Where Can I Eat Yuba?
Yuba dishes are plentiful in the shops and eateries around Nikko. Most restaurants advertise some preparation of yuba, and dishes run the gamut from a topping for simple soba noodles to high-end kaiseki cuisine at specialist restaurants and ryokan.
If you’re not ready to commit to an entire meal centered around yuba, you’ll find plenty of street vendors and market stalls offering it in snack form—crispy, rolled, or skewered. These quick bites are ideal for tasting this regional delicacy on the go. From humble noodle shops to refined traditional inns, Nikko’s culinary scene proudly embraces yuba as a core element of its food culture.
Nikko Soba is one of the region’s most beloved traditional dishes, known for its firm texture and earthy, nutty flavor. What sets Nikko’s soba apart from others in Japan is the quality of the buckwheat and the crystal-clear mountain water used in its preparation. These noodles are handmade, often by skilled artisans, and served either cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a comforting broth.
Soba in Nikko is more than just a meal — it’s part of the area’s culinary identity. Many local restaurants serve it alongside seasonal vegetables, wild mountain herbs, and even tempura, creating a well-balanced dish that’s both light and satisfying. Because of its simplicity and depth of flavor, Nikko Soba is popular among locals, hikers, and tourists looking for an authentic taste of the region.
Whether you enjoy your soba at a roadside stand or inside a traditional tatami-matted restaurant, the experience often includes warm hospitality and stunning views of Nikko’s natural beauty. It's a must-try dish that offers nourishment for both the body and soul, especially after exploring the temples and trails that make Nikko such a special destination.
When it comes to sake, Nikko is quietly becoming a favorite destination for connoisseurs and casual travelers alike. Surrounded by mountains and nourished by some of Japan’s purest spring water, Nikko offers an ideal climate and natural environment for producing high-quality sake. Local breweries here blend centuries-old techniques with fresh ingredients, resulting in smooth, aromatic sake that reflects both tradition and terroir.
Many of Nikko’s sake breweries are family-run and open to visitors, offering guided tastings and brewery tours. One of the key characteristics of Nikko sake is its clean finish and soft profile—perfect for pairing with local dishes like Yuba, soba, or freshwater fish. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to sake, trying a flight of regional varieties in Nikko is a cultural and culinary experience not to be missed.
Popular sake spots include tasting counters near Tobu-Nikko Station, traditional izakaya in the heritage area, and high-end ryokan restaurants that showcase curated sake menus. Some shops even sell beautifully bottled sake with seasonal or temple-themed labels, making for elegant and authentic souvenirs.
Sake Brewery Tours
Nikko’s sake breweries have a rich history, in business for generations. These breweries offer tours and tastings to all sake lovers, ensuring visitors can learn about the process and try many varieties before choosing their favorite to take home.
Katayama Brewery and Watanabe-Sahei Brewery in Imaichi have welcoming atmospheres and a wide range of sake options. Both breweries sell their signature sakes as well as sweets made with the brew. The tours are free and are offered in English, but advance reservations are required.
