The Bizen area of Okayama is known for good curry, and one of the best places to try it is at the Shurakukan Restaurant (衆楽館). Located in a restored warehouse with dark wood beams and a slightly worn interior, there are two seating areas, a counter with chairs or a tatami-floored area with tables and cushions. Surrounding both are displays of Bizen-yaki for sale, and the food is also served on beautiful examples of the craft.
There are only three menu items at the Shurakukan Restaurant: curry, burgers, and ice cream. All are made locally from organic ingredients and have exquisite blends of flavors. Try the set with all three for 1,999 yen if you have a hearty appetite. The restaurant is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
To get to Shurakukan Restaurant, walk straight down the road which is across from the North Exit of the Inbe Station. When you get to the T intersection, turn right. Walk about 5 minutes until you see a wooden fence with glass display cases of Bizen-yaki and a large plastic ice cream cone out front. The menu is in Japanese but has photographs.
The website is only in Japanese but has some great pictures of the currys and has some links to other sightseeing spots in Bizen City: http://bizen-curry.mods.jp/c_curry/syurakukan.html
