Tsukushitei — Restaurant in Yuzawa

They are not xenophobic although they did turn away foreign guests. I politely asked the staff lady (in her 60-70s) why and she told me that she is the only person who is serving all the tables and doesn't have time to explain the menu in English. (She indeed looked busy.) Their menu is all written on wood panels on the wall and there is no individual menu at the table - thus Google Translate could be quite difficult. Even if Google can translate the words, I guess it's difficult to know what exactly that food item is...😅 Also, the lady most probably doesn't speak English, so it's going to be a bit of burden on her side.

It's a pity that foreign guests are not accepted (unless they speak and read Japanese quite fluently) but it's not because they don't like foreigners.

Btw the food is good and the price...

Many reviews say that foreigners are not welcome. This is not true at all. There is no racism here. You just need to be able to read the menu somewhat and also act in a respectful manner so that you are not a difficult customer. If you can’t read the menu, other friendly diners are likely to help you. I think the expectations of this restaurant of its diners are not unreasonable - this is a very popular restaurant with Japanese visitors (because the food is fantastic and the service is friendly) - they just want to have customers who are not difficult...

Not foreigner friendly. Staff have a terrible attitude towards foreigners. Over the phone they said a reservation was not necessary but when I arrived they initially declined me because I am a foreigner. I explained that I was told a reservation was not necessary so they reluctantly let me in. They seemed quite displeased serving me which was quite embarrassing in front of my wife and child. Sad to see that places like this still...