J P
Google
My wife and I recently dined at Kikyo-ya while visiting Hakuba, and the experience was a mix of highs and lows.
Let’s start with the food. The salmon plate was a letdown—the salmon didn’t look or taste fresh, which was disappointing. However, their fatty tuna completely turned things around. It was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and melted in our mouths. Even better was the boiled fatty tuna plate, which was the standout of the evening. We also ordered the assorted sushi today special (10-piece). Aside from the underwhelming salmon, every other piece was fresh and delicious. My wife and I finished everything, left full, and our stomachs were happy.
Now for the downside—customer service. This is where Kikyo-ya really needs improvement. When we first arrived, no one greeted or welcomed us. Throughout the meal, the staff seemed to ignore us when we requested additional plates and a spoon for our soup. We tried several times to get their attention, but they acted as if they couldn’t hear us. The extra plates never arrived, and at one point, food fell directly onto the table, which raised concerns about cleanliness—especially in a busy restaurant. The male staff were noticeably indifferent and had an unwelcoming attitude. On the positive side, the female waitress was kind and made a genuine effort to serve everyone. Sadly, as we left the restaurant, no one said goodbye or acknowledged us at all.
In summary:
• Food: 4/5 — Great quality overall, except for the disappointing salmon.
• Service: 2/5 — No greeting, no goodbye, inattentive service, and poor attitude from male staff. One kind waitress was the saving grace.
Kikyo-ya has potential, especially with the quality of some of their sushi offerings. If they can improve their service, customer engagement, and consistency, it could be a much better experience overall.
