Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Takayama (18) restaurant (17) experience (15) great (15) couple (14) delicious (13) owners (13) vegetarian (12) Japan (12) amazing (11)
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  • 5/5 Lottie K. 1 year ago on Google
    I would give them 6 stars if I could! Peaceful room, beautiful hospitality and the food was so delicious! Gluten free dumplings were a big highlight for me and they were so happy to cater for many different diets, allergies and preferences. Really cheap for the amazing quality food. We had the set meal for two and it was the perfect amount of food. Canโ€™t wait to come back! Thank you so much ๐Ÿ˜Š
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Omer Z. 6 months ago on Google
    Such an amazing experience - Reservation required! A cute couple that runs a small, intimate restaurant. Great hospitality, good food, fun talk! We had the shared set meal, with the pork meatballs and spicy tomato chicken. Everything was great, we really enjoyed the meal and company, the owners made us feel very welcome! Highly recommended โ™ฅ๏ธ *There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Margarita Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible. We wanted to come the night before and didnโ€™t have a reservation. Luckily we were able to get in today. This is the best food weโ€™ve had since arriving in Japan 6 days ago and weโ€™ve had some great food. The restaurant itself is clean comfortable and welcome as is the beautiful couple that owns and runs the place. We really enjoyed chatting with them and the other customers. Would eat here 1000000x more times if we werenโ€™t leaving Takayama tomorrow. Grateful for delicious vegetarian and vegan options.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tania C. 8 months ago on Google
    My husband and I visited this beautiful place twice during our stay in Takayama. The owners are such a delight, who love people and food! Their passion for food is evident in the creative dishes they create, and how well they share their knowledge of food with their customers. Not only are the owners beautiful, but the food is beautiful too. Beautiful to look at and to eat! The best vegan / veg options we have had during our stay in Japan! We would highly recommend this place to all who visit Takayama! They have options for everyone, and even cater to dietary requirements! Thank you to the hosts, we wish you all the love and luck this universe has to offer, and we hope to see you again soon. Love your Aussie friends, Tania & Tristian. P.S. Your food is oishฤซ.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 The Cookie P. 11 months ago on Google
    Absolutely memorable experience. Very very cute place run by the friendliest couple. Everything was delicious but definitely the gyozas and the sweet and spur meat balls took the prize. I would recommend this to anybody passing through Takayama. Make sure to make a reservation in advance!
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Stacy P. 4 months ago on Google
    AMAZING gluten free experience! (Celiac friendly!!!) You _must_ make reservations a good ways in advance (at least a few weeks). The food is so incredible, I forgot to take photos of everything besides the appetizers and dessert (my husband and I ordered a "set" menu). ๐Ÿ˜‚ It was wonderful talking with both of the owners. They speak English well, but we tried to speak Japanese whenever we could.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Darry T. 4 years ago on Google
    We were the last customers, on a auspicious Japanese day(winter solstice), we were showered with desserts, jasmine teas and mostly the warmth of the couple running the shop. Food is cooked in front of you. It gives you a warm home cooked feeling. Go there and have good food and great hospitality.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Muriel B. 4 months ago on Google
    This was our second time here (last time was in 2019) and we absolutely loved it again! The dishes are so carefully prepared and incredibly tasty. It's great to have a restaurant that caters to meat-eaters as well as vegetarians, vegans and people with allergies (not always easy in Japan). Last but not least: the staff is absolutely amazing, so friendly! They explain which ingredients are in the dish, ask if you have allergies,... We will keep coming back ^_^
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Madhumita C. 1 year ago on Google
    This restaurant is a must visit in Takayama. Run by an old very sweet and polite couple. We were looking for vegetarian and English menu restaurants and this caught our eye. We glad it did. We ordered egg fried rice, gyoza, miso ramen, curry flavoured ramen and everything was awesomely delicious. Vegetarian food is difficult to make tasty, that too ramens. But this place delivered it all. They customise your dish based on allergy, vegan, no garlic, no oil, Buddhist, etc etc. You name it they have it. We can come here again and again. Thank you so much for the food to the couple running it. We loved the food and your hospitality ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Dayana H. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious! It has been one of the best dinning experiences that my family and I have had in Japan. This is a beautiful gem with the sweetest couple and host. We order a set for two people and every single dish was delicious and homemade with local ingredients only. Finally, what it made the experience even better it was the sweet and joyful welcoming of the owners. I just felt loved, welcome and as if my family was making a big family dinner. This is a place that you must visit ! The food it was so good that I completely forgot to take more pictures. I only remembered to take pictures of the desserts. The black sesame pudding was delightful !! Please come visit us in Okinawa. Thank you so much for such warming hospitality.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ori K. 6 months ago on Google
    Very recommend, eat the pork meat balls!! One of the best dishes I have ever had. The noodles were ok, so I wouldnโ€™t order it since there are much better options on the menu. Also the couple operating the place were very nice.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 jj w. 9 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing Chinese food & great hospitality - the only vegan Chinese food I've ever found in Japan & they also offer gluten free and vegetarian without a problem ๐Ÿ‘ By reservation only to add the personal touch- I'd order the set meal and try the local sake ๐Ÿถ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jack G. 10 months ago on Google
    This was the most wonderful experience Iโ€™ve had in Japan. The restaurant is run by the most lovely people and the food was perfection. I am so happy I got to eat here for my last dinner in Takayama. I will never forget the experience I had here. Make a reservation here on their website! Donโ€™t miss out on going to this wonderful restaurant. Thank you and I will be back when I visit Japan again.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Roy P. 7 months ago on Google
