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The Restaurant of Many Orders
Two arrogant hunters from the city find themselves in a world where fantasy and reality merge when they enter the Wildeat House Restaurant. The lesson they learn will stay with them forever. A classic tale by a master storyteller which reaches out to readers of all ages and from all cultures.
31 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1921
18 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Kenji Miyazawa
1,004 books344 followersHis name is written as 宮沢賢治 in Japanese, and translated as 宮澤賢治 in Traditional Chinese.
Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933) was born in Iwate, one of the northernmost prefectures in Japan. In high school, he studied Zen Buddhism and developed a lifelong devotion to the Lotus Sutra, a major influence on his writing. After graduating from an agricultural college, he moved to Tokyo to begin his writing career but had to return home to care for a sick sister. He remained in his home in Iwate for the rest of his life. One of his best-known works is the novel Night on the Galactic Railroad, which was adapted into anime in the late twentieth century, as were many of his short stories. Much of his poetry is still popular in Japan today.
Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933) was born in Iwate, one of the northernmost prefectures in Japan. In high school, he studied Zen Buddhism and developed a lifelong devotion to the Lotus Sutra, a major influence on his writing. After graduating from an agricultural college, he moved to Tokyo to begin his writing career but had to return home to care for a sick sister. He remained in his home in Iwate for the rest of his life. One of his best-known works is the novel Night on the Galactic Railroad, which was adapted into anime in the late twentieth century, as were many of his short stories. Much of his poetry is still popular in Japan today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 20, 2023
very studio ghibli
March 30, 2009
Miyazawa Kenji, a Japanese poet, writer, devout buddhist, and humanitarian left us with a collection of poems and short stories when he died prematurely at a young age. The Restaurant of Many Orders is a children's story with an universally important message. It teaches a respect for the natural world as the key to live happily and harmoniously.
The story is about two hunters in the mountains looking for game. When suddenly they are left freezing in the wind and without their trusted dogs who have died without reason. They come across a mysterious restaurant. Having gone the day without food, they enter expectantly to satisfy their hunger. However, there is no one to seat them, only a door, and next to it a sign with instructions. They hastily follow the instructions only to find another door and more instructions. Eventually, they come to realize that they will not be the ones doing the eating, but rather the ones who will be eaten, and ironically by animals. Fortunately, they are saved when their faithful dogs, alive again, come crashing into the kitchen to frighten off the animals.
The title of this book and one of the signs inside the restaurant reads, "Resturant of many orders", which is a play on words. The two hunters think that the restaurant has a wide selection of dishes on the menu. Of course, we know that "many orders" means something quite the opposite. Because this book is primarily intended for children I recommend it for Miyazawa admirers or readers who love children's stories.
The story is about two hunters in the mountains looking for game. When suddenly they are left freezing in the wind and without their trusted dogs who have died without reason. They come across a mysterious restaurant. Having gone the day without food, they enter expectantly to satisfy their hunger. However, there is no one to seat them, only a door, and next to it a sign with instructions. They hastily follow the instructions only to find another door and more instructions. Eventually, they come to realize that they will not be the ones doing the eating, but rather the ones who will be eaten, and ironically by animals. Fortunately, they are saved when their faithful dogs, alive again, come crashing into the kitchen to frighten off the animals.
The title of this book and one of the signs inside the restaurant reads, "Resturant of many orders", which is a play on words. The two hunters think that the restaurant has a wide selection of dishes on the menu. Of course, we know that "many orders" means something quite the opposite. Because this book is primarily intended for children I recommend it for Miyazawa admirers or readers who love children's stories.
January 8, 2026
Może zajęło mi to dużo czasu i przez parę miesięcy książka leżała nietykana, to jednak udało się!! Pierwsza książka przeczytana od deski do deski po japońsku!!
April 24, 2022
Considering it was written for children, I think it is fair to say that the story has the potential to be quite charming, especially, I imagine, if it is read in picture book form. Unfortunately I was reading it through the lens of a normal short story for adults and so I found it to be slightly predictable and less shocking than I initially anticipated.
January 21, 2018
This is an enjoyable little story. I don't know if you're supposed to laugh but i did. I guess it was also supposed to be inspirational or that's what i gathered from reading about it. But that seems to have been lost in translation as it's not the vibe i got while reading it. Highly recommend it to everyone.
October 6, 2017
In the classic bent of a Twilight Zone episode, two hunters get lost in a wood, and stumble upon a mysterious restaurant. It's a fun story, and much shorter than I would have imagined. Miyazaki led me here, so expect some whimsy with a dash of horror.
