Suzuya Restaurant

I always appreciate the effort that goes into running a business, especially in such a hospitable country like Japan. However, I feel compelled to share my experience at this restaurant, in hopes that it might offer some insight for both future guests and the restaurant itself.

During our visit, it was hard not to notice a stark difference in how Western tourists were treated compared to Asian guests, including ourselves and locals. The owner greeted Westerners with extra enthusiasm, offering to take photos for them—a gesture that wasn’t extended to us or other Asian diners. I couldn’t help but feel that this was done with the expectation that these photos would be posted online or added to Google reviews, almost as though Western guests were being used as a marketing tool.

While I understand the business focus on attracting tourists, it created an environment where non-Western guests seemed overlooked. We waited quite a while for service and had to call for assistance, something I didn’t observe happening with other tables. The restaurant appears to prioritize tour groups and tourists, which is understandable from a business perspective, but it left the overall service feeling impersonal and transactional.

Frankly, this double standard is disappointing, and it’s not something I expected to encounter in the modern age.

As much as I believe that good service and products should be rewarded, I also believe bad service like this shouldn’t be complimented or miscommunicated on the internet.

Hida beef is always delicious, but the rest of the meal felt mediocre compared to other options in the area. For those looking for a more inclusive and welcoming experience in Takayama, I believe there are better alternatives.

I share this feedback with the hope that it encourages reflection and improvement, so that every guest can enjoy the warmth and hospitality that Japan is known for.