Minaki
A famous hoto restaurant in Katsunuma, set in a large 130-year-old zelkova wood farmhouse, registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Features housemade miso from 100% domestic, non-GMO soybeans and additive-free broth from Hokkaido Rishiri kelp, mackerel, and sardines. No reservations. Closes when sold out. Featured on TV many times. Queue to write your name forms before opening.
Multiple reviews say 'worth waiting 30 minutes,' 'the homemade miso has unparalleled depth,' 'came after seeing it on TV and it exceeded expectations.' Tabelog 3.48/450 reviews. TripAdvisor 4.2/57 reviews, #1 in Koshu. Highly rated on Retty. Many 'I want to come back' repeat customer comments, including 'worth the trip from outside the prefecture.' No sakura indicators.