Located in Nakane (Hitachinaka City), about a 15-minute drive from Katsuta Station, [Chinese Restaurant Raifu] is a Chinese restaurant established in 1977.This cozy neighborhood Chinese restaurant offers classic dishes that have long been beloved in Japan, such as ramen and fried rice. It’s a place where you can experience the food culture deeply rooted in Japanese daily life at reasonable prices. We highly recommend this spot to international tourists who want to enjoy meals without the tourist trap prices during their trip to Japan, or to those who’d like to dine at a restaurant frequented by locals.
An unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere of a local diner
One of Raifu’s charms is its relaxed atmosphere, which makes it easy to walk in even as a first-time visitor. While it isn’t a restaurant designed specifically for tourists, this very fact provides a sense of comfort, allowing you to dine naturally. Whether you’re traveling alone or dining with family and friends, it’s an easy place to visit where you can experience the atmosphere of a typical Japanese local diner.
The 800-yen fried rice set is incredibly filling
My top recommendation is the fried rice set. Priced at 800 yen, it includes fried rice, a half-serving of ramen, and even chilled tofu—making for a highly satisfying meal. The moment the food arrives, you’ll be amazed by the portion size and find yourself thinking, “Is this really only 800 yen?”
The half-serving of ramen that comes with the set features a classic soy sauce flavor. The broth is light yet aromatic, and it’s surprisingly filling—you’d never guess it’s only a half-serving. Even if you’ve been eating heavy meals during your trip, this is a flavor you can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.
The fried rice is fragrant and not at all greasy. Its mild saltiness pairs perfectly with the half-bowl of ramen, making it hard to stop eating.
I also recommend the sweet and mild mapo yakisoba
The mapo yakisoba I ordered separately was also impressive. The sweet mapo tofu clings well to the noodles, ensuring the flavor remains consistent until the very last bite. The spiciness is mild, making it a dish that even international tourists unaccustomed to Japanese-style Chinese cuisine can enjoy. It’s perfect for noodle lovers or anyone looking to try a dish with a local feel.
A highly satisfying spot to stop by between sightseeing
[Chinese Restaurant Raifu] isn’t a high-end restaurant or a trendy hotspot. However, the satisfaction of eating your fill for under 1,000 yen and the flavors that have long been loved by the locals are sure to make for a memorable experience during your trip to Japan. If you’re visiting the Hitachinaka area and want to enjoy a relaxed meal without any pretension, be sure to stop by. Along with the simple, warm charm of a traditional Japanese neighborhood Chinese restaurant, you’ll get a taste of everyday life in Hitachinaka—something a little different from the typical tourist spots.
The Local Chinese Restaurant Culture of Hitachinaka’s Nakane Area
The Nakane area, where Raifu is located, is a neighborhood where residential streets and main roads intersect, situated a short distance from [PN3]. It is a place where so-called “everyday local cuisine” has taken root, dotted with neighborhood Chinese restaurants and local diners that have long supported the daily lives of the locals.
The Nakane area is characterized by its unpretentious atmosphere, with many restaurants frequented by local regulars for lunch and dinner—rather than flashy establishments geared toward tourists. Raifu is a prime example of this, offering hearty set meals for under 1,000 yen, with prices and portions that make it a place you can visit every day.
Combine a visit with sightseeing in Hitachinaka
Although the Nakane area is a bit removed from the main tourist hubs in Hitachinaka, it’s easily accessible by car from locations like Hitachi Seaside Park and Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba. For those seeking a local dining experience you won’t find on a typical sightseeing bus tour, neighborhood Chinese restaurants like Raifu are a valuable option.
This is the perfect spot for travelers who prefer “enjoying a cheap, filling lunch at a place where locals regularly dine, rather than paying for an expensive lunch at a tourist restaurant.”