Kiji Tei: Rare Pheasant Specialities

Kiji Tei (きじ亭) is a long-running restaurant dedicated to a rare delicacy: Japanese pheasant (kiji). Located in a traditional house in Fujikawaguchiko, it is run by a husband-and-wife team who offer a focused menu showcasing this unique bird.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the pheasant, noting it is surprisingly delicate and not at all gamey; some compare the raw sashimi to fine tuna. The signature dish is the kiji hōtō, a regional hot pot with thick, chewy, hand-cut noodles in a rich broth made from long-simmered pheasant bones. Another highlight is the yōgan-yaki, where slices of pheasant are grilled at the table on a hot plate of local lava stone, resulting in a crisp exterior and juicy interior. The warm, patient hospitality is also a major draw, with many visitors appreciating the English-language menu and the proprietress's fluency.

The restaurant's small scale means service can be slow, as the couple manages everything themselves. Availability is also very limited, with only a few groups served each day, and popular dishes like the pheasant sashimi can sell out. The seating is traditional tatami style at low tables, which some diners may find uncomfortable for a full meal.

For a unique local specialty, prices are considered fair. Reviewers in recent years paid around ¥1,950 per person for the kiji hōtō and ¥1,900 for the pheasant sashimi. The lava-stone grill set was about ¥4,800. A typical lunch for one person costs between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000, with larger meals for two costing around ¥8,600.

• Reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant serves a maximum of five groups per day, and some dishes require pre-ordering. Bookings can be made by phone between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on business days.
• Payment is cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• An English menu is available, and the staff are reported to speak English well.
• Seating is on tatami mats at low tables.
• The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. On-site parking is available for up to five cars.
• The entire restaurant is non-smoking.