August 23, 2021
“It's no good. They've worked it out. I don't think they are going to rub in the salt.”
bahahahaha. this one was clever. a whimsical children’s comedy-horror tale that evades any potentially gruesome endings.
bahahahaha. this one was clever. a whimsical children’s comedy-horror tale that evades any potentially gruesome endings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2023
Leído el 14/05/2022.
Pues estuvo interesante. Ojalá hubiera sido un relato más largo, estuvo súper cortito.
Pues estuvo interesante. Ojalá hubiera sido un relato más largo, estuvo súper cortito.
October 19, 2023
Japanese style tales with the theme of forests, animals and humans.
September 26, 2025
це подарунок роксолані
сподіваюся тобі сподобається ця збірка 💙
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мені було дуже приємно знайти такий якісний український переклад міядзави, сподіваюся, це стане частішою практикою для наших видавництв! дуже дякую кальварії за можливість доторкнутися до цих коротких оповідань!
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нижче додаю записи, які робила протягом прочитання (спойлери):
болотяник і лис: 2\5 ну таке якесь, символічна гетеро треуголка
веселик і жоржини: 2\5 ватахел алюзія на згв@лтування ??? 0_0 дивно коротко і неприємно не знаюю
віолончеліст гош: 4\5 чарівно! праця і терпіння, практика, завзяття! нагадування, що будь-чому можна себе навчити! оооооо! я теж так хочу!!!
ведмеді з гори наметоко: 3\5 нейтрал я навіть не знаю. цикл життя та смерті, віддачі і прийняття енергії
нерет Індри: 4\5 чарівний сон у зоряну ніч, магія, божественне проведіння уяви, дуже приємне, ніжне мов весняний вітер
тюльпани-чародії: 3\5… толіки вилекали по чарці на роботі, та хай їм грець, аби тіки не буянили
ресторан, де виконують побажання: 5\5 зірочка, іменем якої названа ця чарівна збірка. дуууже подобається. архетип хитрого кота, зникаючоі будови, загадкова писанина на табличках, тупість мужиків-мужланів, ну все самий смак, вершки та й сіль, сіль та й вершки… так би й з`їла.
лісовий кіт і жолуді: можливо найулюбленіша моя історія тут. 10\10. дуже приємна дуже сподобалася, подарувала усмішку на обличчя. мій улюблений вид розповідей
ґадольфові лілеї: 3.5/5 свято натуралізму!
зірка нічний сокіл: 4/5 створення зірок
кипарис і маки: нейтральчик фольклорчик натуралізм дуже класично відносно того що і як любить цей автор
дикий виноград і веселка: 5/5 "ніщо й ніхто не гине назавжди"
майстер жапп: 3/5 історія про толіків
хованчик: 4/5 от вже хованчик!
сподіваюся тобі сподобається ця збірка 💙
////
мені було дуже приємно знайти такий якісний український переклад міядзави, сподіваюся, це стане частішою практикою для наших видавництв! дуже дякую кальварії за можливість доторкнутися до цих коротких оповідань!
////
нижче додаю записи, які робила протягом прочитання (спойлери):
болотяник і лис: 2\5 ну таке якесь, символічна гетеро треуголка
веселик і жоржини: 2\5 ватахел алюзія на згв@лтування ??? 0_0 дивно коротко і неприємно не знаюю
віолончеліст гош: 4\5 чарівно! праця і терпіння, практика, завзяття! нагадування, що будь-чому можна себе навчити! оооооо! я теж так хочу!!!
ведмеді з гори наметоко: 3\5 нейтрал я навіть не знаю. цикл життя та смерті, віддачі і прийняття енергії
нерет Індри: 4\5 чарівний сон у зоряну ніч, магія, божественне проведіння уяви, дуже приємне, ніжне мов весняний вітер
тюльпани-чародії: 3\5… толіки вилекали по чарці на роботі, та хай їм грець, аби тіки не буянили
ресторан, де виконують побажання: 5\5 зірочка, іменем якої названа ця чарівна збірка. дуууже подобається. архетип хитрого кота, зникаючоі будови, загадкова писанина на табличках, тупість мужиків-мужланів, ну все самий смак, вершки та й сіль, сіль та й вершки… так би й з`їла.
лісовий кіт і жолуді: можливо найулюбленіша моя історія тут. 10\10. дуже приємна дуже сподобалася, подарувала усмішку на обличчя. мій улюблений вид розповідей
ґадольфові лілеї: 3.5/5 свято натуралізму!
зірка нічний сокіл: 4/5 створення зірок
кипарис і маки: нейтральчик фольклорчик натуралізм дуже класично відносно того що і як любить цей автор
дикий виноград і веселка: 5/5 "ніщо й ніхто не гине назавжди"
майстер жапп: 3/5 історія про толіків
хованчик: 4/5 от вже хованчик!
