NARITA, Chiba — A restaurant run by a subsidiary of Japan Airlines Co. (JAL) near Narita Airport, located east of Tokyo, has been offering in-flight meals as well as dishes unique to the airline using local ingredients.
Nestled amid the tranquil scenery of trees and farms in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, lies “Dining Port Goryokaku,” operated by JAL Agriport Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major airline. Having renovated a house rented from a local farmer, this establishment calls itself a traditional Japanese house-style restaurant, but diners can enjoy the feel of a luxury travel unique to the JAL group.
A staple on the menu is the JAL special original beef curry, priced at 1,800 yen (about $12) including tax. This dish is usually exclusive for first-class and business-class passengers at the international lounges at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport in Tokyo and Chubu Centrair Airport near Nagoya. The curry is rich, smooth and spicy, with large chunks of beef, providing a satisfying meal. It is no wonder that the restaurant’s patrons make the trip from afar, including southwest Japan’s Kyushu region, to savor it.
The interior of the Dining Port Goryokaku restaurant is unique, featuring curved inner walls reminiscent of an aircraft cabin, as seen in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Aug. 7, 2025. (Mainichi/Tsukimi Goda)
Another must-try is what they call an “in-flight lunch,” also priced at 1,800 yen. This popular item features a hot main dish in a lidded container accompanied by a small bread roll, salad and other side dishes. While some side options are original to the restaurant, the main dish, plate and utensils are the same as those used in JAL’s in-flight meals. With two menu options to choose from, it captures the essence of an in-flight dining experience.
The restaurant opened in March 2020, approximately a 10-minute drive from Narita Airport, with the aim of showcasing locally grown foods from nine surrounding municipalities. The most popular dish, the “Goryokaku Kobachi-zen,” priced at 2,500 yen ($17) including tax, features a selection of seasonal produce from these areas, reflecting the restaurant’s creativity.
Beyond dining, the establishment also offers items that are usually only available in-flight, such as a “shochu” liquor named “Tsurusora,” JAL merchandise, and fresh produce from the company’s own farm and nearby farmers. Staff member Wakako Takahashi expressed high hopes, saying, “I’d be pleased if we could showcase the appeal of local ingredients and connect producers with consumers.”
Dining Port Goryokaku is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s closed on the second Monday of each month. For inquiries, call 0476-36-5272 or email jalagri-info@ml.jal.com (in Japanese).
(Japanese original by Tsukimi Goda, Narita Bureau)
AloJapan.com