【Onsen Dining】"Touge no Mixed Fry Set Meal" at Touge no Yu, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture.

The author, who enjoys solitude, headed to Togeno-yu in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture. While viewing the magnificent Uramyougi Mountain Range, I savored the hot spring gourmet.

At "Toge no Yu" in Usui Pass Forest Park, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, enjoy a hot spring cafeteria

The cafeteria, which is adjacent to the hot spring, is rarely crowded, allowing you to enjoy local gourmet dishes and rustic flavors. The author, who does not fare well in crowded restaurants, decided to visit "Toge no Yu" at Usui Pass Forest Park in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture this time.

This hot spring features natural, gently alkaline, soft-spring water and is part of a complex facility that includes cottages and a campsite, bustling with local visitors and hikers.

Looking at the menu of the cafeteria "Toge no Chaya," it offers not only soba and udon but also a variety of set meals. I decided on the "Toge no Mixed Fry Set Meal."

The interior is very spacious with an open feel, creating an atmosphere conducive to a relaxing meal. After looking around the restaurant, I chose a counter seat with a panoramic view of the back Myogi Mountain Range, which includes Mount Mitake, Chosu-iwa, Akaiwa, Eboshi-iwa, and Tankyu-yama.

The Toge no Mixed Fry Set Meal that my body was craving.

While waiting and enjoying the scenery, the meal was prepared. The portion was just right and looked very delicious. Perfect.

First, I took a bite of the crispy fried crab claw cream croquette. It was rich, with the flavor of crab standing out, and very tasty. I love cream-based dishes, and as it gets colder, I crave a rich taste, so this was just perfect for that day's mood.

I dipped the shrimp fry in mayonnaise and took a bite. The stable, bouncy texture of the shrimp was perfect—nothing to complain about. It had a light texture that didn’t weigh on the stomach, and I finished it all in no time. Thank you for the meal.

A journey to enjoy the charm of Gunma

The area around the hot springs is known as Sakamoto-juku on the Nakasendo Road, and it had a historical charm. Old buildings lined the streets, and I could see historical structures that must be well-preserved.

What draws me to Gunma is that there are many buildings likely constructed before I was born, and it offers a landscape that can be called Japan's original scenery. While there is charm in the functional, modern townscape, I think these kinds of views possess a unique flavor, much like an old car.

I took a snapshot of Mount Myogi and the Jimny at a Happy Drink Shop I passed by. The Happy Drink Shops, mainly found in Yamanashi Prefecture, serve as rest areas that combine inexpensive drink vending machines and drive-ins.

The color scheme of the signboard matches well with the color of the Jimny, creating a nice vibe. A trip focused on photographing the signboard of the Happy Drink Shop and the Jimny might be enjoyable. Finding such uplifting spots is one of the joys of driving, don't you think?

It's a lot of fun to be able to visit various places through interviews. When I come across wonderful landscapes I never imagined, new ideas and energy are born. I intend to continue my journey in search of new sights yet unseen.

Usui Pass Forest Park, Touge no Yu
Location: 1222 Sakamoto, Matsuidamachi, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture
Phone: 027-380-4180
Business hours: Touge no Yu 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM *Last entry is at 8:30 PM *Closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month
Touge no Chaya Weekdays 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last order at 6:30 PM) Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Last order at 8:00 PM)

Reporting & Text by Kazuma Tanaka

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