The ingredients have to be seen to be believed. The owner-chef, Yoshikatsu Imai, personally goes to fetch the water used for cooking. Attentive service to his customers, he says, is one of his joys of life. He also spends great time and effort on his menu. For example, the ma-kombu is drawn over a period of days, for a wonderfully rich umami. The natural flavours of the fish and vegetable dishes served in small vessels go beautifully with the dashi, forming a complete whole.