Get a taste of traditional Japanese country cuisine in the mountains of Haruna, where every dish tells a story of the land and waters that shaped it.

Nestled in the historic Haruna region of Gunma Prefecture, Bikuya has been serving exceptional river fish cuisine for over five decades. Founded in 1971, this beloved establishment specializes in char (iwana) and yamame trout, complemented by wild mountain vegetables, wild boar-pork hybrids (inobuta), and hearty rustic staples like soba, udon, and okkirikomi noodles. The restaurant's name, "Biku," refers to a traditional basket used by fishermen to hold their fresh catch—a symbol of storing "happiness and memories." This philosophy runs deep in Bikuya's history. The founder, an avid river fishing enthusiast, left his corporate job in the 1970s to pursue his passion, establishing one of Japan's rare river fish farms specializing in char and yamame trout rather than the more common rainbow trout. He opened a fishing pond in 1971, later transforming the fish hatchery into a restaurant in 1974.

What really sets Bikuya apart is its commitment to authenticity. Over 90% of ingredients are made from scratch, with the owner personally harvesting seasonal mountain vegetables and mushrooms, tending a vegetable garden, and maintaining live tanks of river fish. Every element reflects Haruna's natural bounty: the soil, water, and mountain air that define Gunma's rugged character.