Hello!
Onigiri (rice balls) are a simple food, yet surprisingly deep. Today, we’ll introduce you to Yamasai, a popular onigiri specialty shop located in Tsurunoko, a renovated old house shared space in Nanyo City that’s recommended for lunch. Yamasai is a shop packed with charms you can only find here, such as fluffy and delicious onigiri made with local ingredients, as well as miso soup filled with seasonal mountain vegetables.

We’ll share our thoughts on the food and share our impressions, so if you’re looking for lunch or a cafe in Nanyo City, be sure to check this out!

[Nanyo City Lunch] The Charm of Yamasai, a Rice Ball Shop Cooked in a Kamado Pot

Located in Tsurunoko, a renovated old house shared space in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, Yamasai is a rice ball specialty shop that specializes in local ingredients and rice cooked in a hagama pot. They use a blend of rice called “Yumegokochi,” which is delicious even when cold, and each one is carefully formed after an order is placed. You can enjoy freshly cooked rice cooked in a hagama pot and soft, fluffy onigiri. The ingredients are made with an abundance of Nanyo and Okitama ingredients, including minced Yonezawa beef, seared pork, and miso made directly from the owner’s grandmother. With around 15 different ingredients to choose from, the onigiri are large and satisfying.

The shop, which was renovated from a 250-year-old sake brewery, offers not only takeout but also counter seating for eating in, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy freshly made, piping hot food!

[Reporter Tried] Nanyo City Onigiri Shop Yamasai’s Popular Menu Item: “Salmon Mayo”

This time I chose the eat-in option and ordered the “Salmon Mayo” and the staff recommended “Chieko Miso.” I also ordered a set of miso soup filled with seasonal mountain vegetables. The salmon mayo was an exquisite combination of the moderately salted salmon and mayonnaise, and it was very satisfying. The rice was fluffy and sweet, something you’d only get from cooking it in a kamado pot, and it blended beautifully with the ingredients. Each piece was carefully rolled, and I felt its tenderness with every bite. The ingredients in the wild vegetable miso soup change with the seasons, so you can enjoy a new flavor every time you visit.

Yamasai’s signature dish, “Chieko Miso” | Special ingredients only available in Nanyo City

“Chieko Miso” is a secret miso recipe passed down from “Chiego,” the third-generation owner’s grandmother. It’s a home-cooked flavor that has been passed down for over 50 years, and embodies the kindness and depth of a local dish.

The miso used is made from Haenuki rice from Nanyo City and soybeans from Hokkaido, and is seasoned with “Safflower Tsumugi Miso” from Shirataka Town. Pork and local vegetables are then slowly simmered to create a sweet, rich, and somewhat nostalgic taste. It pairs perfectly with the softly cooked “Yumegokochi” blended rice, making for a delicious dish that fills your mouth with flavor.

Enjoy Yonezawa beef! Meat-based rice balls only available at our butcher shop chain

Yamasai, a rice ball store, is an affiliate of the butcher shop “Niku no Asahiya,” so it specializes in meat dishes as well. Meat-based rice balls such as “Yonezawa Beef Minced Meat” and “Sukitama,” made with A5-grade Yonezawa beef, are particularly popular! They also offer creative fish-based rice balls, such as “Okaka Cream Cheese,” which uses ingredients from “Uoyoshi,” a long-established fish shop in Nanyo. All rice balls are served fresh and slightly larger, so a set of two rice balls and miso soup will leave you feeling more than satisfied. We also recommend taking out your favorite flavors and enjoying a picnic-like atmosphere in Tsurunoko’s garden or on the terrace.

What is Tsurunoko, a traditional Japanese cafe and shared space in Nanyo City?

In addition to the rice ball store Yamasai, Tsurunoko is home to a variety of unique shops and facilities. Tsurunoko is an “old folk house restoration project” that makes the most of the old folk house atmosphere while offering a wide range of enjoyable activities, including dining, cafes, shopping, and relaxation. Here we will introduce an overview of Tsurunoko’s facilities.

Major shops and services within the facility

In addition to the rice ball store “Yamasai,” Tsurunoko also has the following shops available.

• Tea Ceremony Cafe Seikaiha: Enjoy authentic matcha, Japanese sweets, and a takeout menu of Japanese teas.
• Kuma no Ko Bakery: A popular bakery offering approximately 20 varieties of handmade bread made with domestic ingredients.
• Neko no Shippo: A book cafe where you can enjoy a book and coffee. The seasonal shaved ice is also a popular menu item.
• ICHIMARUHACHI.: A private salon offering nail and eyelash treatments.
• Cuore Ricco: A stylish shop selling vintage clothing and select items.

There is also a co-working space and multi-purpose space equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a projector, as well as an outdoor event space (where markets, music events, and other events are held regularly). There is also outdoor terrace seating and a courtyard where you can relax while admiring the natural scenery.

Access and Parking Information for Yamasai, Nanyo City’s “Tsurunoko” Onigiri Store

Tsurunoko, the complex that houses the rice ball specialty store Yamasai, sits quietly in a residential area in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. It’s located not along a main road but down a narrow street in a quiet residential area, giving it an appealing, almost hideaway-like atmosphere.

You can easily get there using your navigation system, but first-time visitors will find it easier if you set your destination to “1788 Urushiyama, Nanyo City.” It’s about a 10-minute drive from JR Akayu Station and easily accessible from Nanyo Takahata Interchange. There’s also ample parking on-site, so you can visit by car with peace of mind.

Summary

If you’re looking for lunch or a cafe in Nanyo City, Tsurunoko, a complex housed in an old Japanese-style building, and its onigiri specialty shop, Yamasai, are must-see spots. Their fluffy onigiri are made with plenty of local ingredients, and there are plenty of menu items you can only find here. Savor the charms of Nanyo with onigiri, including toppings made with Chieko miso, Yonezawa beef, and seasonal mountain vegetables.

Tsurunoko is also a complex that includes a traditional Japanese cafe, bakery, and general goods shop, making it perfect for a girls’ trip or outing with friends. It’s also recommended for those who want to enjoy takeout lunch or eat in while in Nanyo City. Be sure to visit along with your sightseeing and historical tour!

Yamasai store information here