Located in the popular Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo, “Kagoshima Karen Ginza-ten” (hereafter referred to as “Kagoshima Karen”) offers exceptional service for international guests. Managed by the Kagoshima Federation of Economic and Agricultural Cooperatives, the restaurant is renowned for its dedication to showcasing the finest products Kagoshima Prefecture has to offer, and most notably the prized Kagoshima Kuroushi brand of wagyū beef.
The teppanyaki experience
The Lunch Teppanyaki Course at Kagoshima Karen featuring Kagoshima Kuroushi wagyu beef
Kagoshima Karen’s “Lunch Teppanyaki Course” comes highly recommended for those seeking an exceptional dining experience.
The teppanyaki cooking style offers unique advantages, including precise temperature control and interactive preparation. This method ensures perfect doneness and allows guests to observe the entire cooking process. The visual appeal of the grilling process, the sizzle and aroma of the cooking meat, and the final tasting all contribute to a memorable dining atmosphere.
The head chef at Kagoshima Karen cooking teppanyaki
The head chef at Kagoshima Karen brings a wealth of experience to the teppanyaki table, having honed his skills in various culinary disciplines both in Japan and internationally. With his extensive background, you can be confident that each dish is prepared to perfection, with meticulous attention to detail and technique.
Teppanyaki grilling
Mr. Tomimatsu, the restaurant manager, highlights the sensory engagement and the distinctiveness of Japanese teppanyaki: “Interaction is crucial in teppanyaki dining. Our chef explains the origins and details of the ingredients, and engages in conversations with guests to enhance their experience. Unlike the performance-oriented style seen overseas, Japanese teppanyaki focuses more on conversation and the culinary artistry itself.”
International guests appreciating the teppanyaki experience
Culinary delights: introducing the Lunch Teppanyaki Course
The Lunch Teppanyaki Course at Kagoshima Karen begins with a selection of appetizers, a special seasonal soup and a salad.
The restaurant takes pride in using fresh, seasonal produce sourced directly from Oidon Market, run by the Kagoshima Prefecture Economic Federation. By incorporating these seasonal elements, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of Kagoshima’s rich agricultural heritage.
The mouthwatering dishes included in the Lunch Teppanyaki Course
The teppanyaki experience truly starts with fresh seafood and seasonal Kagoshima vegetables grilled before the diners by the chef. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its quality and flavor, ensuring a harmonious and delightful dining experience from start to finish. The “Seasonal Seafood” selections on the day of our visit included red sea bream and saucer scallops, also known as sun and moon scallops, both from Kagoshima Prefecture.
Red sea bream and saucer scallops from Kagoshima Prefecture were featured in the Seasonal Seafood selection
The course is rounded off with miso soup, pickles, and a dessert, providing a satisfying conclusion to the meal. The standard rice served is Ginjimai Akihonami from Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its large grains, mild sweetness and wonderfully chewy texture. Garlic rice is available as an option for additional 1,000 JPY for those who prefer a more robust flavor.
The price of the course varies depending on the cut and quantity of Kagoshima Kuroushi wagyu beef you choose. The filet is 80g for 14,000 JPY, 110g for 16,500 JPY, and 140g for 19,000 JPY; the sirloin is 80g for 11,000 JPY, 110g for 13,000 JPY, and 140g for 15,000 JPY; and the loin is 80g for 7,000 JPY, 110g for 8,500 JPY and 140g for 10,000 JPY (tax included). There is a minimum order of one course per diner.
Savoring premium cuts
Filet (left) and sirloin (right) of Kagoshima Kuroushi wagyu beef
The highlight of the meal is the premium cuts of Kagoshima Kuroushi wagyu beef such as filet and sirloin steak.
Succulent Kagoshima Kuroushi wagyu beef being sliced on the grill
As the chef prepares the beef, he describes the distinct flavor profiles and textures of each cut. The filet offers a clean and straightforward taste, while the sirloin provides a richer, more indulgent experience. Mr. Tomimatsu notes, “The sirloin is marbled and well-balanced with lean meat, with fat that gives Kagoshima Kuroushi its characteristic sweetness, melting in your mouth. The filet is leaner and lighter, and among the various cuts, its most notable feature is its exceptional tenderness.”
