Toka An

In the mountains to the northeast of Hiroshima, yet just one hour by train from the city center, this traditional kaiseki restaurant offers a luxurious escape into nature without having to travel very far at all. Toka An is run by a mother and daughter team. Operating only during lunch hours, the two create fine seasonal dishes which draw heavily from the rich traditions of Kyoto dining culture. Expect premium seasonal ingredients such as sweetfish and eel in summer, and matsutake mushrooms in fall. The presentation of each of the dishes is marvelous — the spring sashimi platter, decorated with sakura cherry blossoms, will leave guests reaching for the nearest camera. In fact, the whole scene inspires that feeling — from the traditional interior design with tatami floors and paper screen doors, to the natural beauty of the trees and hills all around. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is a perfect place to connect with the natural sensitivity of kaiseki cuisine, in all its authentic and historic glory.