Azuki

Restaurant Details

Cloaked with traditional Japanese furnishings, Azuki refuses to be pigeonholed. The restaurant juggles being a sukiyaki, shabu shabu and kaiseki venue, with its menu spanning from red meat to seafood to seasonal delicacies. One thing is certain, though — Azuki is one of the most exciting dining destinations in Ueno.

The star of the show is Olive beef, a premium Japanese Black beef raised exclusively in Kagawa Prefecture. Known for its warm climate and soil enriched by the Seto Inland Sea, these cattle are fed an olive-based diet, which imparts a distinctive flavor to the meat.

Surrounding this jewel are other delights that step away from traditional hotpot fare. One standout is the tuna jaw (kama toro), available only in winter, served shabu-shabu style. For an even rarer treat, the delicate white flesh of fugu (pufferfish) is transformed into a "chirinabe" hotpot, a seasonal specialty served from winter until March. Certified chefs slice the same fugu meat into translucent sashimi arranged like flowers — a symbol of longevity, yet with an eerie resemblance to funeral wreaths in Japanese culture.

The dining space offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Four private rooms feature sunken kotatsu tables, while a wooden counter seat overlooks the kitchen, reminiscent of a kappo-style setting.

Azuki Access Info

• Azuki is a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station.

Azuki Phone Number

Azuki Business Days

Azuki Address

Kotobuki Building B1F, 3-15-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005

Azuki Cancellation Policy

Cancel your reservation at least 1 week before the dining start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.