- Iwana
- An izakaya-style dining spot in the Roadside Station Kamitaira “Sasara-kan”, the nigiri sushi with Iwana trout is highly recommended.
About a 20-minute walk from Essai. Reservations recommended. Closed on Tuesday - Shimizuya
- A local restaurant serving regional specialities. Generally open for lunch srevice, may be closed for dinner hours.
About a 10-minute walk from Essai. Closed on Thursday - Takachiyo
- A restaurant specialising in bear meat dishes and local cuisine. Look for the bear sign.
About a 10-minute drive from Essai. Closed on Wednesday - Zippensha
- Enjoy Gokayama tofu and handmade soba noodles.
About a 10-minute drive from Essai. Open only for lunch hours, Closed on Wednesday - Sakade
- A soba noodle restaurant and diner in the shopping district of Shimonashi, Gokayama.
About a 10-minute drive from Essai. Closed on Thursday - Kayasyo
- A stylish soba restaurant. From Essai, it’s about 25 minutes including the motorway. Taking the scenic route through the mountains, it takes 40 to 50 minutes.
Closed on Tuesday
B&B in mountainous Gokayama