Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan
Our local friend made dinner reservation in advance at this authentic tatami seating restaurant. Asakusa Imahan has been in operation since 1895 and is a legend in the art of sukiyaki and shabu-shabu with its signature Imahan Wagyu Beef.
Once we walked in, we were told to take off our shoes as the whole restaurant is carpeted by tatami mats.
Tatami floor in the elevator
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The artworks hung around the restaurant are registered as the national cultural property.
Food is served on low table and patron seats on the tatami floor.
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Sakizuki (先附)
beef jerky
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Shabu Shabu:
The waitress dressed in kimono assisted with the first cooking of the beef and vegetables.
Video
marbled meat slices of certified A5 Wagyu beef
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Video: Shabu beef
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Sukiyaki
Video: boiling
Video: simmered in an iron pot.
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This is how you eat it:
Shabu Shabu: Beef dipped in house-made secret sauce
Sukiyaki: Beef dipped in raw egg
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house-made udon
Incredible mochi like glass noodles
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Miso soup
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souvenirs!
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Video: as we leave our semi-private room
Video: to get our shoes
Overall, our Wagyu A5 Yamagata beef was amazing. This thinly sliced, well marbled gem was tender and moist. As the meat cooks, the fat melts and infuses the meat with rich flavor.
Unami!
Impeccable service, even if they speak little English.
Asakusa Imahan is definitely a classic once-chance-of-a-lifetime experience of the glorious wagyu beef.
Food: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Ambiance: ★★★★★
Presentation: ★★★★★
