂茶屋
- Postal Code
- 879-4911
- Address
- 953 tano, Kokonoemachi, Kusugun, Ooita
- Telephone
- 0973-79-3744
- Closed
- Irregular holidays
- Business Hours
- 8:00am - 6:00pm (Restaurant 11:00am - 2:30pm)
- Budget
- 1,000yen〜
- Access
- From JR Bungo-Mori Station, take the Kokonoe Town Community Bus bound for Kokonoe Tozanguchi. Get off at the Tenbodai Katsura Chaya bus stop, then walk about 1 minute.
- Credit Cards・Barcode payment
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)