Kikkaso

The three of us came here to celebrate a friend's birthday, and we had very high expectations after reading the reviews. We were so disappointed after finishing dinner. None of the 11 items stands out. The portion of all dishes was very small. The ingredients were not the freshest either. The clam ...was very chewy. The oyster was overcooked, and a lot of sauce was used to cover the original flavor. All in all, we were not impressed at all and felt embarrassed that we took our friend here for her birthday. Definitely the worst kaiseki I ever had. Also very poor value for money.

Visited December 2022

I'm interested to see other reviews saying that Kikka-so rejected people without a reservation and were closed for lunch and rushed etc. A relative and I turned up in Hakone for a day trip the day after a typhoon. As a result, when we got to Miyanoshita around midday and walked around, a lot of sh...ops and cafes were closed and there weren't many people around. Perhaps for that reason, when we accidentally found Kikka-so and wandered up to the entrance, the staff welcomed us in (after I asked in Japanese whether it was ok to have lunch there). As I spoke Japanese, none of the staff used any English, so I can't comment on that. The prices were about what I would expect from a fancy traditional style places with a lot of history in a famous holiday town. My relative and I both ordered the Japanese meal. As expected, the setting and the presentation of the food was beautiful, and everything tasted great. We had a lovely view of the gardens outside, and the interior of the room was beautiful. I didn't notice any problems with the service. I thought it was prompt and attentive. I enjoyed the experience very much, but if my relative hadn't been picking up the bill, it's not a place I ever would have chosen to go to.

Visited September 2018

The building and garden is beautiful. The food was also really lovely. The service was mostly good. However for the price I expect more than 'mostly good'. The staff seemed a little confused and not on the same page as each other. I was most annoyed when some staff members started clearing our table... for the next course while half of us were still eating! This happened for several courses. I find it really annoying when staff members start clearing before everyone is finished. I felt like I had to rush my very delicious, very expensive food. The staff were slow with water/ refills as well, which was annoying because it was a hot day. So overall, great food, beautiful building - but the staff need a bit more training in service.

Visited July 2018

We were staying at the Fujiya hotel (great hotel - traditional Japanese) - and had breakfast at the the Kikka-So Inn, our first full Japanese breakfast, and we were not disappointed. The setting of the restaurant is typically Japanese, and it contributes to the enjoyable moment. Be prepared to eat... a lot - everything is very tasty, and also looks fabulous ! (be warned nothing is sugary :) )

Visited February 2018

It is very sad that kikka so is actually closed for lunch since march 2017. I send them email reading they need a reservation here. but they told me they already closed for lunch. I am coming to japan again and I really miss this place. sadly I went there for a day visit only.

Visited November 2017