On December 7, 2025 (Sunday), after a full day of skiing at Nozawa Onsen, we discovered the perfect dinner spot on our way back: Kuidaore Satomi (くいだおれ さとみ) in Iiyama City. Located conveniently near Iiyama Station, this restaurant combines exceptional yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) and izakaya (Japanese gastropub) cuisine – making it the ideal stop before heading home!
Why This Location is Perfect
Heading back from Nozawa Onsen via Iiyama Station? Kuidaore Satomi is strategically located just a 5-6 minute walk from Iiyama Station, making it the perfect dinner stop before catching your train.
The Route:
Nozawa Onsen (20 min drive) to Iiyama Station (5 min walk) to Kuidaore Satomi and back to Iiyama Station
Whether you’re driving or taking the train, this location couldn’t be more convenient for a satisfying post-ski dinner!
Restaurant Information
Name: Kuidaore Satomi (くいだおれ さとみ)
Address: 24-4 Minamimachi, Iiyama City, Nagano
Genre: Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), Izakaya
Access: 5-6 minute walk from Iiyama Station
Hours: Dinner service (confirm current hours)
Parking: Available nearby (convenient if driving from Nozawa Onsen)
The vertical illuminated sign makes it easy to spot even in the quiet residential neighborhood. Located in a peaceful area with nearby parking – perfect whether you’re arriving by car or on foot from the station.
Perfect Timing for Your Journey Home
After a long day on the slopes at Nozawa Onsen, you’re probably:
- Tired and hungry
- Not wanting to drive too far
- Looking for somewhere comfortable to relax
- Hoping for delicious food before the journey home
Kuidaore Satomi checks all these boxes!
Located right on the route between Nozawa Onsen and Iiyama Station, it’s perfectly positioned for a leisurely dinner before your departure.
Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
The entrance features a traditional noren curtain and glowing round lanterns – the perfect izakaya aesthetic. Step inside to discover a warm, wooden interior that invites you to relax after a day on the slopes.
The restaurant centers around tatami mat seating with low tables and cushions – the ideal setup for unwinding tired ski legs. No need to sit in uncomfortable chairs after a long day! You can stretch out and truly relax.
Sake and shochu bottles line the shelves, while handwritten menu boards add a personal touch.
The extensive menu includes fresh sashimi, Nagano’s famous basashi (horse sashimi), ankimo (monkfish liver), grilled eel, motsu-ni (stewed offal), butter-fried clams, and much more!
Cheers to a Great Ski Day!
We started with ice-cold beer – the perfect way to celebrate a successful day at Nozawa Onsen! The complimentary otoshi (appetizer) featured shirasu (whitebait) and greens, refreshing after a long ski day.
Exceptional Dishes
What We Ordered:
- Maguro Natto (Tuna and Natto)
- Shirako Tempura (Cod Milt Tempura)
- Motsu-ni (Stewed Offal)
- Sashimi Assortment
- Basashi (Horse Sashimi) – Nagano specialty, must-try!
- Yakiniku: Kalbi (Short Rib), Harami (Skirt Steak), Zabuton (Chuck Flap), Hatsu (Heart), Ue-Mino (Premium Tripe)
Shirako Tempura (Cod Milt Tempura)
Crispy tempura coating encasing creamy, delicate cod milt. Each piping-hot bite was pure bliss – the perfect start to our meal. The oil-absorbing paper underneath showed attention to detail.
Maguro Natto (Tuna and Natto)
Vibrant yellow dashi poured over diced tuna, natto (fermented soybeans), and green onions, topped with shredded nori. A beautiful dish that makes you crave rice! The combination was surprisingly harmonious.
Motsu-ni
The offal was tender with no gamey flavor, simmered in a rich miso-based broth. The contrast between the soft stew and crisp vegetables was delightful.
Sashimi Assortment
Fresh tuna, white fish, shellfish, and more – beautifully arranged with wasabi and shiso leaves. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and freshness in landlocked Iiyama!