October 5, 2024
As a result of crying my way through
Father of the Milky Way Railroad
at the Japanese Film Festival last week, I had the urge to read the stories of Miyazawa Kenji. Unfortunately our city library doesn't carry any of his books, but this one is in the public domain and available on Aozora Bunko.
First, in terms of enjoyability, I always appreciate a good pun. The premise of this story is essentially built around one massive pun and it relies on the reader slowly making that realisation. The characters are a bit silly and the plot resolves itself rather too neatly, but all in all I enjoyed the simplicity of the narrative for what it was.
In terms of language learning, Miyazawa wrote at the turn of the century so this story uses an older style of Japanese that might be a bit challenging to decipher. On the other hand, if you want to see the features mentioned in these three articles in action, it's a lot of fun. I personally enjoy linguistics, so I found it fascinating comparing some of the more antiquated forms of expression with what you might find in more modern Japanese.
The film I went to see included excerpts from some of his stories and emphasised his use of onomatopoeia, which is extensive even by Japanese standards apparently.
There were some lovely turns of phrase: 「風がどうと吹いてきて、草はざわざわ、木の葉はかさかさ、木はごとんごとんと鳴りました。」-- translated naturally into English we might say "the grass swished and the leaves rustled", but more literally Miyazawa writes, "The wind blew in douto-ly, The grass rang out zawazawa, the leaves rang out kasakasa, the trees rang out gotongoton". Oof, what an active sentence! Even just the choice of verb 鳴る / to ring out builds on the cacophony of sound created here. This phrase is used twice: at the start before the madness and we return to this line at the end, making for an evocative bookend.
First, in terms of enjoyability, I always appreciate a good pun. The premise of this story is essentially built around one massive pun and it relies on the reader slowly making that realisation. The characters are a bit silly and the plot resolves itself rather too neatly, but all in all I enjoyed the simplicity of the narrative for what it was.
In terms of language learning, Miyazawa wrote at the turn of the century so this story uses an older style of Japanese that might be a bit challenging to decipher. On the other hand, if you want to see the features mentioned in these three articles in action, it's a lot of fun. I personally enjoy linguistics, so I found it fascinating comparing some of the more antiquated forms of expression with what you might find in more modern Japanese.
The film I went to see included excerpts from some of his stories and emphasised his use of onomatopoeia, which is extensive even by Japanese standards apparently.
There were some lovely turns of phrase: 「風がどうと吹いてきて、草はざわざわ、木の葉はかさかさ、木はごとんごとんと鳴りました。」-- translated naturally into English we might say "the grass swished and the leaves rustled", but more literally Miyazawa writes, "The wind blew in douto-ly, The grass rang out zawazawa, the leaves rang out kasakasa, the trees rang out gotongoton". Oof, what an active sentence! Even just the choice of verb 鳴る / to ring out builds on the cacophony of sound created here. This phrase is used twice: at the start before the madness and we return to this line at the end, making for an evocative bookend.
January 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ GOOD
Unfolds as a brief, unsettling fable that blends whimsy with menace. Two travelers wander into a strange establishment deep in the woods, where hospitality slowly gives way to something far more disquieting. The simplicity of the setup allows the story to move quickly while maintaining an eerie sense of inevitability.
The strength of the piece lies in its atmosphere. Miyazawa uses repetition, politeness, and small surreal details to create unease. The tone feels deceptively light, which makes the underlying threat more effective as it gradually becomes clear.
At the same time, the story remains deliberately thin in character and resolution. Its impact comes from suggestion rather than development, which can leave the experience feeling slight once the idea has landed. The symbolism is clear and purposeful, but it does not deepen much beyond its initial premise.
As a whole, the story works best as a moral or allegorical sketch. It offers a memorable mood and a sharp cautionary edge, even if it leaves the reader wanting more substance beneath its strange and clever surface.
Unfolds as a brief, unsettling fable that blends whimsy with menace. Two travelers wander into a strange establishment deep in the woods, where hospitality slowly gives way to something far more disquieting. The simplicity of the setup allows the story to move quickly while maintaining an eerie sense of inevitability.
The strength of the piece lies in its atmosphere. Miyazawa uses repetition, politeness, and small surreal details to create unease. The tone feels deceptively light, which makes the underlying threat more effective as it gradually becomes clear.
At the same time, the story remains deliberately thin in character and resolution. Its impact comes from suggestion rather than development, which can leave the experience feeling slight once the idea has landed. The symbolism is clear and purposeful, but it does not deepen much beyond its initial premise.
As a whole, the story works best as a moral or allegorical sketch. It offers a memorable mood and a sharp cautionary edge, even if it leaves the reader wanting more substance beneath its strange and clever surface.
