This cosy place provides not only a welcoming environment for foreigners (I’m American), but our Chef, Ishikawa, makes the experience. There are many cultural norms in Japan, especially related to eating. Chef Ishikawa makes you feel comfortable and at home. He speaks English perfectly which is also helpful. He provided recommended eating style for each piece of the meal (ex. He recommended we add his amazing miso to the prepared lettuce and eat in this manner). He openly answered any questions we had and even gave us directions after the meal. Chef Ishikawa is number 1, the BEST! I highly recommend this place. The food was amazing and the combinations he recommended brought out the umami in the meal. The experience was WAY more than I was expecting and I left happy and full! The prices were fantastic for all you get with the meal and with the service.