Jiyu Gekijo — Restaurant in Nozawaonsen

If you are lucky enough to get a booking at this unique restaurant do! The atmosphere is so traditional & authentic. The owner is welcoming and accommodating. The food is simple and delicious definitely recommend the lotus root stuffed with pork. All the food is on skewers and you cook over a little charcoal grill. Drinks are in the fridge help yourself and pay at the end. There are only two shared dining areas & restaurant closes at 9pm so arrive early. We had a great night we shared a bbq space with another group and chatted all night exchanging travel stories etc. if you like meeting other...

Nozawaonsen’s best kept secret. Better to make a reservation.

This is a help yourself, serve yourself, grill yourself, 串焼き (kushiyaki) restaurant. The price is determined by how many sticks you accumulate as your pick and choose your own ingredients to grill. You also grab your own drinks either from a beer vending machine or, from the fridge. You also pay for drinks by showing the owner the bottles you’ve consumed by the end of your meal.

Don’t forget to try the oden, it’s really good! This is a special place, please treat the owner with respect, he is a very kind and humble...

Absolutely loved our family dinner here tonight! What an amazing establishment and beautiful owner, so hospitable and welcoming, even though we arrived on a quiet evening, at the end of the season, and without a reservation.

The owner politely explained the menu, made some recommendations (all that we're amazing), and we had a blast cooking it over the charcoal grills with our 8 and 11 year olds. We will certainly be...