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. Their menu features a variety of items beyond yakitori, including ramen, yakisoba, yuba (tofu skin), sashimi, curry rice, tonkotsu, tempura soba, and much more. They also have many vegetarian options as well and it’s even stated on their chop sticks.

The restaurant has a small dining area with only a few tables. When we arrived, the tables were full, but before long a place opened up for us to take a seat. While we waited we looked around at the walls that are just covered with notes from visitors. Hippari-Dako is very tourist friendly and receives visitors from all over the world. This was easy to see with all the different notes from guests that were pinned everywhere.

Michelle ordered a combo plate that included yakisoba, yakitori, and rice. Taylor ordered a similar combo plate that included karaage instead of yakitori, and he also ordered croquettes on the side. The yakisoba was saucy and delicious, especially with the addition of the thinly sliced pickled ginger that came on the side. Michelle wouldn’t have minded a few more veggies mixed in with the noodles, but overall it was amazing. The best of the yakitori were the chicken meatballs, which were moist and flavorful. Taylor enjoyed his chicken karaage. It was lightly battered and really tender, and he was surprised to find that he even enjoyed dipping it in the mayo that came with it on the side.

The potato croquettes were by far Michelle’s favorite item they ordered, so it was a good thing Taylor ordered some! They were thick pieces of fried mashed potatoes, crispy on the outside, with pillowy mashed potatoes mixed with pieces of onion and corn on the inside. Drizzled with a fantastic tangy sauce, they were amazing!

This meal was easily one of the best ones we had during the trip. Especially the croquette that was so delicious that Michelle still thinks about it to this day. We’ll have to make sure to return to Hippari-Dako the next time we are in Nikko for some amazing food.

Google Maps Link: Hippari-Dako