Dinner at “Mikoshi,” a Japanese-style izakaya known for its delicious natto dishes and seafood, just a 4-minute walk from Kuroiso Station’s West Exit! Ordered “Kyubi” as an after-dinner dessert sake!

The izakaya Mikoshi is about a 4-minute walk from the west exit of Kuroiso Station.

A Japanese-style izakaya deeply rooted in the local community, renowned for its delicious natto dishes and seafood cuisine.

This time, I visited for dinner and drinks.

Basic information on the izakaya

• Name: Izakaya Mikoshi
• Category: Japanese-style izakaya
• Address: 3-7 Honcho, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken
• Access: 4-minute walk from the west exit of Station Kuroiso
• Business Hours: 17:00 ~ 23:30 (L.O. 23:00)
• Regular Holiday
  • Wednesdays
  • The third Tuesday
• Phone Number: 0287-64-3755
• Official Website/SNS
  (HP) https://izakayamikoshi.owst.jp/

Review of my actual experience visiting

Even in the pitch dark, the red lantern stands out clearly.

You can tell it’s an izakaya just by looking at the exterior!

Ordered Menu and Price

• Otoshi* (480 JPY)
• Draft beer (medium-sized mug, 750 JPY)
• Whelk with Wasabi (580 JPY)
• Deep-Fried Natto and Shiso Rolls (600 JPY)
• Fried Cheese Sticks (500 JPY)
• Mikoshio Natto Stamina (800 JPY)
• Kyubi* Tochigi Junmai Daiginjo (Premium Sake, 1,200 JPY)

*Otoshi is a small appetizer that automatically comes with your table at an izakaya. It’s like a cover charge that comes with food.

*The word “Kyubi” means the “Nine-Tailed Fox.” It is a legendary spirit creature from the Nasu area in Tochigi. It looks like a fox with—you guessed it—nine tails, and it’s known for its magical powers and ability to shapeshift. This sake changes its taste with every release, using different rice varieties, yeasts, and polishing ratios each time. That way it was named “Kyubi” because its characteristics resemble the powers and ability.

Otoshi was Oden

The little oden dish they served first came in a clear, Kansai-style broth—light, clean, and perfect for a chilly day.

The warmth and umami soaked right into my cold body.

Whelk with Wasabi

I love the crunchy snap of whelk, so I had to order this one.

The chopped wasabi stems added just the right amount of heat.

Deep-Fried Natto and Shiso Rolls

Crispy on the outside, sticky and gooey on the inside—such a fun contrast.

The aroma of shiso and the natto flavor worked surprisingly well together!

Fried Cheese Sticks

Cheese wrapped in spring roll skin and deep-fried.

Super crispy on the outside, and melty cheese on the inside.

The ultimate bar snack.

Mikoshio Natto Stamina

Natto, raw egg, tuna, tofu, green onion, and grated yam all mixed together in one bowl.

I added a splash of soy sauce and stirred it up well.

Every ingredient brings its own flavor, and together it turns into this addictive, umami-packed bite.

Kyubi Tochigi Junmai Daiginjo

This sake from Tochigi has such a fruity aroma and gentle sweetness that it almost feels like a dessert.

But what I love most is that it’s not overly sweet—the clean finish balances it out perfectly.

It’s definitely a bottle I want people outside of Tochigi to try.

The atmosphere and service inside the izakaya

The owner, the proprietress, and three other staff members welcomed me.

To the left of the entrance was the kitchen, surrounded by counter seating.

To the right were table seating and raised tatami seating areas.

It had a calming Japanese-style atmosphere, and I felt very comfortable there.

You place your order using a touch panel.

It’s an izakaya, but they have a wide variety of food items like soba, udon, and rice balls!

When I asked about dishes that caught my interest, the staff happily explained them with a smile.

Their friendly attitude was really great.

Features & Usability of Mikoshi

Here’s a quick look at the dining scenes and facilities at Mikoshi.

Recommended for different occasions

Counter seating is available, making it easy to dine alone.

With table seating and raised tatami areas, plus its proximity to the station, it’s also convenient for drinking parties and banquets.

Some dishes require reservations, so please contact us in advance before visiting!

Facilities

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available
• Smoking: Smoke-free shop (Smoking area available outside)*
• Payment method (Common examples)
  • Cash
  • Credit card: VISA、MasterCard、JCB、AMEX、DINERS、Discover
  • Apple Pay
  • PayPay

*I occasionally see customers smoking inside the izakaya, so enforcement of the no-smoking policy is somewhat lax.

Access & map

Turn right at the Kisoba Fuyou.

Go straight for 3 minutes, and you’ll find it on your right side! 🚶‍♀️
(Diagonally across from Rohran)

Summary｜Who I recommend Mikoshi for

• People who want to eat natto dishes or fish dishes
• People who want to drink Tochigi’s local sake
• People who like the atmosphere of old-fashioned izakayas

👉 If you’re looking for an izakaya near Kuroiso Station, consider Mikoshi!