A Spirited Journey to Kyoto’s Most Isolated Restaurant

Fuyoh Kobayashi is a master calligrapher and owner of the famed Shoraian restaurant in Japan. Located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Shoraian is perched on the edge of a mountain overlooking the Oi River and can only be reached by foot. To call Shoraian simply a restaurant sells it short. Visitors come as much for the celebrated food as they do for the sense of peace that this spiritual, otherworldly setting offers.

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[FlyingFocs]

Why do I keep watching stuff that makes me want to go to Japan?

[Golias]

"It cannot be reached by traditional the MOST traditional means of travel.Looks lovely though :)

[futchobishh]

I'd like to salute this channel for being 1 of maybe 5 on YouTube I can comment on without it somehow turning into an argument about race or politics

[VladTheImpaler]

"some secrets ill always keep"...except from the internet of course

[Ganaha_Celosia_Priskos]

I've visited this place and I will say, it truly feels like a whole different world. Just walking to this restaurant and the whole experience makes you feel like you've time traveled into the past. The scenery is beautiful and peaceful, the food is exquisite, and the entertainment is one of a kind. I recommend everyone to visit this place. I had a talk with Kobayashi-San while I visited and learning about her story was really nice as well.

[AlmightyUniden]

I feel like the point of view of the food blogger is completely irrelevant to this story. You could erase her from the piece and the video would still be about Japan and the culture. Presenting the blogger as the center piece in the beginning takes away from the actual subject

[emic]

i really wish there was less of the blogger here, and more about the exquisite setting, the food, and the calligraphy. 😔

[jtomyhope]

Visited this restaurant a few months ago. I'd been to Arashiyama before, and it truly is a peaceful place, with the river and mountains there that somehow make you feel calm. The food was great, and not expensive at all. Only double digits for the full course we chose. Very recommended! They were the nicest women there as well.

[Dinglebarriez]

I honestly think the perspective from the vlogger's point of view, the short film style shooting and cartooning takes a lot away from this place. The food and the environment speak for themselves. Instead of the quality ingredients letting their flavours shine, they've been doused in too many sauces and dressings. Imagine this same video without the cartoons and narration.

[tick-tackgirl]

l think i am going to to put this place on my bucket list. The video itself made me feel so calming.

[Liliphant_]

I'm Japanese, living in the US, these videos make me miss my homeland so much which I haven't returned to in years

[bungummie]

I'd love to go there someday. the hike looks lovely

[orenju]

The way she describes this journey is amazing

[wdh]

This makes me wanna go to forget it....I'll just UBER to PF Changs tonight.

[HarelAtias]

I've been watching this channel everyday for a week now. the quality is absolutely incredible!

[ugurakpinar]

The big question is... How much is that dinner cost??

[mikenewman]

been here because of this video, very very very much worth it. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

[Thepetitecook]

Thank you so much Great Big Story and CNN for this incredible adventure in Japan! I feel super lucky and grateful to have been part of this magical and unforgettable experience.
Andrea

[voltsteve]

I tried to find the music for this. All I could track down was the composer's name, Richard J. Birkin. He composed it specifically for this short, but it doesn't look like it's for sale on any albums. I do greatly appreciate it though, every time I watch this short again and again.

[Tran-llit]

I got a wonderful spirited away vibe from this