Basashi (Horse Sashimi) – Nagano Specialty!
Don’t miss this Nagano specialty! Gorgeous ruby-red lean meat garnished with grated ginger and garlic. Tender with a subtle sweetness, it’s exceptional when dipped in soy sauce.
Since you’re in Nagano, basashi is a must-try experience – and Kuidaore Satomi serves excellent quality.
Yakiniku Selection (Kalbi, Harami, Zabuton, Hatsu, Ue-Mino)
The main event: yakiniku!
Beautifully marbled kalbi, tender harami, premium zabuton cut, crunchy hatsu, and thick-cut ue-mino – an impressive variety. Each cut was lightly pre-seasoned with salt and pepper. The accompanying shishito peppers added a nice accent.
We grilled at our table while the kids exclaimed “Oishii! Oishii!” (Delicious! Delicious!). The interactive cooking experience was perfect for keeping the family engaged before the journey home.
Every cut was high quality with rich umami and natural sweetness. After burning calories on the slopes all day, this was exactly what we needed!
Why This Restaurant Works Perfectly for Nozawa Onsen Visitors
Strategic Location – Right on the route from Nozawa Onsen to Iiyama Station – no detours needed!
Tatami Seating = Tired Leg Relief – After a full day of skiing, sitting on cushions and stretching out is far more comfortable than restaurant chairs.
Timing Flexibility – Dinner service allows you to eat leisurely before your train departure, arrive when convenient (not rushed after checking out), and enjoy a relaxed meal without worrying about long drives afterward.
Family-Friendly – The casual izakaya atmosphere and interactive yakiniku grilling keep everyone happy – especially kids who’ve been skiing all day.
Authentic Local Experience – Popular with locals, offering a genuine taste of Nagano cuisine (especially the basashi!)
Practical Information for Nozawa Onsen Visitors
Access from Nozawa Onsen:
By Car: Nozawa Onsen to Iiyama Station area takes 20 minutes. Park near the restaurant or at Iiyama Station parking.
By Taxi: Nozawa Onsen to Kuidaore Satomi costs approximately 5,000-6,000 yen. After dinner, take a short walk back to Iiyama Station for your train.
By Train: Take bus or taxi to Togari-Nozawa Onsen Station, then train to Iiyama Station (15 minutes), then walk 5-6 minutes to restaurant.
Sample Itinerary:
Evening Schedule:
- 16:30 Finish skiing at Nozawa Onsen
- 17:00 Drive or taxi to Iiyama (20 min)
- 17:30 Arrive at Kuidaore Satomi
- 17:30-19:30 Leisurely dinner
- 19:40 Walk back to Iiyama Station (5 min)
- 20:00 Board Hokuriku Shinkansen home
Perfect timing for a relaxed dinner before your departure!
Pro Tips for Your Visit
- Reserve ahead on weekends – Popular with locals and ski visitors
- Try the basashi – Nagano specialty, exceptional quality here
- Order a variety of yakiniku cuts – Great for sharing and sampling
- Arrive with time to spare – Don’t rush this meal; it’s part of the experience
- Ask staff about train times – They can help ensure you don’t miss your connection
- Family-friendly – Kids love grilling their own meat
Final Thoughts
After a full day at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Kuidaore Satomi delivered an outstanding dinner experience perfectly positioned on our route home via Iiyama Station. Fresh sashimi, Nagano’s famous basashi, premium yakiniku – everything was exceptional.
The tatami seating was a blessing for our tired ski legs, and the warm atmosphere made us feel welcome to linger. Both kids and adults left completely satisfied.
The convenience factor alone makes this a must-visit: Located exactly where you need it, with parking available and just steps from Iiyama Station. No more settling for convenience store bentos on the train – treat yourself to a proper meal!
We absolutely want to return!
If you’re skiing at Nozawa Onsen and heading home via Iiyama Station, make Kuidaore Satomi part of your perfect ski day. You’ve earned it!