Daicha-an - Kusatsu

I couldn't read the menu so the chef recommended the Chanko Nabe. It was the tastiest thing me and my friends ate during the 2 weeks we were in Japan. The chef made what conversation he could through the language barrier and helped create a very welcoming environment.

It was a rainy Friday and the restaurant next door we navigated to turned out to be nonexistent. But then we spotted the flags of Daicha-an in a little further in the street. The owner was prepping the food and had not opened yet, but he let us in with a smile. The owner chef does not speak English but with gestures and lots of trying we could understand each other a little. He recommended us the sake and his specialty dish. Also since I am a big guy he recommended kaarage (fried chicken) on the side. After less then 20 min he served us this big kettle full of delicious broth, vegetables, and meatballs. It was one of the best dishes we had in Japan. While eating we learned the chef was a sumo wrestler in the past and he has been to our home country The Netherlands. Then the karaage came and it was one of the best and crispiest ones we had yet. We had no idea what we had ordered and what it was going to cost us. The bill came and it was about 2600 yen per person. We think that’s a very good price for what we had. Definitely recommended. One of the best restaurants we ate on our five week trip through Japan!

Like what the other says, the Chanko Nabe is a must try. Do take note that the small size is for 2 pax (3000yen). I was able to finish it, but was too full afterwards. The meatball was tender and flavorful, and the soup base was delicious. The owner start prepping and cooking the nabe the moment you order, and it takes around 20 mins for it to be cooked.

First time at a “sumo themed” Izakaya restaurant. The “nobu” hotpot is a must try. The skewers were good as well. The restaurant owner is very friendly and somehow can manage the whole A-Z by himself from cooking to greeting guests, to being the cashier and cleaning up. Unique experience in Kusatsu!

This place is a gem! They don’t have an English menu but fear not, Daisha will go above and beyond to cook a delicious meal for you! He was patient and kind with us despite our lack of knowledge and even worked around my food restrictions. Thank you Daicha!!