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Aji No Kaze Nishimura
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Summary
Restaurant Details
Location
A Michelin-starred gem in ancient Sakurai, Nishimura Norihosa’s traditional cuisine is a masterclass in subtlety: intentional, sincere and pristine.
Restaurant Details
The wooden nameplate bathed in a warm yellow glow by night is the first sign of the reverent standard found in this Sakurai establishment. Near the mountains of Nara and within the rural pocket of the city, Nishimura Norihisa dons his white chef’s uniform and dedicates himself to traditional ryori cuisine with a near-religious devotion.
His cooking is sincere and a dreamy merging of tradition and intentional creativity. Dishes are grilled over pure Kishu Binchotan charcoal to ensure they lack a smoky aftertaste, while rice is prepared in a clay pot and mixed with hyper-local produce. He grates the bonito in front of guests as his apprentice prepares the appetizer. Vegetables come from a local shop in Tsuruhashi, and tofu is sourced from Sakurai.
Naturally, the menu weaves the story of Japan’s seasonal progression. In spring, Nishimura deep-fries bamboo shoots from Asuka without breading, then grills them with soy sauce. In summer, he pairs silken tofu with dashi made from tomato juice. In autumn, young ginkgo leaf crepes take center stage.
Despite its Michelin star maintained since 2022, Aji No Kaze Nishimura Nishimura maintains a good distance from the limelight. Not much has changed since its inception — always a sign of a long-lived venue.
Michelin Guide accolades:
2022 - 2024 - 1 Michelin Star
Aji No Kaze Nishimura Access Info
Aji No Kaze Nishimura is a 10-minute walk from Sakurai Station.
Aji No Kaze Nishimura Phone Number
0744-42-7773
Aji No Kaze Nishimura Business Days
Sunday
11:30 AM
03:00 PM
-
06:30 PM
09:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:30 AM
03:00 PM
-
06:30 PM
09:00 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM
03:00 PM
-
06:30 PM
09:00 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM
03:00 PM
-
06:30 PM
09:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM
03:00 PM
-
06:30 PM
09:00 PM
Saturday
06:30 PM
09:00 PM
-
11:30 AM
03:00 PM
Aji No Kaze Nishimura Address
Sumiyoshi Housing 1F, 1023ー3 Odono, Sakurai, Nara 633-0062
Aji No Kaze Nishimura Cancellation Policy
Cancel your reservation at least 1 week before the dining start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
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Restaurant location
The historic seat of power and faith in Japan, Nara has some of the most authentic and breathtaking culture in the entire country — and also friendly deer!
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September
2024
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¥2,000
reservation fee per guest*
Request Reservation
Free cancellation (1 week notice)
*Fee for reservation service only. This fee DOES NOT include any food, beverages, or services at the restaurant.
*Confirmation sent within seven business days.
*The reservation service charge will only apply if the reservation request is successful. If the restaurant cancels the reservation, 100% of the service charge will be refunded.
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