Dining solo has become common in Japan—whether it’s solo yakiniku, hot pot, karaoke, or even amusement parks. But if we turn back the clock, it’s remarkable to find a restaurant that embraced the idea of solo dining back in the 1970s.
Shabusen, a restaurant offering shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, has been operating since 1971 as a “single-person hot pot specialty restaurant.”
Sukiyaki with A3-grade Kuroge Wagyu Beef (150 g) – 6,820 JPY (tax included)
A welcoming spot for solo diners: Shabusen’s counter seating
Hot pot meals like shabu-shabu and sukiyaki are often enjoyed in groups in Japan. Many restaurants require you to order for at least two people, which can be intimidating if you’re dining alone. “Will people stare? What if I can’t finish it all?” These worries can make solo hot pot seem daunting.
Shabusen, though, is designed with solo diners in mind. With counter seating only, you won’t feel out of place if you’re on your own.
Inside Shabusen Ginza
Of course, you’re also welcome to come with others—no need to coordinate orders. Each person can choose exactly what they want, making it a stress-free experience.
Shabusen Ginza’s exterior
Each serving of shabu-shabu or sukiyaki includes about 150 g (5.3 oz) of meat—just the right amount. If you’re still hungry, you can order extra items. It’s the kind of place you’ll be glad to find when you’re craving a solo sukiyaki feast.
A closer look at the wagyu rib roast
Affordable lunch specials to fill you up
Compared to dinner, Shabusen’s lunch sets are more budget-friendly. Even their sukiyaki with premium Wagyu beef rib roast is just 6,820 JPY (tax included) for one person. It also comes with white rice and your choice of one side dish from four options.
Shabusen carefully selects both domestic beef and pork for their meals, ensuring everything is top quality.
Ingredients (except the meat) are typically pre-arranged in the pot when served
Considering it’s in Tokyo’s posh shopping district of Ginza, these prices are surprisingly reasonable. Shabusen keeps costs down by buying the best wagyu available at the time, without sticking to one breed or region—so you get top-notch quality without breaking the bank.
The meat is served with Shabusen’s sweet and savory warishita (sukiyaki broth), a recipe that has remained unchanged since the restaurant opened. The broth enhances the natural flavor and aroma of the wagyu. The beef itself is delicate and tender, melting on your tongue—especially if you cook it just until it’s slightly rare for the perfect silky texture.
Dip the meat in fresh raw egg to add mellow sweetness and extra richness. Pair it with the white rice for a bite that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Shabusen uses Koshi’ibuki rice from Niigata Prefecture, a region renowned for producing some of the best rice in Japan. Its clean finish pairs perfectly with the rich sukiyaki flavors.
The sweet and savory notes of the warishita, the tender wagyu, the creamy egg, and the fluffy grains of rice combine for a truly blissful dining experience.
There are no rules for how to enjoy your meal here. One trick we at Umami Bites recommend? Pour any leftover egg over the rice to create a next-level tamago kake gohan (raw egg over rice) that’s rich and satisfying—a perfect way to end your meal.
Even better, Shabusen offers free rice refills. Start with the wagyu and rice, then end with that creamy egg-topped rice for a truly filling, soul-warming meal.
Information
| Store name | しゃぶせん銀座店 Shabusen Ginza |
|---|---|
| Address | Exitmelsa 8F, 5-7-10 Ginza, Chūō-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Ginza Station: 2-minute walk from Exit A2
Higashi-Ginza Station: 4-minute walk from Exit A1
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| Phone number | 03-3572-3806 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge / Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon.–Fri.: 11:00 AM–4:30 PM (last order 3:30 PM), 5:00 PM–10:00 PM (last order 9:00 PM) Sat., Sun. & holidays: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–10:00 PM (last order 9:00 PM) |
| Closed | Japanese New Year holidays (Dec. 31–Jan. 1) Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 65 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.zakuro.co.jp/shabusen/restaurant/ginza/index.html |
| Other information |
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*Menu items, prices, and store information are current as of May 2025.
