GOKAN UOGIN
Nara, Japan
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
‘Gokan’ means ‘five senses’, and the menu engages all five. You’ll notice the energy and passion in the kitchen as items are patiently grilled over charcoal and rice is cooked in a wood-fuelled stove. Look closely – there’s remarkable creativity concealed in the cuisine. For example, sashimi of amberjack is garnished with grated daikon radish and thick starchy sauce of bonito soup stock, an idea inspired directly by ‘buri-daikon’, which is amberjack and daikon radish simmered in soy sauce. Meals wrap up with rice, lovingly served in homemade bowls; each dish has a tale to tell. Tuck in with all five senses.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant GOKAN UOGIN in Nara:
1. Engaging All Five Senses with Creative Traditional Cuisine
The name "Gokan" means "five senses," and the restaurant's menu is designed to engage all five senses. The dishes incorporate remarkable creativity hidden within traditional Japanese cuisine. For example, their sashimi of amberjack is garnished with grated daikon radish and a thick starchy sauce made from bonito soup stock, inspired by the classic dish "buri-daikon" (amberjack and daikon simmered in soy sauce). The rice is cooked in a wood-fueled stove, and meals are served in homemade bowls, each dish telling a story that appeals to sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound.
2. Signature 500-Cut Squid and Seafood Excellence
GOKAN UOGIN is renowned for its exquisite seafood dishes, particularly a signature preparation involving a squid cut into 500 fine slices. This meticulous technique highlights the chef's precision and dedication to seafood craftsmanship, setting the restaurant apart in its approach to texture and presentation.
3. Emphasis on Locally Sourced Yamato Vegetables and Seasonal Ingredients Reflecting the Four Seasons
The restaurant uses carefully selected Yamato vegetables and seasonal fresh fish to create dishes that express the essence of Japan’s four seasons. This focus on local, seasonal ingredients is combined with unique culinary techniques and a heartfelt approach to cooking that aims to resonate deeply with diners, bringing out the best of Nara’s regional flavors despite the area's reputation for limited culinary fame.
These elements combine traditional Japanese culinary philosophy with innovative techniques and a sensory dining experience, making GOKAN UOGIN a distinctive Michelin-starred destination.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant GOKAN UOGIN in Nara are:
Amberjack (Buri): Used in sashimi, garnished with grated daikon radish and a thick starchy sauce made from bonito soup stock. This preparation is inspired by the traditional Japanese dish "buri-daikon," where amberjack and daikon radish are simmered in soy sauce, showcasing a creative reinterpretation of classic flavors.
Daikon Radish: Served grated alongside amberjack sashimi, it adds a refreshing and slightly spicy contrast that balances the richness of the fish and the umami of the bonito sauce.
Bonito Soup Stock: Used to create a thick starchy sauce that accompanies the amberjack sashimi, highlighting the depth of umami and traditional Japanese flavors.
Rice: Cooked carefully in a custom-made traditional wood-fuelled stove (okudosan), the rice is a signature element of the meal, prepared with precision to bring out its natural sweetness and fragrant steam. It is often paired with fresh tuna and radish in a harmonious dish, emphasizing the importance of rice in Japanese cuisine and the restaurant's focus on sensory experience.
These ingredients are central to GOKAN UOGIN's culinary identity, combining traditional Japanese techniques with creative presentation to engage all five senses.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
GOKAN UOGIN Tasting Menu
- Monthly course meal (22,000 yen including tax)
- 7-8 items from appetizer to rice and dessert
Signature Dishes
- No specific prices found for signature dishes
Prices
- All Day: ¥22,000 (including tax)
- Dinner: ¥17,000