Sukiyaki is a beloved Japanese hot pot dish made with premium cuts of meat and a variety of vegetables. The traditional preparation involves lightly sautéing green onions in soy sauce before adding thinly sliced meat, which is then dipped in raw egg for a rich, savory-sweet flavor. It pairs perfectly with rice or noodles, making it both a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Popular among international travelers and locals alike, sukiyaki is often enjoyed for celebrations, gatherings, or romantic dinners.

In 2024, Japan's dining scene is embracing a new trend: “trend hot pots” (トレンド鍋), with the most talked-about dish being "new-style sukiyaki." This innovative take reimagines classic elements like eggs and sukiyaki broth, introducing new ingredients and preparation methods. One variation uses smoked soy sauce to simmer Kuroge Wagyu, paired with an egg dip blended with yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist—creating a completely different flavor profile from traditional sukiyaki.

Another version incorporates tomatoes and egg at the end of the meal, transforming the broth into a rich, Western-style omelet-inspired dish. According to surveys on new-style sukiyaki, this fusion of Japanese and Western elements is what first comes to mind for most people, sparking curiosity about this emerging trend. While it’s not yet widespread, it may soon take Japan’s food scene by storm!

Source: 2024 "Trend Hot Pots®" – New-Style Sukiyaki
Source: Gurunavi Inc. Public Relations Group – 2024 "Trend Hot Pots®" New-Style Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki is the perfect way to enjoy Wagyu beef, fresh local vegetables, and other signature Japanese ingredients all in one meal. Loved by both locals and visitors, it’s an easy-to-enjoy dish with wide appeal. And when the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hot pot of sukiyaki—it somehow tastes even better in the colder months! With many of Tokyo’s best sukiyaki spots conveniently located in major tourist areas, there’s no reason not to indulge.

This time, we’ve selected eight of Tokyo’s top sukiyaki restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to popular spots near Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, and Ginza—perfect for a meal before or after sightseeing. For something truly unique, there’s even a yakatabune (Japanese-style boat) sukiyaki experience. Best of all, you can book online in advance to skip the wait!

Sukiyaki Kappo Hiyama (すき焼割烹日山) is a Michelin-starred sukiyaki restaurant renowned for its farm-to-table approach and deep dedication to premium Wagyu. The restaurant has its own cattle farm and feed sources, ensuring that only the finest, meticulously selected beef makes it to the table. Even seasoned Wagyu connoisseurs can taste the difference here.

The menu offers set courses featuring Yonezawa beef or Kuroge Wagyu, with Yonezawa beef being the pricier option. Guests can choose from sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, seared beef, or steak, with the meat sliced to match the cooking method. For a more budget-friendly experience, lunch is recommended.

The signature sukiyaki course includes an appetizer, starter, sukiyaki, rice or noodles, pickles, and dessert. Staff handle the cooking, ensuring the perfect preparation of each dish. For international guests, translation devices are available. The sukiyaki sauce is well-balanced—not overly salty—while the marbled beef melts in your mouth. Vegetables and tofu absorb the broth’s rich flavors, and seasonal desserts, like Nara’s Kotoka strawberries in winter, add a thoughtful finishing touch. This spot is highly rated by international visitors.

The restaurant is housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese building, offering a private dining experience with an elegant ambiance. Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Ningyocho Station and near Tokyo Station, it’s an excellent choice for a high-end sukiyaki experience.

Founded in 1900, Sugimoto Honten (スギモト本店) is a long-established butcher shop with over a century of history. The restaurant offers high-quality beef, including Kuroge Wagyu, Owari Beef, and Matsusaka Beef, at reasonable prices.

Unlike traditional Japanese sukiyaki, which is typically served in a shared hotpot for two or more people, Sugimoto Honten also offers single-serving sukiyaki meals. Their most popular dish, the Owari Beef Sukiyaki Gozen, includes chawanmushi (savory egg custard), pickled side dishes, rice, miso soup, and Nagoya Cochin free-range chicken egg. Since it's served as an individual meal, it's a more budget-friendly option compared to a full shared hotpot, making sukiyaki more accessible even for solo diners.

In addition to sukiyaki and sukiyaki set meals, the restaurant offers Gyū Mabushi, a beef version of the popular Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice, eaten three ways), available with Matsusaka Beef or Owari Beef—a must-try specialty of Sugimoto Honten. Other menu highlights include Matsusaka Beef sirloin steak and Kuroge Wagyu beef katsu (deep-fried cutlet), providing plenty of options beyond sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.

Located inside Tokyo Skytree, one of Tokyo’s top landmarks, the restaurant can be found on the 6th floor of Tokyo Solamachi (Skytree Town), within the Solamachi Dining area. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal before or after exploring Tokyo Skytree and Solamachi.

Chinya (ちんや) is a legendary sukiyaki restaurant in Asakusa, boasting over 140 years of history. When it temporarily closed in 2021 due to the pandemic, many were disappointed. However, its highly anticipated reopening in 2022 sparked excitement, and it remains one of Asakusa’s top high-end dining spots.

The restaurant offers set-course meals, with premium sukiyaki options like the "Black Ship," "Steam Train," and "Stagecoach" courses, which include 10 dishes, such as three appetizers, sukiyaki, rice, dessert, and simmered beef. There are also simpler options like the "Kiri," "Kaede," and "Kizuna" courses, featuring five dishes—perfect for those who want to focus on sukiyaki or keep costs down. Prices vary depending on the quality and cut of the beef used in each course.

Beyond the food, Chinya’s interior design is a highlight. When it reopened in 2022, the restaurant was redesigned to reflect the romantic charm of Japan’s Taisho era (1912–1926), blending Western elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics. The carefully curated atmosphere, along with attentive tableside service, makes for an immersive cultural experience—one that diners say is well worth the price.

Located about an 8-minute walk from Asakusa Station and 10 minutes from Kaminarimon Gate, it's a convenient stop before or after visiting Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits or last-minute disappointment!

Located just 6 minutes from Ginza Station and 1 minute from Higashi-Ginza Station, Ginza Negura (ねぐら) is the renowned successor to Ginza Hanadaikon, a famous A5 Wagyu sukiyaki restaurant. It boasts top ratings on Japanese gourmet review sites and is especially popular among locals. The restaurant serves only premium A4 and A5 domestic Kuroge Wagyu, including a rare lean beef cut that’s delivered just once every two weeks.

The set-course meals include an appetizer, a seasonal dish, sukiyaki beef, vegetables, a choice of Ise udon or rice, dessert, and coffee. The marbled Wagyu slices are impressively large and thick, yet remain melt-in-your-mouth tender after cooking. The savory-sweet sukiyaki sauce enhances the beef’s rich flavor, making each bite unforgettable. Despite offering top-grade Wagyu, the prices are nearly half of what most premium sukiyaki restaurants charge, making it an incredible value.

Queues are common every day for both lunch and dinner, but lunch is especially competitive, with lines forming before the restaurant even opens. The affordable lunch sets, including a Kuroge Wagyu sashimi bento, make it a must-visit for those willing to wait. However, lunch reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is key. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, it’s best to book a dinner reservation online in advance!

Shabuzen (しゃぶ禪) is a buffet-style sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant with multiple locations across Japan. It specializes in high-quality, all-you-can-eat beef, including domestic Wagyu, Kuroge Wagyu, Matsusaka Beef, and Kobe Beef. The buffet also features a variety of appetizers, sashimi, matsutake mushroom soup, matsutake rice, and seasonal vegetables, offering a rich selection of fresh ingredients.

The sukiyaki experience starts with sautéing scallions and onions, followed by adding the signature house-made sukiyaki sauce. Thin slices of marbled pink Wagyu are briefly simmered, releasing their aroma and blending perfectly with the broth. The seasonal vegetables are crisp and fresh, and with an all-you-can-eat option, guests can indulge to their heart’s content. To enhance the flavors, sesame sauce and yuzu ponzu are available for dipping, making it a great spot for those looking to balance their meals while traveling.

Located on the 32nd floor of Ginza Creston Hotel (GINZA CRESTON), this restaurant offers breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Tower. Whether dining during the day or enjoying the romantic city lights at night, the scenic setting adds to the experience. The attentive service ensures that empty plates are promptly replenished, making the buffet both enjoyable and stress-free.

A quick note: While the restaurant is named Shabuzen Ginza, the closest station is actually Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro), about a 5-minute walk away. Though the price is on the higher side, the unlimited high-quality beef, panoramic views, and convenient online reservations make it a worthwhile choice—especially for those who want to avoid long wait times during their Tokyo visit.

Located in the bustling Ginza and Yurakucho area, Edomae Niku Kappo Miyashita (宮下) specializes in A5 Kuroge Wagyu sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, served in set-course meals. Each course includes salad, chawanmushi, two appetizers, a starter, sukiyaki, a main dish, and dessert. The sukiyaki sauce is a house-original blend, with a slightly sweet-savory flavor that can be adjusted by adding water to taste.

For the best experience, start by simmering the vegetables to enhance the broth’s aroma, then briefly cook the beautifully marbled A5 Wagyu slices. Dipping the tender beef into raw egg brings out its full richness—a true melt-in-your-mouth experience. Despite its high-quality Wagyu, Miyashita offers relatively affordable prices compared to other Ginza sukiyaki restaurants, making it a great value. For an even better deal, check out their lunch sets, which are more budget-friendly.

The restaurant is located on the 12th floor of Marronnier Gate Ginza 1, offering a fantastic view of the city skyline, especially at night. JR Yurakucho Station is just a 3-minute walk away, while Ginza-itchome Station Exit 4 is only a 1-minute walk. It’s also conveniently close to top shopping destinations like Bic Camera Yurakucho, UNIQLO Ginza, Loft Ginza, and MUJI Ginza, making it a great dining stop during your shopping or sightseeing trip.

Yakatabune are traditional Japanese-style houseboats, featuring wooden cabins where passengers can enjoy a meal while taking in Tokyo’s waterfront scenery. These charming boats are a common sight along the city’s waterways, offering a unique way to dine while cruising.

For a one-of-a-kind sukiyaki experience, try enjoying it aboard a yakatabune! This dinner cruise departs from Echujima Pier, about a 10-minute walk from Tsukishima Station (Tokyo Metro). Inside, the boat features tatami mat seating, where guests remove their shoes and sit on the floor for an authentic atmosphere. Each diner gets a personal sukiyaki hot pot, complete with beef, vegetables, scallions, tofu, and konjac noodles. (Guests who do not eat beef or prefer vegetarian options should note their preferences when booking.)

The experience also includes unlimited tea and non-alcoholic drinks, with alcoholic beverages available for an additional charge. If you’re looking for a scenic, cultural, and delicious way to experience Tokyo, this sukiyaki dinner on a yakatabune is a must-try!

As night falls, the yakatabune glides across the calm waters of Tokyo Bay, surrounded by shimmering reflections of the city’s skyline. The illuminated skyscrapers, Tokyo Tower, and the Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba create a breathtaking view, perfectly mirrored on the water’s surface. Guests can also step onto the upper deck to take in the panoramic nightscape, offering a unique perspective of Tokyo from the waterfront.

During dinner, a professional musician performs traditional Japanese music live, adding an elegant cultural touch to the experience. Guests are welcome to take photos with the performers, making for a memorable keepsake. This all-in-one experience allows you to enjoy sukiyaki, cruise through Tokyo’s night views, and immerse yourself in Japanese traditional arts—all with English-friendly staff to assist you. It’s no surprise that this yakatabune sukiyaki dinner is a top-rated experience among international visitors!

The final recommendation on our list is Janomeya (じゃのめや), a historic sukiyaki restaurant in Yokohama. Located just a 5-minute walk from Bandobashi Station (Yokohama Municipal Subway), this renowned establishment has been serving premium beef since 1893 (Meiji 26)—over 130 years of history. Known for its strict quality standards, Janomeya exclusively selects A5-grade Wagyu with a B.M.S (Beef Marbling Standard) rating of 10 or higher (out of 12), ensuring only the finest, melt-in-your-mouth beef is served.

The sukiyaki courses include appetizers, sashimi, a seasonal dish, sukiyaki beef, vegetables, soup, a main dish, and dessert. Premium courses also feature additional appetizers and two cuts of beef, with prices around 10,000 yen. Given the high-quality meat and diverse menu, it offers excellent value. The beautifully marbled Wagyu slices release an incredible aroma when cooked, and dipping them in egg creates an ultra-smooth, savory-sweet bite. The flavors are well-balanced and not overly salty, living up to its long-standing reputation.

For the main dish, guests can choose between rice or wide, flat ramen-style noodles—and even if you're already full, the noodles are too good to pass up!

Janomeya is also one of Yokohama’s three great gyunabe (beef hot pot) restaurants, a must-visit for those seeking an authentic, local favorite. With a largely Japanese clientele, this is a hidden gem worth visiting if you’re in Yokohama and want to experience a sukiyaki spot loved by locals!

Hot pot dining is all the rage in Japan right now, and sukiyaki remains a beloved classic among both locals and visitors. Just picture it—beautifully marbled Kuroge Wagyu arranged on the table, tender pink slices simmering in rich, dark sukiyaki broth, paired with fresh Japanese eggs and perfectly braised seasonal vegetables. Every bite is pure bliss! And if you're visiting in winter, treating your travel companions to sukiyaki will make you look like a true insider.

Of course, don’t forget to book in advance—many top restaurants don’t accept walk-ins, and you don’t want to be stuck outside in a long line. Plan ahead and secure your spot for an unforgettable sukiyaki feast in Tokyo!