October 18, 2023
I snagged this book, "The Restaurant of Many Orders," at the book fair this summer in its Chinese version. It's a bunch of short fairy tales, and one of them, "The Restaurant of Many Orders," is a wild ride. Picture two soldiers having an adventure in the wild, ending up in front of this random restaurant in the middle of nowhere.
But heads up, these stories are a bit out there—like, bizarre, weird, and not always making sense. But here's the twist—they're trying to drop some wisdom on you, kind of like sneaky moral lessons.
I found it interesting, you know, with all its quirks. If you're in the mood for something short and sweet, or maybe just not ready to commit to a big book, this one's a cool pick. Quick, to the point, and a bit quirky—just what the reading doctor ordered.
But heads up, these stories are a bit out there—like, bizarre, weird, and not always making sense. But here's the twist—they're trying to drop some wisdom on you, kind of like sneaky moral lessons.
I found it interesting, you know, with all its quirks. If you're in the mood for something short and sweet, or maybe just not ready to commit to a big book, this one's a cool pick. Quick, to the point, and a bit quirky—just what the reading doctor ordered.
December 2, 2023
Яка ж ця збірка прекрасна. Такі дитячі, але й водночас не дитячі історії. А які тут красиві описи природи - читаєш та уявляєш картинку з фільмів Хаяо Міядзакі. Я аж розтягнув задоволення на кілька вечорів, хоч самих казок тут не так вже й багато.
Неймовірними є і ілюстрації в стилі суміе від Неоніли Єфімової, та акварельні доповнення від Михайла Євшина.
Видавництво "Кальварія" видало прекрасну книгу, котра претендує стати улюбленою не лише в поціновувачів японської культури.
Неймовірними є і ілюстрації в стилі суміе від Неоніли Єфімової, та акварельні доповнення від Михайла Євшина.
Видавництво "Кальварія" видало прекрасну книгу, котра претендує стати улюбленою не лише в поціновувачів японської культури.
August 20, 2017
Este libro contiene cinco cuentos muy lindos, todos relacionados con el respeto a la naturaleza y con un toque de misticismo oriental. El que da título al libro es divertido, pero el último me hizo llorar porque GATO.
D':
D':
February 13, 2022
Penceritaannya sangat menarik, cuma aku tak dapat menghayati sebab baca buku asalnya yang bertulisan Jepun. Agak lama nak cari buku ni di kedai, tapi tak jumpa-jumpa lagi. Baca bertulisan Jepun pun melalui ebuku arkib.
Andai dapat buku yang dah diterjemah ke Bahasa Inggeris, aku akan baca semula.
Andai dapat buku yang dah diterjemah ke Bahasa Inggeris, aku akan baca semula.
July 27, 2022
I love the title.
The story just feels like fairy tale to me, and I couldn't grasp the moral value. Maybe it's basically "do not enter into a restaurant in the middle of the wood" or something 😂
Anyway it's a nice short story.
The story just feels like fairy tale to me, and I couldn't grasp the moral value. Maybe it's basically "do not enter into a restaurant in the middle of the wood" or something 😂
Anyway it's a nice short story.
April 8, 2023
From the author of the classic Night on the Galactic Railway.
Two hunters lost in the forest stumble on a mysterious restaurant which promises them comfort and a delicious meal -- if they just follow all the odd and strict rules. What will become of them?
Two hunters lost in the forest stumble on a mysterious restaurant which promises them comfort and a delicious meal -- if they just follow all the odd and strict rules. What will become of them?
August 13, 2017
short, interesting, strange, enigmatic
March 1, 2019
薦められたのでよみましたが、まあまあ良かったかな。星新一のSF短編集に似てたが、主にファンタジーでした。岩手県のストリーがほとんど、方言もう使われていて、中々面白かった。
April 16, 2019
Intriguing and eccentric. I think I'll be reading more Miyazawa
July 18, 2020
A pretty interesting story!
February 25, 2021
Honestly a really challenging read. Had to look up more words than I would like to admit, but in this collection of short stories Miyazawa really beautifully and nostalgically brings nature alive.
July 16, 2021
Hm, I thought it would be a lot more interesting.
December 16, 2021
溫暖既童話故事
January 7, 2022
I quite liked this story it is a fun spin on the restaurant idea.
March 19, 2023
It probably works much better as a children's story, especially if read in picture book form. Reading it as an adult, I was rather underwhelmed.
January 9, 2024
Nice short read, kind of predictable but still see me in
August 27, 2024
Restaurant with Many Orders was a mysterious and interesting story. Two customers enter the store, surprised by the wired rules. At the end, there was an ending that made me laugh.
January 11, 2025
Why on earth is this considered a children's book? It creeped the hell out of me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews