Yakiniku Agatsuma — Restaurant in Kusatsu

This restaurant has a relatively high rating in Tabelog (restaurant rating app mainly used by Japanese) but a lower rating in Google. I did not read the ratings here before entering as the rating in Tabelog is high.

I think the major reason is that the waitress (I believe to be the female boss) is really bad in English and she is unwilling to communicate except in Japanese. It is common for the older generations in Japan and they will be more nervous and unnatural to speak English.

I mainly use my limited Japanese with some basic English to communicate with her.

Overall the grilled meat is very good (I have tried over 10 grilled meat restaurant in Japan and it is nearly top 3 among them) with an acceptable quantity. Her service is decent (maybe part of the reason is that I spoke Japanese with her) and welcoming. She will assist us to add ice when the fire is too strong. Atmosphere is great with the use of traditional charcoal for grilling the meat.

I will definitely visit again next time when I...

The reviews don’t do justice to this local family run BBQ , I had many BBQ in Japan and this place i one of my favorite so far . The prices is cheap for the quality of meat . Yes the place is small , yes is run down . Yes they can’t speak good English, but they tried , and the service is not as bad as what people are saying. I sit down , got my self organised, ordered, food came I started cooking . The wagyu and pork is soo good . I had A5 wagyu 300 grams for yen 5900 yen . The cold noodles also good , the spicy beef soup just compliments the meal . I find that if you are looking for a non fancy just local bbq and sake this is the best place to try out , a good tip is tell you hotel to book a table for you so you don’t need to line up . Make sure you be on time . I want to say thanks again to the owners and the family for a great...

A smoky Yakiniku place set in a smoky sulphuric Onsen town of Kusatsu. The A5 thick loin block Sirloin sizzled as it sat placidly dripping fat on its neighbour, the short rib. Oozing and dripping, sizzling and crackling..... In their midst, shiitake mushrooms and bell peppers begged for attention too. My puckered lips dripped with anticipation as I twizzled the tongs amplifying the sizzle. This is a raw cozy joint for men who are on Statins but love Meating and Greeting a good meal. Go Carne...