Shimbashi, one of Tokyo’s premier business districts, is a food lover’s paradise offering everything from casual izakaya to upscale restaurants.
Standing right in front of Shimbashi Station’s Hibiya Exit (SL Square), the New Shimbashi Building is one of the area’s most iconic landmarks, known for its unique and deep-rooted atmosphere that continues to draw people in.
Located on the second floor of the New Shimbashi Building, “Kani Jigoku Shinbashi,” (hereafter referred to as “Kani Jigoku”) is famed for serving fresh crabs directly shipped from Hokkaidō at affordable prices.
At any given time, they offer 3 to 4 varieties of fresh crab. The refrigerated display by the entrance is lined with sweet and juicy beni zuwai (red snow crab), meaty and flavorful hontaraba (red king crab), and live premium kegani (horsehair crab), sparking excitement the moment you walk in!
Savor the full essence of crab with the “Crab Fisherman’s Hot Pot”
Kani Jigoku’s signature dish is the “Crab Fisherman’s Hot Pot.”
The main ingredients are vibrant red snow crab and refined sweet snow crab. Piled high to overflowing from the pot, it also contains plenty of seafood and vegetables including clams, cod, tofu, green onions, Chinese cabbage, and chrysanthemum greens.
“蟹漁師鍋,” Crab Fisherman’s Hot Pot 6,980 JPY (tax included)
This hot pot serves about 2 to 3 people per pot. Since the ingredients are pre-boiled before serving, it’s ready to eat once the pot comes to a boil.
Start by tasting the soup—its rich flavor, infused with crab essence, dashi, and the umami of vegetables, will warm you to the core.
The vibrant, glossy red snow crab is best enjoyed by grabbing the shell with your hand and taking a bite of the flesh in one go.
The tender meat releases a burst of savory flavor, letting you experience pure culinary bliss.
Crab meat can also sometimes be found hidden in the joints of the legs. Give them a twist to remove the shell, and you might find meat in spots that are easy to miss.
However, depending on the type or part of the crab, some joints may be empty—so there’s no need to force it.
If you’re hesitant to use your bare hands, don’t worry—plastic gloves are provided.
In Japanese hot pot cuisine, it’s standard to add rice or noodles at the end after eating the ingredients, known as a shime (pronounced “she-meh”).
For the Crab Fisherman’s Hot Pot, the recommended finale is the “Shime Ramen.”
“〆ラーメン,” Shime Ramen 600 JPY (tax included)
The noodles used in the ramen are also pre-boiled, so they’re ready to eat after simmering in the pot for a few minutes.
The rich soup, infused with the umami of crab and other ingredients, pairs perfectly with the noodles!
If you feel there isn’t enough soup, just let the staff know before adding the noodles—they’ll top it up for free.
The fragrant “Crab Kamameshi” is another can’t-miss dish!
Kani Jigoku also offers a variety of other crab dishes, including the exquisite “Crab Kamameshi”—a traditional Japanese rice pot dish.
Since it takes about 30 minutes to cook, it’s best to order it early on when you visit.
“蟹釜飯,” Crab Kamameshi 1,100 JPY (tax included)
The moment the lid is lifted, a rich, crab-infused aroma rises with the steam—instantly assuring you it’s going to be delicious.
The ingredients include seasonal crab, and chrysanthemum greens add a bitter accent to the flavor.
Freshly steamed Crab Kamameshi
Some of the crab meat comes still in the shell, so use the scissors on the table to crack it open and remove the meat.
If it’s tricky to handle on your own, feel free to ask the staff—at Kani Jigoku, they’re happy to help with shelling no matter which dish you order.
Once you’ve removed all the meat, mix everything well before eating.
Cooking it in a traditional pot lets the crab’s umami soak into the rice, blending with its natural sweetness for a rich, satisfying flavor that deepens with every bite.
The Umami bites editorial team also recommends the “Grilled Kanimiso in the Shell.” As the name suggests, this dish features kanimiso (crab tomalley).
“カニ味噌甲羅焼き,” Grilled Kanimiso in the Shell 860 JPY (tax included)
Place it over the grill, and after about five minutes, it’s ready to eat.
The rich, savory crab tomalley is perfect paired with sake.
For an extra indulgent bite, try dipping the meat from the Crab Fisherman’s Hot Pot into the crab miso.
Pick your crab, have it weighed, and enjoy it cooked fresh!
If you’re looking for an even more indulgent, crab-filled experience, don’t miss the chance to try the crab sold by weight at the front of the shop.
Prices are listed per 100 g (3.5 oz), and crabs are sold by the whole piece only.
For Tokyo, the pricing is exceptionally reasonable. Once you choose your crab, it will be weighed right in front of you.
You can choose either grilling or boiling for preparation. Not sure which method suits your crab? Just ask the staff for advice.
Choosing your own crab and having it freshly prepared, much like bidding at a fish market auction, is an unforgettable experience.
A great all-you-can-drink deal for sake lovers
A wide selection of drinks is also available to enjoy alongside the crab dishes.
From draft beer and sours to highballs, shōchū, Japanese sake, and wine, Kani Jigoku offers all-you-can-drink plans starting at just 350 JPY for 30 minutes.
You can also order drinks individually, but if you plan to have three or more in an hour, the all-you-can-drink option is a great deal.
Kani Jigoku has English-speaking staff and menus with English descriptions, so international visitors can dine with peace of mind.
A crab-filled dinner in this nostalgic town is sure to be an unforgettable dining experience!
Information
| Store name | かに地獄 新橋 Kani Jigoku Shinbashi |
|---|---|
| Address | New Shimbashi Building B1 & 2F, 2-16-1 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Shimbashi Station 1-minute walk from Shimbashi Station Karasumori Exit
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| Phone number | 03-3502-6101 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone limited to 2 hours from the reservation time |
| Payment |
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| Service charge / Table charge | 600 JPY (tax included) charge not necessary when ordering a course |
| Hours | B1F Mon-Fri. 17:00-23:30 Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays 12:00-23:30 2F Mon- Fri. 17:00〜23:30 Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays 15:00-23:30 |
| Closed | 2nd Sunday of odd-numbered months (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov.) |
| Seating | 108 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/kanijigoku |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of June 2025.
