DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.03.22
Indulge in Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu in a Traditional Japanese Atmosphere
Nearest Station
"Zakuro" is a renowned Japanese restaurant, recognized as the pioneer of shabu-shabu in Tokyo. The restaurant primarily serves carefully selected Wagyu, including Matsusaka and Kobe beef. The Ginza branch features artwork by Japanese artists, enhancing its serene, traditional ambiance for an immersive dining experience.
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Founded in 1955 in Akasaka, Tokyo, "Zakuro" introduced shabu-shabu to the city. The Ginza branch, established in 1982, is conveniently located just a one-minute walk from Ginza Station. The restaurant welcomes numerous visitors from Japan and abroad, offering an authentic shabu-shabu experience.
The interior is designed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Kimono-clad staff provide attentive service, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic Japanese dining atmosphere.
The restaurant features a tranquil Japanese ambiance. The walls display lithographs by renowned printmaker Shikō Munakata, while lighting fixtures incorporate the restaurant’s name and traditional motifs.
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese dish where thinly sliced beef and vegetables are briefly swirled in a simmering broth and then dipped in a flavorful sauce. "Zakuro" continues to use its original shabu-shabu pot, the Hōkōzu (火鍋子), a signature piece that has been in use since the restaurant’s inception. This pot, now exclusive to the Ginza branch, features a copper construction with a chimney-like center, where Binchōtan charcoal generates heat. This unique method enhances the depth of umami compared to gas-heated pots.
When dipping the beef into the pot, gently swirl it while avoiding contact with the central chimney. The fresh meat is best enjoyed slightly rare, allowing its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and juiciness to shine.
"Zakuro" takes pride in sourcing only the finest Wagyu, including Matsusaka and Kobe beef, from select producers across Japan. The head chef personally inspects each cut, rejecting anything that fails to meet the restaurant’s rigorous standards. The dipping sauces are equally refined. The restaurant’s signature spicy sesame sauce harmonizes the nutty richness of sesame with the heat of chili peppers, elevating the meat’s umami. Meanwhile, the ponzu sauce offers a refreshing acidity and a crisp finish, providing a lighter alternative.
A luxurious set meal allows guests to compare three varieties of premium Kuroge Wagyu. The generous portion includes 180 grams of beef, accompanied by fresh vegetables and the restaurant’s popular tomato salad. Kuroge Wagyu Three-Variety Shabu-Shabu Set – 15,730yen
The information contained this article was correct as of 03/22/2025 (the time of publication)
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