Nikko Yubamaki Zen

Located along the historic Nikko Kaido near Nikko Toshogu Shrine, this restaurant occupies a renovated traditional Japanese house, blending classic and modern styles. The star of the menu is Nikko Yubamaki, a specialty dish where local rice and ingredients are wrapped in yuba (tofu skin), a renowned product of Nikko. The young owner-chef, Naoki Saito, who honed his skills in French and Japanese cuisine, personally selects premium ingredients like Maenikko Kogen Wagyu, Tochigi Wagyu, and seasonal local vegetables to create a perfect harmony with the yuba.

The yubamaki variations include three types: Tochigi Wagyu and wasabi leaf, sea bream and Japanese parsley, and mountain herbs with seasonal vegetables. For lunch, the most popular choice is the Nikko Yubamaki Gozen, which features the Tochigi Wagyu and wasabi leaf yubamaki as the main dish, accompanied by small side dishes, soup, and homemade pickles.

The chef’s attention to detail also shines in the desserts. A standout is the innovative yuba dessert, featuring a soy milk-based sauce with sweetened black beans, matcha jelly, shiratama (rice flour dumplings), and fresh yuba from Nikko. The fresh yuba zenzai (a sweet red bean soup with yuba) is another must-try.