Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurants in Tokyo open during the year-end and New Year holidays
December 02, 2025
The year-end and New Year period in Tokyo is wrapped in a special atmosphere where tranquility and liveliness intersect. From late December, when people are busy preparing for the New Year, to the New Year's visits to shrines and the first sales that attract crowds, the entire city transforms into a solemn yet vibrant mood. For travelers wanting to experience Japanese culture firsthand, this season is truly an ideal time to visit.
However, one thing to be cautious about is the operating status of restaurants. Many eateries in Tokyo close during the year-end and New Year holidays. Especially individually owned or long-established Japanese restaurants often take extended breaks, causing frustration for those who find their desired restaurants closed despite making the effort to visit.
Among these, there are still some "sukiyaki and shabushabu" restaurants operating during the year-end and New Year period. Hot pot dishes, perfect for the cold season, can become a special memory of your trip. This article introduces carefully selected sukiyaki and shabushabu restaurants open at some point between December 27 and January 4. Please use this as a reference to ensure you don't miss a delicious meal during your limited schedule.
*Please note that we may be closed on certain days during the New Year holiday period. *Information accurate as of November 26, 2025
Enjoy Japan’s Best Black Wagyu in Sukiyaki and Shabushabu
You can savor shabushabu and sukiyaki prepared with Kagoshima Prefecture's A5 grade Black Wagyu "No.12." The flavor of this brand beef, which has won consecutive grand prizes at the National Wagyu Ability Improvement Competition, is exceptional. The sweetness and aroma of the premium meat can be enjoyed to the fullest with simple cooking methods.
Price: ¥6,930~(Affordable)
Type: Casual
Business Days: 12/27~1/4
Business Hours: 17:30~24:00
Feature: Child-Friendly, Children's menu, English menu, JapanFoodGuide Exclusive Course
Shabushabu with Special Wasabi Sauce that Enhances Hida Beef’s Flavor
Enjoy shabushabu and sukiyaki made with A5 grade Hida beef directly shipped from Gifu Prefecture. The melting fat and rich flavor pair perfectly with the wasabi sauce and homemade sesame sauce. The memorable flavors continue all the way to the finishing beef soup chazuke.
Enjoy sukiyaki made with the highest grade "No.12" Black Wagyu. The platter, which offers a choice of marbled and lean cuts, provides a satisfying variation in flavors. With a 90-minute all-you-can-eat system, you can thoroughly enjoy a luxurious wagyu experience.
Price: ¥15,500~(Mid-range)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Days: 12/27~12/31, 1/2~1/4
Business Hours: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~23:00
Feature: Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, All-you-can-eat, JapanFoodGuide Exclusive Course, Highly Rated
Relaxingly Enjoy Hida Beef Shabushabu in a Private Room
The shabushabu made with A5 grade Hida beef perfectly pairs with the special wasabi sauce. You can enjoy a beautiful course meal with elements of Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in a calm private room. The New Year's schedule is convenient for travelers, with opening hours from 12:00 to 21:30 on January 1 and 11:30 to 21:30 on January 2 and 3.
Skilled Craftsmanship Shines in Hida Beef Sukiyaki and Shabushabu
A Japanese cuisine artisan meticulously serves luxurious sukiyaki and shabushabu made with A5 grade Hida beef. The authentic Japanese course meal that reflects the four seasons creates a special moment. During the New Year, they operate special hours from January 1 to 3, 11:30 to 14:30 / 16:00 to 22:00, and prices differ from normal, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Sukiyaki and Shabushabu of Yamagata Beef Finished Before Your Eyes
Using Yonezawa beef, the chef prepares sukiyaki and shabushabu carefully in front of you. The Kansai-style sukiyaki, which melts in your mouth, and the shabushabu finished by low-temperature cooking offer a blissful moment. On December 31, they are open until 22:00, making it perfect for a luxurious meal before the New Year's countdown.
This specialty restaurant allows you to savor sukiyaki made from the rare "Tajima lineage Kobe beef." The tasting course, which lets you enjoy multiple cuts, reveals the deep umami of the meat. Loved in Ginza for over 30 years, the taste here will become a special memory of your time in Japan.
Price: ¥22,000~(Semi-Luxury)
Type: Authentic
Business Days: 12/27~12/30
Business Hours: 11:30～14:15, 17:30～22:00
Feature: Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, JapanFoodGuide Exclusive Course
During the year-end and New Year period in Tokyo, while many restaurants close, those that remain open are extremely valuable. Especially, sukiyaki and shabushabu are popular winter staples in Japan and highly favored by inbound tourists.
Open during year-end and New Year: Some restaurants operate from December 31 and January 1, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule.
Carefully Selected Wagyu: Authentic dishes made with premium meat such as A5 grade Black Wagyu, Kobe beef, and Hida beef can be enjoyed.
Authentic Japanese Experience: Enjoy the “Japanese winter” with your senses through styles where dishes are finished before your eyes or traditional seasonings.
You no longer have to worry about “everything being closed…” With the restaurants introduced here, you can enjoy authentic sukiyaki and shabushabu even during the year-end and New Year holidays. To decorate your limited travel time with the best meals, please use this guide as your reference.
