Steakhouse X Ginza: An Introduction

Ginza, Tokyo’s foremost luxury commercial district, has been for ages its first stop for new and expensive cuisines; steak, accompanying Japan’s post-Edo modernization, has since firmly established itself as an equivalent of the highest forms of dining, yet with a distinctive western twist. In the modern day, with gourmands prowling the streets, Ginza is home to some of Japan’s finest steakhouses, a can’t miss destination for those meat-loving foodies salivating for a uniquely Japanese-western experience in each destination’s original steak menus. For special occasions, do consider Ginza’s elegant steak palaces for a taste of adult indulgence.

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About Pocket Concierge

Pocket Concierge is Japan's premier online booking & payments service for gourmet experiences; we currently have over 770 partner restaurants that we recommend with pride, including both those of international renown, frequently featured in gourmet info-channels and decorated with accolades, as well as those hidden gems, unknown shops highly regarded by fellow chefs, and members-only hole-in-the-walls invisible to the common public.

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We provide smooth access to our partners in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more, with the Pocket Concierge concept of 'connecting the world to Japan's culinary extraoridinance, without the hassle of barriers' in mind; our service provides full reservation support in English as well as web-based cashless transaction, making even the most unapproachable of sanctuaries just a click away! Pocket Concierge welcomes all foreign visitors to check us out!










Top 5 Steakhouse Pocket Concierge will Recommend with Pride

Yuzan (ゆうざん)

~A Japanese Course with a Modern Twist; Relish Ginza’s ‘Niku-Kappo’~

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Yuzan serves a distinct ‘niku-kappo’ course, a menu served in traditional Japanese course menu style but with a heavy emphasis on a rather modern addition to the Japanese palate; meat. The chef concocts each course on the spot, keeping in mind the preferences and of every guest and flexibly creating the next dishes for maximum satisfaction. Yuzan’s specialite too is fluid; the charcoal grill of fine-grade ‘Wagyu’ Japanese Black Cattle, a choice of Rump, Sirloin, or Fillet cuts, are cooked to the guest’s liking. The chef’s seasoning, incorporating traditional Japanese condiments such as soy sauce predecessor ‘irizake’ and Japanese pepper mustard ‘ichigarashi’ alongside house-blend non-oil dressings, creates a new dimension in gibier. Enjoy this modern-traditional blend on one-off dishes handcrafted by the likes of Rosanjin Kitaooji, in a sleek hall with both counter and private seating, for a cultured and relaxed evening in the center of Ginza perfect for both receptions and anniversaries.

・Address: 6-8-7, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Hours: Lunch: 11:30~15:00 (L.O. 14:00) Dinner: 17:00~23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
・Directions: 3-minute walk from exit B3 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
3-minute walk from exit B3 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line





Ginza Miyama (銀座みやま)

~Ginza, Meet Nagasaki; West-Side Essences in Tokyo’s Gastronomic Center~

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Ginza, Tokyo; an internationally renowned gastronomic hub of numerous magnificent restaurants. In such competitive background lies Nagasaki-inspired steakhouse Ginza Miyama. From a web of trusted local sources cultivated through close and direct relationship-building, Miyama procures the highest quality Nagasaki ingredients; Oki-Beef, transformed into a succulent, umami-laden charcoal-grilled steak charred on skewers over open fire, and Mackerel, matured and marinated to form a beautiful harmony with sushi rice, are both impossible-to-miss standouts. Miyama’s hall, ornated with 200-plus year old cypress, is a rustic and cozy 8-seat counter and 2 private rooms. The 2 rooms can be combined, allowing for groups of up to 10 in the case of large receptions and the like. For a relaxed environment, the restaurant is shoes-off, and with its location in the heart of Ginza, the restaurant is a natural choice for uses both business and private. Let Miyama’s chefs escort you through a splendid Nagasaki journey of unmatched culinary splendor.

・Address: 8-7-7, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Hours: 17:00~23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
・Directions: 5 minutes' walk from Exit A3 of Ginza station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line
5 minutes' walk from Exit A3 of Ginza station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya line





Restaurant Sugita

~For Those That Know… Ginza’s Hidden Gem Serving Gorgeous Succulent Fillets~

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Shiodome, a business-heavy area bordering both Ginza and Shimbashi, is not your customary gourmet destination. Yet here lies Restaurant Sugita, a well-guarded secret favorite of gourmands far and wide; the establishment has no sign, no public contact, and eschews informational channels. Sugita’s massive refrigerator, capable of 0-degree chilled-aging, houses a diverse selection of the highest grade meats from across the country. The cuts, matured carefully, are wonderfully tender, intensely flavorful, and mouth-wateringly rich in aroma. The Menu is two options; a traditional course with a main dish-steak, and a chef’s taster with a variety of bite-size cuts. The fillet-mignon is especially popular, with the reservation-only take-home rare fillet-cutlet sandwich a much-loved option. Sugita is often full of regulars, and only naturally; the chef keeps tab on repeating guests, and concocts every course accordingly. His recommendations on drink pairing too are quite on point; the cellar is full of rare and surprising bottles. The dark and moody interior and course served on antique one-off dishes complete a mature ambience apt for the enjoyment of a sublime and succulent experience.

