Rairaiken — Restaurant in Yamanouchi

The interior feels like you’ve been invited to your grandmother’s for dinner, and I mean that in the best possible way. There are zashiki style seating arrangements as well as a counter. The gyoza were succulent with a nicely seared exterior and flavor, but not crispy, so it was still a nice soft dumpling. They were delicious. The yakisoba was the best I have ever tried. The noodles had a perfect texture with colorful and nicely cooked vegetables throughout. The sauce was rich and flavorful with a lot of depth, garlicky, lightly spicy, full of savory umami, and hints of ginger. I wish I had taken a photo of this perfect dish. Gyoza, 2 yakisoba, and sake was only 2700 yen! We really wanted to return the next day but they were closed...

Had a nice time at this little shop. The food was delicious, but more so because of how unique the experience was. I really regret not speaking more Japanese to get the grandma’s name, but she was incredible my sweet and hospitable. She had an English menu, and she was open when I walked up at 6:30 or so pm (closed at 4 pm when I swung by earlier though). Like most places around—when the lights on the signs are on it’s open. The food was very cheaply priced, so I ordered gyoza and a bottle of Asahi (only sold by the bomber) to try to run the bill a little higher. She’s old school and will refuse a tip. Anyway, cool spot that will be unlike many other experiences most travelers will have....

Grandma’s place has been our go to place for an Asahi and Gyoza at the end of the day. It is like walking into her home, you sit down, watch TV with her and eat your choice of Gyoza, a rice dish or a few different ramens. All of which are delightful and very well priced. It’s been a real pleasure and experience hanging out here with gandma. She is an angel, but be warned there is no English...