International diners enjoying the Teppanyaki Lunch Course
The excellence of Kagoshima Kuroushi wagyu beef
The centerpiece of the teppanyaki lunch is the renowned Kagoshima Kuroushi brand of wagyu beef that has passed strict inspection criteria. Known for its exceptional quality, the beef is backed by a meticulous traceability system. “To ensure that our customers can dine with peace of mind, we have implemented a traceability system for Kagoshima Kuroushi. This system allows us to trace the beef back to where it was born and who raised it. This guarantees transparency and promotes trust,” explains Mr. Tomimatsu.
Throughout the meal, diners can savor the rich flavors of Kagoshima Kuroushi with confidence, complemented by the attentive service that makes every visit memorable.
Personalized service for international diners
Kagoshima Karen goes above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience for international guests. There is an English-speaking staff member who can assist, providing guidance on the menu and answering any questions. This personalized service makes international guests feel welcome and comfortable, bridging any language barriers and enhancing the overall experience. Please note that there are some days when the English-speaking staff member is not available.
An English-speaking staff member interacting with diners
A selection of premium alcohol, including Kagoshima shōchū
In addiiton to coffee or tea which are included in the course, Kagoshima Karen offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you can also order to complement your meal. Kagoshima is famous for its premium shōchū hard liquor, and the restaurant has a generous stock. They even provide a shochu tasting quiz where guests can sample and identify the three most famous premium shochus of Japan, known as the “The Three Ms”: Mori Izō, Maō, and Murao. In addition to shochu, diners can also order sake and other beverages to suit their preferences.
A broad selection of shochu, including premium offerings, are available
Embracing Kagoshima culture and cuisine
The teppanyaki experience at Kagoshima Karen in Ginza is a true celebration of Japanese culinary artistry and hospitality. From the high-quality Kagoshima Kuroushi wagyu beef to the personalized service and cultural ambiance, every aspect of the dining experience is meticulously crafted to provide an unforgettable journey for international guests.
The teppanyaki grill and counter space
The restaurant’s attention to Kagoshima culture extends beyond its cuisine. Diners can admire Satsuma Kiriko glassware, a traditional craft from Kagoshima Prefecture and, at the reception, a Yakusugi wood table crafted from thousand-year-old cedar from Yakushima Island. Displays of Sakurajima Island, a famous icon of Kagoshima Prefecture, further enhance the authentic atmosphere.
Finally, while the teppanyaki is outstanding, diners can also enjoy Kagoshima Kuroushi in a shabu-shabu hotpot. For details on their Kagoshima Kuroushi Shabu-Shabu lunch course, also popular with international diners, please read our review here.
Whatever you order, you’ll surely appreciate the exceptional flavors and hospitality of Kagoshima Karen, where you can savor the best of Japanese cuisine with a Kagoshima twist.
Information
| Store name | 鹿児島華蓮 銀座店 Kagoshima Karen Ginza-ten |
|---|---|
| Address | GINZA888 Building 9F, 8-8-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
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| Access | Shimbashi Station（SMB） 5-minute walk from Shimbashi Station Ginza Exit
Ginza Station 6-minute walk from Exit A4 |
| Phone number | 03-3572-3153 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog, GURUNAVI, Ikyu, Retty, RESZAIKO |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | 10% charge only at dinnertime |
| Hours | 11:30-14:00（last order 13:30）, 17:30-22:00（last order 21:00） |
| Closed | Sun. & nat’l holidays |
| Seating | 82 seats 10 counter seats (for teppanyaki grilled dishes only), 32 table seats, 40 private dining room seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking A smoking room is available |
| Official website | https://www.karen-ja.or.jp/karen/index-en.html |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of June 2024.
