Chorakuen is a ryokan dining restaurant in Tamatsukuri Onsen, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, certified as a Shimane Local Cuisine Restaurant for its commitment to regional ingredients. The kitchen serves kaiseki-style courses featuring matsuba-gani crab in season from November to March, a Shimane wagyu beef course, and dishes built around Lake Shinji shijimi clams, giving diners a structured, multi-course introduction to the prefecture's signature ingredients in one sitting. The dining room reflects the formal, refined character typical of ryokan kaiseki dining, with courses paced through an evening service rather than an à la carte menu, and reservations are required rather than merely recommended, since the restaurant prepares set courses to order. Sake pairings drawn from Shimane's regional breweries typically accompany the crab and wagyu courses. Prices are on the higher end for the region, from about ¥6,000 to ¥15,000 per person, reflecting the premium seasonal ingredients, particularly the winter crab course. Dinner service runs from 6pm to 8:30pm, and travelers hoping to try the matsuba-gani crab course should book specifically during its November-to-March season, since it is not available year-round.
Signature dishes
- Matsuba-gani crab course (winter)
- Shimane wagyu course
- Shijimi clam dish
Good to know
- Known for
- Certified Shimane Local Cuisine Restaurant serving matsuba-gani crab (Nov–Mar), Shimane wagyu, and Lake Shinji shijimi clams
- Hours
- 18:00–20:30 (dinner; reservation required)
- Reservations
- Required
Location
Tamatsukuri Onsen, Matsue, Shimane 699-0201
35.4213, 133.0027 View on map
Highlights
- Certified Shimane Local Cuisine Restaurant status
- Matsuba-gani crab course available November through March
- Shimane wagyu beef course and Lake Shinji shijimi clam dishes
- Located in Tamatsukuri Onsen, a historic hot spring town
Tips for visiting
- Book specifically during November–March to try the matsuba-gani crab course
- Reservations are required, not optional, since courses are prepared to order
- Choose the wagyu course outside crab season for a comparable seasonal specialty
- Dinner-only service runs 6pm to 8:30pm
Accessibility
As part of a ryokan dining facility in Tamatsukuri Onsen, the restaurant generally offers accessible ground-floor dining rooms, though some seating may be traditional tatami style; visitors should ask about chair seating when reserving.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Shimane Local Cuisine Restaurant?
It is a certification recognizing restaurants committed to using Shimane Prefecture's regional ingredients, which Chorakuen holds.
When is the crab course available?
The matsuba-gani crab course is available seasonally from November through March.
Is a reservation required?
Yes, reservations are required since the kaiseki courses are prepared to order.
What is the price range?
Courses run from about ¥6,000 to ¥15,000 per person depending on the season and course selected.