Hippari-Dako
A beloved Japanese izakaya known for its affordable, classic pub fare and a unique, vibrant atmosphere adorned with visitor messages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Hippari-Dako
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Japanese izakaya known for its affordable, classic pub fare and a unique, vibrant atmosphere adorned with visitor messages.
"Experience a cozy, internationally recognized gem serving delicious Japanese comfort food at unbelievable prices!"
Leave Your Mark
Don't forget to add your own note or sticker to the walls, becoming part of the restaurant's ever-evolving, visitor-adorned decor.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
The restaurant is small, so visiting outside of peak times can help you avoid longer wait times and enjoy a more relaxed meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Izakaya
Price
$
Phone
+81 288-53-2933
Address
1011 Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401, Japan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
A Wall of Memories
Experience a truly unique atmosphere where visitors leave their mark, transforming the walls into a vibrant tapestry of global memories and messages.
Authentic Japanese Pub Fare
Savor a wide array of delicious and affordable Japanese izakaya classics like yakisoba, tonkatsu, and yakitori, a true taste of local comfort food.
Unique Yuba Sashimi
Indulge in the silky smooth texture of the specialty Yuba sashimi, a delightful starter that offers a delicate and refined flavor profile.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Leave Your Mark
Don't forget to add your own note or sticker to the walls, becoming part of the restaurant's ever-evolving, visitor-adorned decor.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
The restaurant is small, so visiting outside of peak times can help you avoid longer wait times and enjoy a more relaxed meal.
Vegetarian-Friendly Options
Enjoy delicious vegetarian choices, including yakisoba made with a variety of vegetables, catering to different dietary preferences.
Tips
from all over the internet
Leave Your Mark
Don't forget to add your own note or sticker to the walls, becoming part of the restaurant's ever-evolving, visitor-adorned decor.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
The restaurant is small, so visiting outside of peak times can help you avoid longer wait times and enjoy a more relaxed meal.
Vegetarian-Friendly Options
Enjoy delicious vegetarian choices, including yakisoba made with a variety of vegetables, catering to different dietary preferences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hippari-Dako is celebrated for its delicious, home-style Japanese pub fare served at incredibly affordable prices. Diners rave about the unique atmosphere created by the walls covered in visitor messages and the friendly, welcoming vibe. While the cozy space can lead to waits, the quality and value of the food, along with the memorable experience, make it a highly recommended stop in Nikko.
"Ordered the Yakisoba/ Yakitori/ Rice with seasoning. All of them taste good. Add on a Yuba sashimi (Nikko specialty) as a starter. it was silky smooth and the taste profile changes with wasabi and soy sauce. Had a hearty meal and all of these cost just 1700 yen. Highly recommended."
Edwin Zhuang
"Excellent food at this restaurant, at a very reasonable price. The staff are super friendly too. It's located on the main street in Nikko, and is very easy to find. Highly recommended!"
Jon B
"Tiny little place, perfect to take a break after temples and shrines' trip. In the inside, walls are full of customers' notes, you can leave a message or a memory. Lovely food, perfect also for vegetarians. Staff is not so cheering up and kind like the typical japanese waiter/waitress, but it's okay."
Sarah Colombo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Hippari-Dako is famous for its delicious and affordable Japanese pub fare, especially yakisoba, tonkatsu, and yakitori, as well as its unique atmosphere with walls covered in visitor notes.
Yes, Hippari-Dako offers vegetarian options for dishes like yakisoba, making it a great choice for vegetarians.
Due to its small size, reservations may not be possible, and wait times can occur during peak hours.
Yuba sashimi is a Nikko specialty known for its silky smooth texture and delicate flavor, often enjoyed with wasabi and soy sauce.
Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark by writing a note or sticking a message on the walls, adding to the unique ambiance.
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Possibly the most well-known dining establishment in the area in international circles, Hippari Dako is cheap, friendly and easily accessible for non-Japanese speakers, and serves incredibly delicious meals. Hippari Dako specialises in classic izakaya (Japanese pub) fare, like yakisoba (fried noodles) and tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) as well as yakitori (chicken skewers) and ramen. Great for travelling groups with various tastes or dietary requirements, this cosy hangout ticks all the boxes.
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There are not many good food stops inside the complex, instead we took a recommendation from our friend Carlos to wait (via snacks :P ) until the end of our visit and then have a late lunch in a restaurant called Hippari Dako located in the same street that leads you to the Nikko station. In fact we had already seen the door during our walking to the complex in the morning, so we knew exactly where to go. The truth is that we saw the restaurant because we read “Deliciosa comida” (written in Spanish) in the door!.
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For lunch we stopped at Hippari-Dako, where I tried curry pork udon for the first time and it did not disappoint. The walls of this tourist-friendly eatery were adorned with messages and pictures from visitors worldwide, a testament to the magnetic charm of Nikko’s dining scene. Don’t forget to leave your mark & write a note to stick on the wall.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Nikko, Japan 2025
Hippari dako is a beloved spot near Nikko’s famous shrines, serving affordable and delicious Japanese comfort food. Their Japanese food menu includes yakitori, yakisoba, and udon, all cooked with a homey touch. Visitors love the quirky interior, where the walls are covered in notes and memorabilia left by travelers worldwide.
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After a long morning of exploring the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, we wanted to get some lunch. So we walked back towards the train station and found Hippari-Dako. Located just a few minutes walk from the Shinkyo Bridge, Hippari-Dako is a small yakitori shop with some fantastic food.
Not Just Udon: Here’s Your Guide To The Best Food In Nikko, Japan
The more known restaurants, such as the Hippari Dako, are constantly swarmed with patrons waiting to try their ramen dishes. This restaurant has been around for almost 25 years and its other must-try menu items include curry udon, yuba sashimi and yaki-udon (fried noodles).
Where to Eat in Nikko: 12 Popular Restaurants Around Nikko Station and Toshogu Shrine
This lively restaurant offers a range of popular Japanese dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken), yakisoba (fried noodles), and ramen noodles. You can also try some of Nikko's famous yuba dishes, too. Visitors love the generous portions and affordable prices here.
Nikkō Travel Guide
Hippari Dako: A small, inexpensive cafe that is popular with tourists. It stands out for its unique decor—walls covered with stickers and handwritten customer reviews.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit