Where to Eat the Best Shabu Shabu in Tokyo: Two Amazing Local Spots
- Makayla M.
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 23
If you’re craving some seriously good shabu shabu in Tokyo, let me take you on a little tour of two spots that have me hooked: Shabu Shabu Let Us in NakaMeguro, and WAGYU Kappo Imoaraizaka no Shita (WAGYU割烹 芋洗坂の下) in Roppongi.
What is Shabu Shabu?
Shabu shabu is an interactive Japanese hotpot meal where you take super thinly sliced meat, veggies, tofu, and more and dip them in a pot of simmering broth. These ingredients are then enjoyed with sauces, rice, and even noodles.
It’s cozy, fun, and you control everything: how long the meat cooks, which broth you like best, and what sides you add. It’s perfect for a leisurely lunch, a dinner with friends, or even a solo treat.
A Short History of Shabu Shabu in Japan:
Shabu shabu is actually a relatively modern Japanese dish, first popularized in Osaka in the 1950s by a restaurant called Suehiro, which also trademarked the iconic shabu shabu name. Inspired by Chinese hot pot, especially the swish-and-dip cooking style, Japanese chefs adapted the original recipe by using thinly sliced beef, light dashi broth, and an overall clean, minimalist approach.
The name “shabu shabu” comes from the sound of swishing the meat in the broth. It’s an onomatopoeia, which makes it very charming and very Japanese!
Shabu Shabu Let Us
About the Shop
Let Us is located in Naka-Meguro, one of my favorite neighborhoods know for its relaxed vibes, boutique shops, nice cafes, and especially for its charm during cherry blossom season along the Meguro River. If you’re wandering around, you’ll notice a mix of residential calm and creative little shops. The neighborhood is not too crowded, and full of personality.
The restaurant itself is super well designed. It is outfitted with warm woods, natural plaster walls, logs built into wall surfaces, cozy lighting, and touches of craftsmanship throughout. It balances being modern but inviting. The layout includes counter seats, tables, and even sofa style seating so you can enjoy your meal whichever style you would like.
The Lunch Set
Lunch hours are around 11:30 to 15:00, with last food orders around 14:00. The sets are reasonable for Tokyo standards, with weekday lunch sets costing somewhere between ¥1,000-¥3,000 depending on what you pick.
You get your own personal pot (no sharing!), which is awesome for customizing your experience, even when traveling with friends or family. The broth options are also plentiful: 8 different soups, and the base is premium, using ichibandashi from multiple bonito types, with no additives. There’s also a sauce/condiment bar with oils, dips, etc., so you can make your shabu shabu flavor pop.
What’s Good to Know
The shop is also extremely accessible: around a 2-minute walk from Naka-Meguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line & Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line). At Naka-Meguro Station, exit from the East Exit No.2 / South ticket gate, follow along the railway tracks and turn left at the small crossroads.
You’ll find Shabu Shabu Let Us in a green building on the 2nd floor. Seating is fairly generous with a total of 49 seats (9 counter + 40 table seats). Reservations are recommended but not required.
See Shabu Shabu Let Us on Google Maps
WAGYU Kappo Imoaraizaka no Shita (WAGYU割烹 芋洗坂の下)
About the Shop
Wagyu Kappo is in Roppongi, specifically down a hill called Imoaraizaka. Roppongi is famous for it's nightlife, art galleries (Mori Art Museum and teamLab Borderless), upscale restaurants, cocktail bars, and an atmosphere that is both local and international.
Heading down the Imoaraizaka hill, about a three minute walk from Roppongi Station, you will find yourself in a slightly quieter, tucked-away side of Roppongi compared to the neighborhood's more hectic main streets.
The ambience feels more like a refined Japanese restaurant - it's elegant without being intimidating. Made up of smaller scale, cozy rooms, including private rooms, the shop is the perfect choice if you are looking for a meal in a refined, private setting.
The Lunch Set
If you are looking for a small lunch set to fill you up quickly, I recommend the “Choi Shabu Shabu Set" (ちょいしゃぶしゃぶセット), or a “little shabu shabu set” in English. This gives you a taste of their famous meat and sides without going full blown.
The price for this lunch set is about ¥4,400 (tax included). The set includes branded wagyu Yamagata beef sirloin, vegetables, rice, and Japanese pickles. They also offer other options, like adding additional cuts of meat, depending on how hungry you are.
What’s Good to Know
The dinner course options are more premium, and come with more dishes like small appetizers, tempura, and dessert. Lunch sets are only served Saturday through Monday from 11:30-13:00pm, while dinner is served every day from 6-11pm.
For dinner and large parties, I highly recommend a reservation or calling the restaurant to check the availability. Lunch is usually quiet in the area, so it's a perfect time to visit without a reservation.
See Wagyu Kappo Imoaraizaka no Shita on Google Maps
What I Enjoyed About Each Tokyo Shabu Shabu Restaurant
Let Us in Naka-Meguro has this effortless coolness. It’s the kind of place you can drop in just after some cafe hopping, window shopping, or people watching by the Meguro river. I loved the personalized “one pot per person” concept because I could control my own experience. The variety of broths, dipping sauces, and fresh seasonal veggies makes every visit feel a bit different.
WAGYU Kappo Imoaraizaka no Shita is perfect for small celebrations or simply indulging in a bit of luxury. The wagyu on offer is premium, the side dishes are beautifully prepared, and the location is intimate. Plus, their lunch set let's you enjoy premium shabu shabu without burning a hole in my wallet - a rarity in Tokyo.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wandering around Nakameguro and want something cozy with a little style, Let Us is an easy win - casual, customizable, and great value. Over in Roppongi, WAGYU Kappo Imoaraizaka no Shita delivers a more refined experience without feeling stiff, perfect for a quiet celebration or a special lunch.
Different moods, different neighborhoods—but both serve some of the best shabu shabu in Tokyo and are absolutely worth adding to your list.
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