Irorian Hanamizuki

This restaurant is within the grounds of the ryokan Choseikan, in Nagatoro, Saitama. Nagatoro is halfway up the Arakawa River, around two hours by train from Shinjuku. Udon is the restaurant’s speciality, but from spring to autumn, in a summerhouse within the gardens, it’s possible to try nagashi-somen. Even in summer, it’s beautifully cool within the shade of the trees in the lush setting. The surrounding landscape is impressive: the lively river flows close by, allowing for activities like rafting and boating.