Around this time of year, many people visit Odaigahara and other parts of Yoshino to see the beautiful reds and yellows of leaves. I see many people get off at Kintetsu Yamato Kami-ichi Station and wait for their bus deeper into the mountains. Just in case you are hungry, I want to share a little wisdom I received from the locals, as I think you too will enjoy eating where “everyone around here” eats.

Hikari Shokudo is a traditional Japanese diner located in front of the station. I took off my shoes, and stepped up and sat on a floor pillow next to the window.

Across the Yoshino River, the layers of mountains zigzagged over one another to Yoshinoyama and beyond. The busy sounds of the lumber across the river were a pleasant reminder of the Yoshino cedar this area is famous for. Locals recommend the maki-zushi sushi roll at Hikari Shokudo, but I felt like warming up with the Kayaku Udon today.

Filled with meat, fried crisp, and other fixing, eating here felt less like a restaurant and more like a home. The flowers, Eto animal decorations, and local photographs give it a warmth not found in chain diners. I know people who eat here many times a month, so I feel this place is essential for the local experience.

If you are short on time, or want something you can take with you, I recommend walking down the hill and around the corner to Kuninaka Meats.

This place is a popular stop for locals, thanks to the freshly fried beef-potato croquettes! At 60 yen a piece, you can easily buy a bag of them for you and your friends.

Take them with you on a hike to the mountains, or back to the city as a warm memory of Yoshino. I am lucky enough to have been on the receiving end of these beef-potato croquettes a few times, and they always make my day.