Katatsumuri

Located in the northwest part of Yamagata, an mountainous area with abundant river water flowing through the valleys, this rural restaurant specializes in the wild game of the region, alongside local produce from its farmers. Inside, you’ll see animal skins draped over shelves as decorations, with tail feathers propped up in vases. There may even be a caged wild boar outside in the parking lot! The dishes themselves include smoked duck, bear, wild boar hot pot, and duck offal teppanyaki. This is a heavy, meaty meal, completed nicely by earthy vegetables like potatoes and radishes. When you finish a meal here, you’ll have had enough wild protein to keep you going for days!