Shabu-shabu, a traditional Japanese hotpot, is immensely popular among foreign tourists.
The Harajuku area, in particular, is home to many renowned restaurants offering delicious shabu-shabu, making it a must-visit spot during your trip.
This article introduces five highly recommended shabu-shabu restaurants for foreign tourists visiting Harajuku.
These establishments offer high-quality ingredients, allowing you to savor a unique dining experience you’ll only find in Harajuku.
Shabu-Shabu Culture in Harajuku
Harajuku is one of Tokyo's most vibrant areas, known for its fashion and café culture, but it is also a noteworthy gourmet destination.
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese dish characterized by quickly cooking thinly sliced meat and vegetables in hot broth and then dipping them in various sauces.
Harajuku's shabu-shabu restaurants use specially selected wagyu beef and fresh vegetables and offer a wide variety of broths and dipping sauces.
The area boasts a range of dining experiences from casual eateries to upscale restaurants that cater to a wide variety of customers.
Shabu-Shabu Yamawarau Omotesando
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130602/13191836/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner)
"Shabu-Shabu Yamawarau Omotesando" is a solo shabu-shabu specialty restaurant located just a few minutes' walk from Omotesando Station.
In a luxurious setting, the restaurant serves customers their own pot at individual counter seats.
The restaurant uses carefully selected ingredients such as Yamagata beef and domestic beef, as well as the delicate "Yonezawa Pork Ichiban Sodachi" brand pork.
They also take pride in their use of special ingredients like Niigata Prefecture-certified specially cultivated rice from Nagaoka and blended hojicha and sencha from Shizuoka and Kagoshima.
The interior features traditional crafts such as "magewappa" bento boxes, original copper pots, and "noren" curtains made from handwoven Kakegawa-kasuri fabric.
Satsumaya Tonton Harajuku
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130601/13017595/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner&PG=2)
"Satsumaya Tonton Harajuku" is a Kagoshima cuisine specialty restaurant just a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station.
The restaurant is known for its "Kurobuta Oil Shabu-Shabu" and "Kurobuta Tonkatsu" using Kagoshima’s renowned six-black Kurobuta pork.
The oil shabu-shabu is a flavorful and healthy dish, allowing diners to enjoy pork belly and loin in a special oil.
Their exquisite tonkatsu, made with bamboo charcoal breadcrumbs, is also popular.
The relaxed atmosphere includes counter and table seating, as well as private rooms.
The restaurant offers over 50 varieties of carefully selected Kagoshima shochu, allowing you to enjoy perfect pairings with your meal.
Shabuzen Shiwa
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130601/13012941/dtlphotolst/?mode=owner&smp=2)
"Shabuzen Shiwa" is a hidden gem located between Omotesando and Shibuya that specializes in shabu-shabu.
This restaurant offers A5-grade black wagyu beef from Iwate Prefecture and "Octopus Shabu-Shabu" using octopus from Hokkaido and served in special stone pots.
The stone pots maximize the flavors of the ingredients, and the house-made ponzu and sesame sauces have been much loved by patrons over the years.
The interior exudes a calm Japanese ambience, with seasonal decorations adding to the charm.
The three-week-aged black wagyu beef and large, tender octopus shabu-shabu offer new experiences for the palate with every visit.
OKU
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130601/13268483/dtlphotolst/?mode=owner&smp=2)
"OKU" is a pork shabu-shabu specialty restaurant offering a serene Japanese atmosphere on a back street of Harajuku.
This restaurant uses rare Agu pork shipped directly from Okinawa, enjoyed with colorful vegetables and an original ponzu sauce.
They also offer a wide selection of carefully chosen Japanese sake and rare liquors sourced directly from breweries.
The restaurant's relaxed interior includes spacious table and sofa seating, allowing you to dine in comfort.
Their rice balls, made with high-quality Koshihikari rice, are also popular.
Shabu-Shabu KINTAN Omotesando
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130602/13212756/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner&PG=3)
"Shabu-Shabu KINTAN Omotesando" is a high-end shabu-shabu restaurant offering carefully selected domestic beef and fresh vegetables.
Highly rated on major review sites such as Tabelog, Yahoo! Gourmet, and OZmall, the restaurant is especially known for its all-you-can-eat rare cuts of beef and wide variety of vegetables.
With private rooms and counter seats, you can enjoy an intimate dining experience.
The simple and elegant interior, combined with the relaxed atmosphere, makes it ideal for special occasions and business meetings.
The restaurant also offers numerous coupons and perks, making it an excellent value for the quality.
Conclusion
The shabu-shabu restaurants introduced in this article each offer a unique Harajuku dining experience with delicious cuisine.
You’ll enjoy the distinct charm and high-quality dishes of each restaurant, making your time in Harajuku truly special.
When you visit Harajuku, be sure to indulge in fantastic dining experiences at these shabu-shabu spots.