Hidden Gibier Gem: Satoyama Kisara in Ibigawa (Gifu Prefecture)

Yesterday, I delved into the topic of sustainable venison in Japan, sharing that Hiromi and I would soon embark on a quest for a gibier restaurant in Gujo.

Much to our surprise, we didn’t need to wait long or travel far to find what we sought. While en route to explore the scenic Ryōkaizan Yokokura-ji Temple—situated near the Ibi River, a place I’ve long wished to visit—we stumbled upon a charming gibier restaurant completely by chance.

Although the weather was less than ideal, drizzling rain accompanied us, some mountain forests still displayed stunning shades of red and yellow foliage. Unfortunately, the wet conditions hampered our ability to appreciate the scenery, so we lingered in our car, hoping for a break in the rain that would allow us to explore the temple. When the rain refused to relent, we opted to head back to the nearby town of Tanigumi Nagase for lunch, planning to return to Ryōkaizan Yokokura-ji Temple afterward. To our delight, we discovered Satoyama Kisara, a gibier restaurant open for lunch.

Of course, we couldn’t resist indulging in some delectable venison. What amazed us was learning that the restaurant had been awarded a gold medal in 2022 from the International Quality Competition of the German Butchers’ Association. This impressive accolade elevated our dining experience even further. After savoring their expertly crafted venison dishes, Hiromi and I recognized we had uncovered a gem we would gladly revisit.

Despite not fully experiencing the splendor of Ryōkaizan Yokokura-ji Temple amidst vibrant autumn colors—most of the exquisite Japanese maple leaves had already fallen—we were thrilled to unearth this hidden treasure in Gifu Prefecture. The vicinity around the Ibi River appears perfect for keiryu fishing, with various smaller mountain streams feeding into it. I had been particularly eager to fly my drone there, but the rain sadly made it unsafe for aerial exploration over the river and the encompassing forests.