English

Hello, and welcome to Kamakura.
My name is Toya, and I have been managing Horetaro, an okonomiyaki and monjayaki restaurant on Komachi Street, for nearly 30 years.
Over those decades, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting countless wonderful guests from Japan and around the world.
During these years, Kamakura itself has changed little by little.
In 2017, the famous cherry trees along Dankazura Avenue were replanted with new saplings, and every spring they now bloom beautifully once again.
In 2010, the great ginkgo tree at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, said to be over 800 years old and known as the site of the tragic assassination of Minamoto no Sanetomo, fell.
A young ginkgo was planted in its place and has been growing strong ever since.
Then, in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, and Kamakura’s once-bustling streets became quiet.
Many local shops faced difficult times, including ours.
Thankfully, the world has recovered, and visitors from across Japan and around the globe have returned.
Today, Kamakura is once again filled with smiles and lively energy.
Even so, I sincerely hope that more people from around the world will visit this beautiful city, experience its charm, and discover the heart of Japanese culture and cuisine.
Kamakura is known for its peaceful evenings—when the sun sets, Komachi Street grows quiet.
After exploring the temples, shrines, and history of Kamakura during the day,
I warmly invite you to stop by Horetaro and enjoy a true taste of Japan’s casual food culture —
Okonomiyaki and Monjayaki, traditional dishes once loved by the common people of old Edo.
Here, you can cook your own meal on a hot iron plate — an experience that’s fun, flavorful, and uniquely Japanese.
We hope that your visit to Horetaro becomes a memorable part of your journey in Japan,
and a small but lasting memory of your time in Kamakura.
Thank you very much,
Toya, Manager of Horetaro, Kamakura