"Ushimaru" is an Italian restaurant in a standalone house surrounded by nature. It sits in a corner of a suburb in Sanmu, Chiba Prefecture, a bit inland from Kujukuri Beach on Boso, about 2 hours by train from central Tokyo. It was opened in 2000 as a "local production for local consumption" Italian restaurant making use of the abundant ingredients of Chiba, under an owner whose parents operated a dairy farm in the area. Chef Ken Uchiya is a talented practitioner who trained at restaurants in Tokyo and who counts Chef Shutoku Kobayashi of "Bingo" in Nishiazabu.
"Ushimaru" is committed to ingredients from known producers. Chef Uchiya himself passionately selects the bounty of Chiba for use in his dishes, including fresh fish caught in Kujukuri, vegetables procured from locally contracted farmers, mushrooms picked in the mountains, and venison, wild boar, and other game. Ice cream made with fresh local milk is famous at "Ushimaru," as is focaccia bread and handmade pasta featuring wheat grown in Chiba. The many powerfully flavored dishes bring out the goodness of their ingredients through simple cooking methods, to enchant one discriminating gourmand guest after another. Italian, French, Japanese, and other wines are available; courses pairing drink to dishes and to guests' preferences also offer sake. Alcohol-free cocktails, barley tea from Chiba, and other offerings are available for non-drinkers.
Outside, "Ushimaru" presents a Southern European style; inside, it presents a calm space finished within a classic interior. Seating is at tables, and a private room can be reserved for parties of 4 to 8. Aiming for a location and dishes possible only in its region, "Ushimaru" is worth a visit from Tokyo or anywhere in Japan. It's also recommended as the centerpiece of a Chiba trip, with hot springs and other tourist attractions not far away.
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*The availability of this webpage does not guarantee that the restaurant presented provides services in English unless otherwise stated. Please be aware that English services may also depend on staff availability at the restaurant.
【Access】
A 35-minute walk from Matsuo Station(JR Sobu Line)
