The quiet city of Izumo still breathes the spirit of Japan’s ancient myths, yet amid its shrines and farmlands, an unexpected aroma drifts through the air — the smoky scent of Brazilian churrasco. Here, in western Japan’s San’in region, cultures meet over charcoal fires, and one couple’s journey bridges half the world.
Sitting on Japan’s western coast, Izumo is often known as the Land of the Gods — home to the iconic Izumo Taisha Shrine and timeless myths that still shape the country’s spirit today.
The Izumo Plain is famous for its fertile rice fields, nourished by the waters of the Hii River and Lake Shinji. Locals often say that even during wartime, Izumo never knew hunger — a testament to the richness of its land.
This quiet city, wrapped in fields of golden grain and kissed by the Sea of Japan, moves at an easy, unhurried pace.
You can fly from Tokyo to Izumo Enmusubi Airport in just 90 minutes, or take the scenic Yakumo Limited Express via Okayama — a seven-hour ride that reveals another side of Japan. For those who prefer to slow down even more, the Sunrise Izumo overnight sleeper train offers a twelve-hour journey that turns travel itself into part of the story.
Remote yet deeply soulful, Izumo blends countryside calm with cultural depth — the perfect setting for stories waiting to unfold.
Not far from Izumo Taisha Shrine, in the peaceful neighbourhood of Hiranochō near Izumo Dome, stands PARRILLA STEAK HOUSE — a restaurant that brings a touch of Brazil to this sacred city. Opened in 2021 by Luiz Carlos dos Santos and his wife, Akemi, the place tells a story of courage and renewal.
Luiz, originally from Paraná, a southern Brazilian state famous for the Iguaçu Falls, once served as a police officer — a demanding career he left behind to pursue a quieter, more joyful life in Japan. Akemi, from São Paulo, used to run a small bakery in Brazil, and her sense of taste and warmth now shape the soul of their restaurant.
But why Brazil in Izumo?
The answer lies in the city’s industry. Several factories here produce electronic components and employ many Brazilian workers. Today, over 3,000 Brazilians live in Izumo, their children’s laughter — a mix of Japanese and Portuguese — now part of the city’s daily rhythm.
At PARRILLA, the menu celebrates Brazilian comfort food: feijoada (bean stew), vinagrete (tomato salad), and arroz de alho (garlic rice).
But beyond the flavours, each dish carries a quiet sense of place. Luiz and Akemi use milk from Kawakami Farm, where dairy cows graze on the same fertile plains that sustain Izumo’s rice fields. Vegetables come from small local farms whose soil, rich with minerals from the surrounding rivers, gives a gentle sweetness to the dishes.
It’s a meeting of terroirs — Brazil’s fire and spice blending with the calm, earthy tones of rural Japan.
Akemi’s touch extends beyond Brazilian classics. Her lasagna — a tender, richly layered masterpiece — could win over even those who usually avoid aubergine. It’s a dish that gently disarms you, turning a simple meal into a quiet moment of connection. In her hands, comfort food becomes something universal — a bridge between cultures, memories, and personal tastes.
Photo courtesy of PARRILLA STEAK HOUSE
Behind the counter, bottles of cachaça Velho Barreiro — Brazil’s classic sugarcane spirit and the soul of its national cocktail, the Caipirinha — catch the neon glow that fills the room.
Beside them sit Luiz’s own homemade infusions: cinnamon sticks and herbs steeped in amber liquor, each bottle glowing like a small lantern. Together they tell a quiet story of craft and care, bridging Izumo’s still nights and Brazil’s vibrant warmth.
The scent of sugarcane and spice lingers faintly in the air, mingling with the smoke from the charcoal grill.
Mounted on the wall, a replica firearm from Luiz’s police days hangs next to a decorative Japanese sword — a nod to discipline and detail. Dark walls and vivid neon lighting add a cinematic edge, momentarily making one forget they’re in the suburbs of Izumo.
It’s the kind of place that feels both urban and deeply personal, where light, scent, and memory converge.
“The food is delicious, and you can genuinely experience the flavours of Brazil. Luiz and Akemi are warm-hearted and full of hospitality, which makes the place feel wonderfully comfortable,” said a smiling regular customer in Izumo.
Inside, the air hums with the crackle of burning charcoal and the aroma of roasting meat. Portuguese laughter mingles with soft music, while the night breeze drifts through Izumo’s quiet streets.
On weekends, Luiz and Akemi join community events, serving freshly grilled churrasco from their food stall — always surrounded by smiling faces.
Though its dark walls and neon glow suggest the city, its heart remains warm and welcoming — a place where Brazilian flavours have truly found a home in Izumo.
When asked why he chose to stay, Luiz smiles.
“People in Izumo are kind,” he says. “I love the countryside life — and I want to stay here.”
His words linger, glowing softly like the last embers of charcoal on a quiet Izumo night.
— Words by Takashi Saito · Cover photo courtesy of PARRILLA STEAK HOUSE
Menu Highlights
Smoked Picanha — ¥700 (tax included)
Homemade Sausage — ¥400(tax included)
Smoked Beef Rib — ¥700(tax included)
Grilled Beef — ¥650(tax included)
Getting There
PARRILLA STEAK HOUSE
📍 Address: Hiranochō, Izumo City
📞 Phone: 080-4805-3015
🕒 Note: Reservations required for groups of four or more.
Please call ahead for current operating hours and availability.