    We had a great experience at Heianraku. The hostess is very friendly and is adorable. Is very interested in you as a guest. Highly recommended! Greetings from Utrecht! =)
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Vanessa P. 6 months ago on Google
    I had an absolutely incredible meal here! The couple who owns the restaurant is very kind, and we were able to have many lovely conversations. I had the sweet and sour chicken with rice meal as well as the gyoza for appies. All delicious! I really recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for home cooking and a nice atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Martin W. 4 months ago on Google
    I rarely write reviews but this was such an exceptional comfortable and tasty experience that I had to this time... As we did not expect such many tourists going for dinner in takayama the first day we were happy to got a reservation at heianraku the 2nd day and extremely lucky as it turned out to made that experience... receiving an exceptional service felt like dinner with friends. The meals were incredible and just made of local products for a really reasonable price. The nihonshu junmaishu ("sake"), plumwine and beer was excellent as well. All in all we decided to go there again for the next day's dinner. We will really miss heianraku but in particular the married couple as being so incredible hosts in any manner. We wish them all the best and if we come back to Japan we will ensure to pay a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 ืชืžืจ ๏ฟฝ. 6 months ago on Google
    The best in all ways, the couple who owns the restaurant are the nicest people! The food is so delicious and special! And you get the feeling that you are the only customer in the restaurant! Make a reservation and donโ€™t miss it ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿพ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Svenja Kimberlee N. 4 months ago on Google
    Absolutely perfect place! I loved every minute I was there, the food is amazing, from the starters to the desert, everything was delicious. The hosts are incredibly warm and loving and genuinely interested in allowing you to have the best experience. I was solo travelling and it was heart-warming to be surrounded by so much love and care. I very much hope to come back with my husband one day!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Maggie A. 3 months ago on Google New
    Not sure where to begin. The owners (husband & wife) are the sweetest people on this planet. Their recipes come from generations prior and the best comfort food in all of Takayama. They book up quickly so recommend making a reservation. We absolutely loved our time Heianraku! โค๏ธ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Emma B. 4 months ago on Google
    Wonderful tasty vegan food. The owners are very friendly and lovely. They cater well to many different dietary requirements. Definitely reserve if youโ€™re in Takayama.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 A M. 1 year ago on Google
    Sooo happy to have dined here and met Naoko-san โ˜บ๏ธ Food is marvelous! Especially loved their cha-han and meatballs. ๐Ÿคค Affordable price as well. Wished I could order everything during that one visit! ๐Ÿ˜… Husband and wife restaurant tandems are the best! This place was special. They treat their customers with warmth and care. ๐Ÿฅฐ Honored to be able to sign in their atlas of visitors, too! ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Heianraku! Peaceful, safe, comfortable. ๐Ÿ˜Œ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Michael T. 1 year ago on Google
    The best meal we've had in Japan so far. Amazing food and very lovely people, warm, enthusiastic and welcoming hosts. A great place for vegetarians too, incredible tofu dishes cooked in front of you. Lots of local dishes with information too.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 S. P. 3 years ago on Google
    All the restaurants we went to in Takayama had English menus and English speaking staff. This Chinese restaurant was next level though with a detailed English menu with items clearly marked by special dietary needs/requests. We were so hungry our plates were half empty by the time we remembered to take a photo. Order the pork meatballs - they were great.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tracey Eve W. 5 years ago on Google
    I was delighted to run across this great, intimate โ€œslow foodโ€ restaurant run by a husband and wife, that serves vegetarian and meat dishes, and caters to celiacs (gluten-free) as well as to Buddhists (food without garlic and onions). The offerings include gyoza dumplings and a menu of traditional dishes. Both dishes (mixed stir fry and gyoza) I ordered tasted delicious and the ingredients were very fresh. There are only 2 tables and a long counter with chairs facing the kitchen. The couple who run the restaurant are the sweetest, nicest people ever and make you feel like a guest. This creates a great atmosphere inside of warmth and relaxation. I heard the other people complementing their food also. While waiting for my meal I was brought hot tea and vegetable appetizers and hot broth... Iโ€™m happy restaurants like this still exist...
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 L B. 5 years ago on Google
    We came because of reviews and were not disappointed. The food is great. The hostess is the friendliest person on the planet. They also have vegetarian and gluten free for those with eating disorders. We had set for 2 with fired chicken and pork meat balls. Chicken was good. Pork gyoza and meat Nalda were excellent.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Handre L. 1 year ago on Google
    This is by far the best restaurant in Takayama. The food is absolutely amazing and the gyoza (we had the pork gyoza) was the best we have ever had and we have had a lot of gyoza. Hiroshi and Naoko provided the best service. They cater for all dietary requirements and that includes vegan and vegetarian. You can also point out on the menu if you have specific allergens (nut, gluten, shell fish etc etc) and they will make the food to accommodate you! How bloody amazing is that. When you order sake, they will bring the local sake bottles and explain to you how each one came about and what they represent. Before they serve it they also let you taste it and choose the one you prefer. They also ask you to sign their atlas book at the end and they have had visitors from all over the world and plenty too.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jessica McCarthy (. 1 year ago on Google
    The people were so kind!! Don't worry if your Japanese isn't so good because their English is amazing! The best vegetarian meal I've had in Japan so far!! ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ There was free entree of potato and tofu DELICIOUS sauce. Free sweets for after dinner and tea! So worth it especially if you have a big appetite!

