Eat/Stay
Teramachi Dori, with its elegant stone-paved alleyways lined with temples and restaurants, is a cornerof the former「Takefu town」, where the Echizen provincial government was located, and is full ofcharacter.In March 2021, the Echizen Kyo Yorozu accommodation facility was established, using the area as a gateway tothe city.
“Echizen Cityis a ‘manufacturing town’where traditional crafts are flourishing.We want to tellpeoplemore about the charms of our rich history and culture,”
says Satoshi Mantani,founder of the accommodation facility the Echizen Kyo Yorozu.He is the second generation of the OryoriKyomachi Mantani, which runs a ryotei restaurant in the area.The cuisine is decorated with Echizen washi paper, Echizenpottery and Echizen forged blades, and the use of traditional industry items is used to create an elaboratekaiseki dining experience, and the restaurant has also made an effort to promote local attractions through itscuisine, for example by reproducing the palace cuisine of Tokuzo Akiyama, the Emperor's Chef and a native ofEchizen City.
“In learning aboutMr Tokuzo Akiyama,I became aware of the many traditional industries in Tannan and the enthusiasm of the people involved inmanufacturing, and thought about what we could do.Itwas ‘Ryokan,’ the root of Oryori Kyomachi Mantani.”
Mantani was formerly known as‘Ryokan Akashi, ‘which opened around 1950.Thebusiness was suspended in 2018 due to the age of the grandparents who ran the business.However,renovations have brought it back to life and it has begun to make new history together with a newly builtguesthouse for rent in a single building.Every room is studded with traditional EchizenCity crafts, and the inn is like a Japanese-style auberge where guests can enjoy the attractions of the regionthrough the space and the cuisine of Mantani.
“Many of thetraditional crafts in the Tannan area are closely related to daily life and work well with food and space.I hopethat staying overnight will make people more interested in the area and encourage them to visit the productionareas.”
Satoshi has named thetraditional crafts and local history and culture of the Tannan area ‘Tannan Heritage’ and is tryingto become a bridge between visitors to Kyo Yorozu and Tannan Heritage.
“There are fewcities where you can see such a diverse range of traditional industries.That's why I want you to experience thefun of searching for attractions that only you know about and places that you can recommend toyourself.”
In the future, Satoshi would like to propose accommodationplans to visit traditional industry production areas.A trip to discover the origins of Tannan'scraftsmanship, which has been passed down from generation to generation, seems like a good way to enjoy acombination of gastronomy and comfortable accommodation.
Text/ Kumie Satou
