Asakusa Showaken — Restaurant in Tokyo

At Asakusa Showaken, the Yakiniku is a masterclass in Japanese grilling—a sensory voyage that transforms premium cuts into sizzling, smoky poetry. From the moment you sit down, the air is charged with anticipation as the grill heats up and succulent slices of meat begin to char, releasing an intoxicating aroma that beckons you closer. Every bite is an explosion of flavor: perfectly marbled beef that melts into a tender embrace, enhanced by subtle hints of soy and a whisper of yuzu, transporting you straight to the heart of Tokyo’s culinary tradition.

The experience is as much about the art of grilling as it is about the communal joy of sharing a meal. The staff, as attentive as they are discreet, guide you through the ritual of dipping sauces and side dishes, each element carefully curated to elevate the natural essence of the meat. In the vibrant, timeless ambiance of Asakusa Showaken, where tradition meets modernity, the Yakiniku becomes more than just dinner—it’s an immersive celebration of flavor and culture.

If you’re in Tokyo and craving a Yakiniku that transcends the ordinary, let Asakusa Showaken ignite your taste buds and redefine your expectations of Japanese barbecue. Enjoy the art of the grill like...

I can't say enough about this showa era style hidden gem in Asakusa mere blocks away from the hussle and bussle of Senso-ji. It is small and maybe a bit hard to find, but the staff was great (possibly family owned and run?) and were super helpful with us non-Japanese speakers. When we got inside there were a few guys who were clearly locals having a good night out as well as another small group of foreigners who also seemed to stumble upon this great little spot. They use the tablet style ordering which we love for cuisine you can share as a table and order more as you need it. Service was fast and the meat cuts were delicious. We notice a big difference with the coal grills for yakiniku vs the gas grills, so we usually try to hunt places like this down. The atmosphere was great although it is fair to note that smoking is allowed. I know that can be a positive or negative depending on your group, but as a family of 4 with no smokers we didn't have any issue during our visit. I do think the vents for the cooking may help in this regard. The pricing was really very affordable for the amount we ordered. We probably won't make it back on this trip but it'll be a must for our next...

This is a small hole in the wall that offers yakiniku over a charcoal grill. With the charcoal grill, the meat tasted amazing, service was impeccable, even though we don't speak Japanese and you can easily order everything from a tablet that translates to English. Makes it easier for everyone! The atmosphere was very 1950s Japan and so interesting to look around. Really enjoyed the food and atmosphere here! Just be aware that they allow smoking - though there weren't a lot of smokers when we visited so it didn't bother us at that time. We are around 6pm...