A Life of Inspiration and Delight: Former Florist Turns to Chef
Restaurant & Flower Shop KARZZ
By the Shores of Lake Toya with A Childhood Friend “Taisho”
On the edge of the Toyako Onsen district, not far from the foot of the volcano, there’s a cosy Restaurant & Flower KARZZ. Here, guests enjoy a wide range of dishes―from Thai cuisine to Japanese favourites, Western-style meals, and Italian plates.
In the calm dining room, Ikeda Kazuko, the owner, runs the restaurant with her junior high school friend, known as Taisho (the boss). Together, they share a life filled with inspiration and joy through food.
Three Generations, One Table
With a Diverse Menu, Created Side by Side
Ikeda spent years in Tokyo before moving to Toya, where she became head florist at a hotel that hosted a G8 Summit. Afterwards, she opened her own restaurant, drawing her love for Thai cooking. Reunited with Taisho at a school reunion, the two decided to run the restaurant together.
Their menu is so varied that everyone in a three-generation family―from children to grandparents―can find something to enjoy. Popular dishes include pizza baked on Mt Usu lava stone, beef steak rice bowls, crab porridge, and more.
First Glimpse of Lake Toya — A View Never Forgotten
Scenery to Savour, with Food from the Heart
Ikeda’s favourite geosite in the Toya-Usu Global Geopark is, of course, Lake Toya itself. She still remembers the first time she saw the snow-covered lake. Among her favourite views are Nakajima Island from the Usu Eruption Memorial Park, and the lakeside on the Sobetsu side of the hot spring town, where graceful mute swans gather.
With the dramatic beauty of volcanic landscapes and heartfelt food prepared by two devoted chefs, KARZZ is awaiting you to experience the warmth and flavour of Toya.
