[Notice] 'Rito Kitchen Ama,' born from Ama Town's 'Shimashoku no Terakoya' culinary school, begins full-scale lunch service for individual guests

The Ama Town Tourism Association has officially begun full-scale lunch service for individual guests at 'Rito Kitchen Ama,' located within the grounds of Oki Shrine.

'Rito Kitchen Ama' has operated as a dining hub and practical training ground for the local culinary school, 'Shimashoku no Terakoya' in Ama Town. Based on the philosophy of using only ingredients provided by nature in the local area and season, the restaurant serves dishes composed of '100% Island Ingredients,' continuing efforts to learn and teach the original heart and techniques of traditional Japanese cuisine.

While operations were previously focused on group reservations, a new system featuring graduates of 'Shimashoku no Terakoya' has made continuous daily lunch service possible.

This launch allows tourists and local residents alike to enjoy an authentic food experience unique to Ama Town more easily.

■ A place to touch the nature and life of the island through food
Rito Kitchen Ama values helping guests feel the scenery and activities that exist 'beyond the ingredients.' The seafood and vegetables served are all raised in the sea and fields of Ama Town. Through its cuisine, the restaurant aims to provide moments where guests can contemplate the work of producers, the seasons of the land, and the connection to nature.

The location within the Oki Shrine grounds is also a unique feature. Guests can savor the island's food culture in a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, autumn leaves, and ginkgo trees.

■ A new cycle of food born from 'Shimashoku no Terakoya'
Behind Rito Kitchen Ama lies the Ama Town culinary school, 'Shimashoku no Terakoya.' It is a practical culinary school where students learn Japanese cuisine by visiting production sites and engaging with ingredients based on the principle of using only natural, locally-sourced items. Recruitment for the 10th class (2027 fiscal year, one-year course) is currently underway, accepting students from both Japan and abroad. Rito Kitchen Ama plays a role as a place where these young chefs learn through practice and continue to be active on the island after graduation.

■ Comments from staff
Kazumasa Tsunemitsu (General Manager, Rito Kitchen Ama): Previously focused on group customers, we are now able to provide continuous lunch service to individual guests thanks to our established team of graduates.
Hiroshi Kuratani (Culinary Supervisor): We value using every part of the ingredients, such as utilizing fish bones and vegetable scraps for dashi, ensuring no life entrusted by producers is wasted.
Sayaka Kono (Operations): In this location, which was once a hall and youth hostel, I hope guests will think about the life of the island while enjoying Ama Town's ingredients.
Shigeki Murao (Chairman, Ama Town Tourism Association / Chief Priest of Oki Shrine): Rito Kitchen Ama is a place to taste Ama Town 'in the moment' through food—a place to see 'today’s island.' I hope it becomes an entry point for guests to get to know this land.