I am sometimes asked by hungry tourists to recommend a suitable place to eat an inexpensive lunch in Kurokawa . Ajidokoro Naka ( 味処なか) is a small Japanese restaurant centrally located near the river on Shimokawabata dori that won’t break the bank ,and is frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Set back slightly from the street,it’s another of those unassuming restaurants that you could almost pass by,unsure as to whether it’s actually open for business or not!
English menus are available for the food,but there is no drinks list in English,so pointing at a bottle on the shelf or gesturing will probably get you served with your alcoholic beverage of choice. Prices start from around ¥650 for a bowl of udon noodles with beef ,and the owner explained that as the cost of most dishes is low ,payment is cash in only . Seating is Japanese style on cushions inside separate booths ,or there are a few seats at the counter.
This is one of the few drinking and eating establishments open in the evening (until 9pm) in Kurokawa,as most visitors are enjoying the delights of dining and bathing at their respective Ryokan. I’m sure there would be a warm welcome at Naka to anyone taking an evening stroll around town, who finds they are in need of a ‘top up’ meal or a drink or two!
SUMMARY
No frills Japanese dining and drinking
Open 10:30 to 21:00 most days ( but currently closed Tuesdays and Fridays owing to shortage of staff)
English menu. Very little English spoken ,but helpful staff.