WAGYU SAMURAI — Restaurant in Hakuba

I recently visited this yakiniku restaurant after seeking about its high ratings on Google, but I have mixed feelings about my experience.

Good Points: The service was friendly and accommodating. It was easy to make a reservation, which is a must during the busy ski season. The environment was pleasant, with spacious and comfortable seating.

Bad Points: The beef for the yakiniku set arrived a bit frozen, which is not ideal for this style of cooking. The meat lacked the rich flavor and texture typically expected from Japanese beef. Probably due to not high quality source / not cutting the meat properly. The spare ribs, which I ordered on the side, were poorly seasoned (and one of them had a strange taste, making it seem like they had gone bad). The yakiniku grill net was flimsy and bent towards the fire, making it hard to grill the meat properly, resulting in burnt pieces (even after asking for a replacement). The fire was very uneven, further complicating the grilling process. The staff seemed inexperienced; they did not explain the different cuts of meat or how to cook them properly. While I understand there’s a premium for dining in ski areas, nearly 10,000 yen for the set felt unreasonable given the quality.

As a newly opened restaurant, it seems the staff (primarily communicates in Mandarin) lack the experience in running a yakiniku place in Japan and are not attentive to the details (e.g. choice of yakiniku net, cut of meats, etc). They would definitely need to improve if they want to attract and retain customers.

IG:...

Was a bit disappointed at the quality of food served. While the place provide some private environment for dining and the service was good, the food experience was really subpar when compared with other Japanese yakiniku at the price range even after taking into account the ski area premium. Some suggested area of improvement: meat should be thaw completely before providing to customer as it affect cooking time and texture proper explanation should be provided on cuts of beef and condiment (we were told the lettuce and garlic that came with the spareribs was a vegetable dish) the heat of the stove is very non uniform leading to some larger piece of meat being uncooked at once place and overcooked at others the cut of the beef/pork is subpar the quality of the veggie side dish can be improved the grill net was flimsy fat can be given to grease up the grill to avoid sticking

They are a new shop and I hope they take the suggestion to improve for...

Shabushabu in Hakuba is a delightful culinary experience that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying this traditional Japanese hot pot dish. Guests can expect a cozy setting, often with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, enhancing the overall experience. The menu features high-quality, thinly sliced meats — typically beef or pork — along with an array of fresh vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Diners cook their ingredients in a communal pot of simmering broth right at the table, allowing for a fun and interactive dining experience. The meal is often complemented by a selection of dipping sauces, enhancing the flavors of the perfectly cooked ingredients. Whether after a day on the slopes or exploring the area, enjoying shabushabu in Hakuba is a truly comforting and...