I stepped into 'Wayo Sosaku Maruyama' located in Kashiwara's Ogata-dori shopping street during weekday lunchtime. Although located just a walk from the station, pushing open the door brings a calm time that softly wraps up the hustle and bustle outside. The dish I received this time had a beautiful appearance, as if mirroring the order of nature or seasonal shifts within a single box. Each dish, bringing out the original voices of seasonal ingredients through the master's dependable technique and deep aesthetic discernment, carries a deep story and emotion that cannot be expressed merely by the word 'delicious'. The marvel of creation that melts the boundaries between Japanese and Western styles seems to softly untangle even the diner's heart. Just as the 'En' (circle/destiny) in the shop's name 'Maruyama' suggests, creator and guest pass hearts through food in this place, guided as if by a round connection. It's a shop like a hideaway for adults where you can savor such a rich, serene moment. I felt the master's meticulous attention to detail and philosophy of treating visitors with care dwelling in every corner of the space. Thank you for the luxurious blank time where both heart and stomach were satisfied.

Opening the lid makes your heart skip a beat wondering what's inside. The pleasant aroma of dashi rises up. Thickly cut sashimi, seasonal tempura, Opening the second tier reveals a single dish floating in thickened dashi broth, simmered food packed with the umami of dashi. Miso soup, rice. Opening the compact box unfolds the food, livening up the dining table. Good aroma, and beautifully colored dishes. No matter what you eat, the aroma of dashi and the umami of the ingredients gently permeate through. Be sure to make a reservation for the weekend. Apparently, an annex exists in an apartment room across the street. I want to go there too. Even with the 1,500 yen lunch, you'll be plenty full. Inside the shop, you can enjoy meals leisurely at spacious tables.

Had the 1,500 yen Shokado bento for lunch. A style where you open a rectangular two-tier heavy box and arrange them back-and-forth into a rectangle, which I felt gave twice the fun of opening compared to general square Shokado. The sashimi was fresh and thick, the tempura was crispy, bamboo shoots and rape blossoms made me feel spring, and the fragrant dashi taste unraveled the fatigue of the week. Thank you for the meal.

Went for a dinner party with 5 people. An apartment room in front of the shop serves as an 'annex', where we could eat in a private space. Quite different from feeling like eating inside the shop, I think it's truly the ultimate environment to chat slowly and thoroughly savor the food. Even though it's an apartment, the interior is quite stylish. You can experience a luxurious mood. All the dishes are refined and extremely delicious. The seafood items were especially delicious. The toro melted in my mouth. Drinks go down smoothly too. It seems the annex can be reserved starting from 5 people, so it's highly recommended for drinking parties of 5+ people or meals with two generations of family.

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Every dish was very delicious. And (though the photo is blurry,) the presentation was also beautiful and we enjoyed it every time it was served. A perfect shop for a little luxury.

+3