Suzukawa Cafe — Restaurant in Nikko

It was 7PM on a weekend. A tired and hungry foreigner walks up to the small mom and pop shop as the old man is closing up for the day. Typically they close at 8PM on a Sunday, but business must've been slow and so they were closing early. The old man saw me standing outside the store, and gestured with his hands if I was here to eat. I nodded. He undid the blinds, turned the lights back on in the dining area, and powered the kitchen back on. I ordered a Tonkatsu Set by pointing at the only Japanese words I recognized on the fully Japanese menu, and he started the fryer for me and started making it.

For only 1300 yen, the value for money was great. I have never had someone open the restaurant back up for me before, and the old man was so kind and generous. The food was beautifully presented, and the set meals have good portions that will definitely fill you up. Each order set meal comes with a bowl of rice, miso soup, tofu, pickled vegetables, and a certain fried item with shredded cabbage.

After finishing the whole meal, we chat a little about where I was from, and where I planned to next visit. I paid and he waved goodbye, and I waved back. I vowed to myself that I would definitely return again in the future.

This experience was unforgettable, and was the best memory I made...

Found this place on google maps and spotted the almost full star reviews so we stopped by. It is also right next to the train station which is so convenient. This homie style Japanese restaurant is such a hidden gem you must visit when in Nikko. The owners are so welcoming and cute. We met one lady and a grandfather who helped to cook our meals in their semi open kitchen. The restaurant is very clean and had limited space but somehow it was well designed to fit up quite a few tables indeed. They didn’t have English menu nor pictures - the lady did try to help us out though which was very nice of her 🤍 I thought the service was very good. Everything was made fresh. Taste of food was also excellent. Their curry was not too intense or spicy but I didn’t get any meat due to miscommunication. The tonkatsu was thick and juicy. The chicken with sour sauce was crispy and succulent and came in huge portions . All came in a set menu so the portion was enough to make one person full. So satisfied with our meals. Would love to come back to meet friendly faces and yummy meals...

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced lunch or dinner set meal near Kinugawa, this place is a great option. We stumbled upon it during a road trip to Hunter Mountain and were lucky to find it right when we were searching for food.

They have parking available, but since the restaurant isn’t very large, you might need to wait for a spot if it’s busy. Inside, there are only four tables and a four-person counter, making it a cozy setup.

The food was fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The portions were just right, and the set meals offered great value for the price. While the exterior of the restaurant might not immediately catch your eye, the interior has a warm and welcoming vibe that makes the experience even better.

If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by for a meal. It’s a hidden gem that’s perfect for a quick and enjoyable...