Nishikiya — Restaurant in Nakijin

My friends and I (six of us in total, two stationed here with the US Navy) had one of the worst dining experiences of our lives at Nishikiya on Kouri Island. We made the mistake of pulling into their parking lot in two vehicles while trying to coordinate a lunch plan—since we had no cell service. Out of nowhere, a woman ran outside, clapping and gesturing wildly, insisting we come into the restaurant. We were confused and uncomfortable, but figured maybe we’d eat there just to be polite.

Big mistake.

From the moment we sat down, the same woman kept returning to our table every few minutes. She was extremely loud, clapping in our faces, constantly complimenting us in a way that felt invasive and unsettling. It created a chaotic and uncomfortable atmosphere that never let up.

Since the prices were absurdly high, we ordered just two dishes to share—sashimi platter and taco rice—to avoid leaving empty-handed. That was our second big mistake.

The taco rice was practically inedible: undercooked rice and sketchy-looking sausage that no one touched after the first bite. But the sashimi? Absolutely not fresh—likely spoiled. All six of us ended up vomiting shortly after we left. And this is coming from someone who loves sashimi and eats it regularly.

Trying to leave was just as bizarre as being seated. The same woman actually chased us out of the restaurant, visibly angry that we didn’t eat more of the food. It felt like something out of a horror movie—chaotic, surreal, and deeply unsettling.

We were the only people there, and in hindsight, that should’ve been our first warning sign. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable or sick from a restaurant. I genuinely hope no one else has to go through what we did.

Avoid Nishikiya at all costs. Kouri Island is stunning—don’t let this place ruin your experience here like...

I have to say, I don’t understand how this resturant got this high review!!! It’s totally not worth it! The seafood is not fresh at all! And Since my family just want to have a taste a bit of the food, I ask the waitress directly to make sure there isn’t any minimum order pre person. She say it’s fine. But when I making an other, the other waiter keeps telling me I am not ordering enough ! And all my family has already sat down, I did not want to bother them to wait or move to another restaurant. I had to force myself to order another extra dish. And burger for kids was like frozen food too! The bad one. The owner do come sing the song, but I feel like she is drunk, just keep talking by herself and not listening to the customer. And then after they take the order they say their credit card machine is not working only taking cash! Hello? Maybe say it at the front! It makes me doubt that they are hidden the income for the restaurant! Just my personal opinion, not saying it’s truth...

Friendly and passionate staff that serves selective but excellent quality seafood.

First, the parking, ordering, seating and eating experience was incredibly smooth, which demonstrates the attention to detail that the welcoming owners have.

Second, the food, although quite pricey, even for Japan standards, is excellent. The sea urchin was fresh, creamy, packed with umami and had a sweet undertone. It’s everything I would want to taste in uni. One critique I had was across the three bowls we got, the quality of uni had a noticeable discrepancy. Although the best was amazing, and the worse ones were still above average, this difference made the experience ever-so-slightly worse for some people.

Third, the staff goes the extra distance to share their joy and passion with you. They teach you how to eat uni the way locals so, they interact and chat with you, and the energy they carry is incredibly endearing.

Enjoyed eating here a lot,...