01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
At a celebratory meal, part of the pleasure of kaiseki is the steady arrival of one dish after another. One diner who chose the Fuji course for lunch after a shrine visit to mark a newborn’s first visit said the comforting simmered dishes stood out, along with the generous portions—more food kept arriving just as they thought the meal was over. The rice course had been served as sekihan, red rice traditionally associated with celebrations, a thoughtful touch that also made an impression.
Another kaiseki diner described the tempura as delicately flavoured and not too rich, and recalled the subtle sweetness of lotus root and the seasonal feel of a clear soup with junsai water shield. Other diners have mentioned enjoying dishes such as pan-fried sea bass, meat and corn tempura as part of their courses. Menus can vary with the season and course; on one occasion, the Fuji kaiseki course cost 6,600 yen. Check the current price and menu when booking.
Ippei in Kohama is also chosen for family gatherings, including meals after a baby’s first shrine visit or first solid-food ceremony at Sumiyoshi Taisha, as well as Shichi-Go-San celebrations. Several diners have reported enjoying a leisurely meal in a private room, and one account mentions that a bed was provided for a baby. It may be worth considering for a gathering with young children. Confirm the available private rooms and facilities when booking, based on your party size and needs, to help plan the meal.
Ippei also caters meals beyond the restaurant. People who ordered catering for memorial services have commented on the sashimi, tender meat dishes and generous portions. Some reports mention choosing a menu with meat, while others describe ordering one without it, making catering an option to discuss in light of the gathering and the amount of food required. A recorded menu for a two-tier box includes steamed abalone with sake, spiny lobster, grilled Spanish mackerel with Saikyo miso and salmon roe marinated in soy sauce. This is a separate option from the regular kaiseki menu; ask about its contents for a celebration or seasonal gathering.