  • 5/5 Chris C. 1 year ago on Google
    Such kind owners. Rarely meet people so genuinely caring. The food was insanely good. Best gyoza I've ever had and I've had a lot. Fried rice was beyond anything I've had in America. Glad this place was so highly recommended. Was truly a pleasure to meet them and have such amazing food, but it's actually insane how nice and thoughtful she was. There were so many things I wanted to try there but unfortunately I can't eat everything lol. Another thing is her menu had tons of options for those who have allergies or diet restrictions like vegetarian or Buddhist options. Man I wish Takayama wasn't so far. I am going to have to take a night bus and night bus back and just dona say trip of eating here and Menya before I go back to states.

  • 5/5 Daniel T. 4 years ago on Google
    The ratings/reviews speak for themselves - chinese dishes with a japanese twist/interpretation. Somewhat simple(ish) dishes but so well executed - very tasty and value for money. Service and customer interaction is amazing and they really go out of the way to make you feel welcomed / get to know you. Left with happy stomachs and happy hearts - thanks for the great dining experience!

  • 5/5 Roey K. 5 years ago on Google
    One of the best vegetarian meals we have had ever. The menu has a large variety and many options for both vegans and omnivores - with very well priced and portioned sets that are sure to satisfy! The host was incredably kind, speaks English well, and the atmoshpere was great - small and cozy. You can also have a sample of 3 different sake from Takayama. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Arun V. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Chinese food and great service. Vegetarian menu available. Lots of options for vegetarians. Highly recommend when around Takayama station.

  • 5/5 Manya B. 6 months ago on Google
    Had the most amazing time and meal in Takayama at this cosy place run by a very sweet Japanese couple. They made our trip in Takayama ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿงก Reservation needed, but they made us feel like home and the service was the best Iโ€™ve ever experienced. Try their ice plum wine, itโ€™s AMAZING. Vegan and vegetarian friendly :)

  • 5/5 Tim V. 1 year ago on Google
    The reviews speak for themselves. You will not be disappointed! The host and chef went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and we are so grateful to have met them. They made our trip to Japan so memorable. This kind of experience and service cannot be bought and we wish them all of the success in the world.

  • 5/5 Sara N. 6 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved dining here. The food is delicious Chinese with touch of Japanese. We had the ramen and the mapo tofu - both of high quality ingredients prepared with great care and precision. The couple who run the restaurant are welcoming and genuinely enjoy sharing their food with others. So glad we spent our final night in Takayama at this wonderful restaurant.

  • 5/5 Gene L. 1 year ago on Google
    One our best dining experiences in Takayama. The owners are both extremely friendly and accommodating. Try any dish, it'll be good. Get the sake sampler. Tons of vegetarian and vegan options. Really loved the vibe and chatting with the owners.

  • 5/5 Sarah B. 1 year ago on Google
    The food here is so wonderful, and the owners are very kind! Truly the highlight of our Takayama trip. It's been a month since we visited, and I am still thinking about the mapo tofu and everything else we had! I've made it myself at home several times, trying to get it as good as the one at Heianraku. Prices are more than reasonable, but it's places like this that make me wish there was a tipping culture in Japan. I am already planning to visit again. I wish we lived closer, but the two hour drive isn't that bad if I know I get this as a reward! :)

  • 5/5 Fernando B. 11 months ago on Google
    A pure gem. The owners are the stars of the experience. They are so friendly! As for the food, the sweet and sour pork is unique and delicious. The gyozas were perfect. Amazing dining with no frills experience.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth V. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent service, excellent food, excellent experience! We had the set for 2 and it was delicious and filling. Husband and wife owners are very accomodating, they even gave us local sake to taste and snacks for our walk back to the hotel. They were personal and interested in where we were visiting from. Donโ€™t forget to sign the world atlas!


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • โœ“๏ธ Debit cards
    • โœ“๏ธ Credit cards
    • โœ“๏ธ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • โœ“๏ธ Beer
    • โœ“๏ธ Alcohol
    • โœ“๏ธ Vegan options
    • โœ“๏ธ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • โœ— Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • โœ“๏ธ Dinner
    • โœ“๏ธ Dessert
    • โœ“๏ธ Seating
    • โœ“๏ธ Counter service
  • Service options
    • โœ“๏ธ Dine-in
    • โœ— Delivery

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