If you plan to visit the gourmet paradise of Japan, you're likely dreaming of indulging in "authentic Japanese cuisine" or savoring mouthwatering "yakiniku" on the same day. However, in bustling hubs like Tokyo and Osaka, popular restaurants often require reservations well in advance, leaving many travelers disappointed with fully booked dining options. You might find yourself lamenting, "I came all this way, but everywhere is fully booked...".
But fear not, because hidden gems exist! Even amidst these dining challenges, many yakiniku and washoku restaurants do welcome "same-day reservations." A number of these delightful spots not only provide friendly English support or enticing photo menus for international guests, but they are also conveniently located within easy reach of train stations. This makes them perfect for casual visits while exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo. In this article, we've meticulously curated a list of "same-day reservation OK" yakiniku and washoku restaurants that foreign travelers can confidently enjoy.
- Shinshugyu Yakiniku Asama / 信州牛焼肉 あさま (Ikebukuro)
- Gyuubei Souan Seibu-Shibuya-ten / 牛兵衛 草庵 西武渋谷店 (Shibuya)
- Edomae Unagi Kawasho Tokyu-Kichijoji-ten / 江戸前うなぎ かわ祥 東急吉祥寺店 (Kichijoji)
- Wgyu to wine Ykiniku Kyukon / 和牛とワイン 焼肉きゅうこん (Meguro)
- Syabusyabu Sukiyaki Shishikura / しゃぶしゃぶ すき焼き 宍倉 (Nishi-Shinjuku)
- Ebisu Kappo Shishikura / 恵比寿 割烹 ししくら (Ebisu)
- Teppanyaki seto / 鉄板焼seto (Hamamatsucho)
- YAKINIKU 37west NY (Shinbashi)
- Ginza Kani Akatsuki / 銀座 蟹 あかつき (Ginza)
Our Top 9 Same-Day Reservation Washoku & Yakiniku Restaurants in Tokyo
Read on for five top picks of washoku (Japanese cuisine) and yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurants in Tokyo that allow same-day reservations. These spots are perfect for travelers eager to savor authentic Japanese flavors without the stress of prior bookings!
※The information provided is current as of July 10, 2025.
1. Shinshugyu Yakiniku Asama / 信州牛焼肉 あさま
Tokyo, Ikebukuro
☆4.1 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/482
Features
Indulge in exquisite Nagano beef, renowned as "Shinshu Beef," in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Just a 2-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 15 minutes before your visit.
- Experience the delight of luxurious Shinshu beef, raised on a diet featuring sweet apples.
- Get ready to be amazed by cuts seldom found in ordinary yakiniku establishments, thanks to the whole cow that they procure.
- A comparative platter of various cuts of Shinshu beef is highly recommended.
- With many cozy sofa seats, relax comfortably while you dine.
2. Gyuubei Souan Seibu-Shibuya-ten / 牛兵衛 草庵 西武渋谷店
Tokyo, Shibuya
☆4.0 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/485
Features
Savor the richness of various cuts of "Yamagata Beef," a prized delicacy in Japan.
- Just a minute's walk from Shibuya Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 15 minutes before your visit.
- Delight in the rare A5 rank cuts and tender black-haired wagyu.
- Taste cuts of Yamagata Beef, celebrated as one of Japan's prime wagyu.
- Find exclusive cuts that you'll not discover in regular yakiniku spots.
- Enjoy peace of mind with meat sourced from meticulously managed black-haired wagyu.
- Private rooms are available for a tranquil dining escape.
3. Edomae Unagi Kawasho Tokyu-Kichijoji-ten / 江戸前うなぎ かわ祥 東急吉祥寺店
Tokyo, Kichijoji
☆3.7 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/499
Features
Experience the exquisite flavors of Edo-style eel, grilled to perfection by seasoned craftsmen.
- Just a 6-minute stroll from Kichijoji Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 15 minutes before your visit.
- Only the finest domestic eels are selected.
- Long-steamed eels are expertly grilled to achieve their fluffy tenderness.
- Enjoy dishes like unaju glazed with a special sauce and hitsumabushi with condiments and ochazuke.
- Relax in a spacious interior with a welcoming wooden ambiance.
4. Wgyu to wine Ykiniku Kyukon / 和牛とワイン 焼肉きゅうこん
Tokyo, Meguro
☆4.3 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1417
Features
Relish trucks of delightful meat dishes, selected by experts known as "meat masters."
- A short 7-minute walk from Meguro Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 15 minutes before your visit.
- Expertly crafted dishes focus on top quality meats sourced from across Japan.
- Enjoy a variety of wagyu cuts grilled to perfection alongside wines recommended by a sommelier.
- The tranquil atmosphere transports you to a relaxing valley vibe.
5. Syabusyabu Sukiyaki Shishikura / しゃぶしゃぶ すき焼き 宍倉
Tokyo, Nishi-Shinjuku
☆4.8 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1476
Features
Savor unparalleled shabu-shabu and sukiyaki featuring world-renowned Kagoshima black beef.
- A convenient 5-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Go-chome Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 1 hour before your visit.
- One of Tokyo's rare places to enjoy the award-winning "Kagoshima Black Beef."
- Relish prime cuts such as the revered sirloin and ribeye, prized for their luxuriously high quality.
- Shabu-shabu is an exquisite culinary journey focused on rich broths and homemade sauces prepared fresh each morning.
- Taste unique clay pot rice crafted with a special blend of rice from trusted local farmers, highlighting the original flavors of the ingredients.
- Choose from about 30 types of local sake to complement your meal.
6. Ebisu Kappo Shishikura / 恵比寿 割烹 ししくら
Tokyo, Ebisu
☆4.4 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1477
Features
Enjoy exquisite kaiseki cuisine crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients.
- Located just 4 minutes from Ebisu Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 1 hour before your visit.
- Enjoy seasonal delicacies such as wild mountain vegetables and shrimp in spring, sweetfish and abalone in summer, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and snow crab and tiger pufferfish in winter.
- Each dish is prepared with vegetables and fish sourced directly from local producers.
- Savor brand beef like Kagoshima Black Beef, renowned for its quality.
- Rare sakes and shochus from all over the country are featured on the drink menu.
7. Teppanyaki seto / 鉄板焼seto
Tokyo, Hamamatsucho
☆4.3 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1493
Features
Experience delightful teppanyaki featuring local Setouchi ingredients.
- Just a minute's walk from Hamamatsucho Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 3 hours before your visit.
- Enjoy a unique focus on Setouchi ingredients with a teppanyaki twist.
- Sample the exquisite "Olive Beef," a brand wagyu from Shodoshima, grilled to tender perfection.
- Olive Beef is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor profile.
- Dishes are crafted with seasonal seafood, fruits, and vegetables sourced from the Shikoku and Setouchi regions.
- Counter seating allows chefs to prepare your meal right in front of you, enhancing the dining experience.
8. YAKINIKU 37west NY
Tokyo, Shinbashi
☆4.8 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1510
Features
Indulge in expertly aged meats grilled right at your table.
- Located a mere 2 minutes' walk from Shinbashi Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 6 hours before your visit.
- Relish top-quality A5 Tamura beef, Matsusaka beef, and Hitachi beef, cooked to perfection right before your eyes.
- Each bite offers rich flavors of lean cuts combined with unique tenderness and umami.
- Your personal "grilling master" will finish the meat with unrivaled skill at your table.
- Pair your meal with curated rare wines while soaking in the atmosphere reminiscent of 1920s New York.
9. Ginza Kani Akatsuki / 銀座 蟹 あかつき
Tokyo, Ginza
☆4.4 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1555
Features
Delight in a crab restaurant featuring live cooking experiences right at the counter.
- Only a 1-minute walk from Ginza Station.
- You can make a same-day reservation up to 6 hours before your visit.
- Choose from various crab dishes including sashimi and shabu-shabu.
- The crabs’ quality is paramount, with the owner personally sourcing them daily from the market.
- Experience exceptional cooking methods tailored to each crab variety.
- All ingredients are hand-selected to ensure quality.
- Counter seating offers a front-row seat to the culinary action.
In Conclusion
When you find yourself thinking, “I want to savor something delicious right now,” having restaurants that accommodate same-day reservations becomes invaluable during your travels. Particularly when it comes to the renowned Japanese yakiniku and washoku, these culinary experiences are cherished by international visitors and culinary enthusiasts alike.
- Choosing restaurants that accept same-day reservations provides the flexibility to adapt even during peak travel seasons.
- With yakiniku and washoku representing the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, they are perfect options for first-time visitors.
- Excellent accommodations for foreigners, including English menus and multilingual reservation platforms, eliminate language barriers.
So even if you've ever thought, "There’s just no way to dine without a reservation," you can confidently try the establishments we've highlighted. Whether you’re taking a break from sightseeing or seeking a spontaneous dinner spot, consider stopping by. You’re bound to discover a dish that becomes a memorable highlight of your journey.
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