・Address: 5-13-10, Sinbasi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
・Hours: 17:00~23:30 (L.O. 22:30)
・Directions: 7-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line Shinbashi Station
7-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shinbashi Station





BISTECCHERIA INTORNO

~Tradition Blends with Modern in a Bistecca (T-Bone)-Only Steakhouse~

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‘Bistecca’ is the Italian culture-hub Florence’s local style of T-Bone steak; hence, ‘Bisteccheria’ is the Florentine word for steakhouse. Keeping with its roots, Bisteccheria Intorno incorporates New York-style modern taste into traditional Italian cuisine, creating a modern-authentic duet boasting a massive ‘Prime T-Bone Florentine Bistecca’ as specialite. The juicy bone-in USDA Prime Black Angus Beef steak is a dream-come-true for all meat-lovers, and the bisteccheria, with further items like ‘Fratelli Galloni 24-Month Aged Prosciutto’ and ‘Tagliolini with Black Truffles’ lining the menu, is a modern rendition of a classic sure to satisfy. To accompany the magnificent Italian cuisine is wine from Italy, France, and the USA, with bottles of both casual and INTORNO-limited premium labels ripe for the pairing. For the drink-avid, a bar counter awaits; enjoy from a wide selection of whiskeys and cocktails whether before or after the course. INTORNO is the glamourous extraordinary, a fitting addition to the lavish Ginza steak scene. The reception whisks guests into a different dimension, an elegant hall with round tables as per ‘Intorno’’s Italian meaning, paired seats overlooking Sukiyabashi crossing, and semi-private rooms for 4; with a setting for every occasion, and service in both English and Italian, rest assured of a grand night of opulence.

・Address: 4-1-2, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Hours: [Monday to Friday] 17:00:~23:00(Dining L.O. 21:30, Bar L.O. 22:30)
[Saturday, Sunday, National holiday] Lunch :11:30~15:30(L.O. 14:00) Dinner:17:00:~23:00(Dining L.O. 21:30, Bar L.O. 22:30)
・Directions: 1-minute walk from Ginza Station (Exit C4), Tokyo Metro





Peter

~A Hotel Sky-Deck, the Tokyo Skyline, and Selected ‘Wagyu’ Steaks; Luxury at its Finest~

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The Peninsula Tokyo, towering over the heart of Tokyo in the Hibiya business district, is home to the Peter steak & grill. The direct elevator to the 24th floor beckons, and an open view of the Imperial Palace awaits. Such royal setting is suitably partnered by Peter’s incredible steak selection; Chiya, Kobe, and Hida-Beef are just some of the rare meats available, sourced straight from ranches on a daily basis to be grilled to your liking and perfection. The Peninsula’s flagship of course comes with an impressive wine list too, including the limited ‘The Peninsula Champagne Deutz Brut’ alongside a world of wines to pair. After your meal, sit back and relax at the bar to top off a graceful night out. The hall, expansive and stylish, is good for occasions of family, friends, and couples. Semi-private rooms for 12 makes the steakhouse a go-to for more formal receptions as well. For those with international guests, thanks to its convenient location and many foreign visitors, Peter’s staff is more than capable of English service. Atop the skies in the midst of Tokyo, relish in extraordinary splendor.

・Address: 1-8-1, Yuurakutyou, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
・Hours: Lunch: 11:30~15:00 (L.O. 15:00) Dinner: 18:00~22:00 (L.O. 22:00)
・Directions: Direct from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Hibiya Station Exit A6/A7
Direct from Toei Mita Line Hibiya Station Exit A6/A7






A Few Quick Tourist Attractions Around Ginza...

Ginza Street(銀座通り)

Ginza’s Main Street, the internationally renowned symbol of the centuries-old high-end commercial district, led to the proliferation of local ‘~~Ginza’ streets at the heart of many a regional town across Japan. Today, foreigners and locals alike flock to the multinational brand boutiques that line the street, especially on the weekends when, as since 1970, an expansive stretch is zoned as a pedestrian paradise.

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Address: 1-chome~8-chome, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo





Kabuki-za(歌舞伎座)

A Kabuki-only theater established in 1889, the Kabuki-za is located just a few minutes walk from the bustling Ginza 4-chome crossing. The anchor of Kabuki-style traditional theatre, it has remained throughout the Imperial Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras as well as the postwar Showa and current Heisei periods as the pillar of the art as it evolved, integrating new techniques and trends in refining its existence to adjust to newer times. As only the best perform at the Kabuki-za stage, the titles staged too tend to be those traditionally famous and popular. However, in recent times the theatre has adjusted to adopt its international following, with an optional foreign language guide to assist those not fluent in Japanese; hence, we would highly recommend attending a staging or two of Japan’s traditional arts during your stay, with Kabuki not being the least of them.

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Address: Ginza 4-12-15, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Official Website





Ginza Wako(銀座・和光)

The headquarters of Wako, the spun-off retail wing of luxury watch and accessories giant Seiko, the ‘Ginza Wako’ building, as it is affectionately called, is a cultural and historical icon. Worth a rumored almost 100 billion USD in the frenzy days of the ‘Japanese Miracle’, the luxury retailer is still frequented by the famous and affluent for a variety of commercial uses, and also often hosts a diverse array of events at its 6th floor art gallery ‘Wako Hall’. Of course, being at the heart of Ginza’s iconic 4-chome crossing, thousands of visitors choose to meet, greet, and be merry on the Wako’s premises as well, and as an 86-year old timepiece overlooking Ginza’s glorious days, the building is currently a Heritage of Modern Industrialization, as designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

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Address: 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Official Website





Mitsukoshi Department Store Ginza(三越)

The Mitsukoshi Department Store, one of the last remaining domestic luxury full-range retail giants, is a postwar icon symbolizing the consumerization of Japan’s modern economy. A hallmark of the Ginza strip sitting right across fellow icon ‘Wako’, Mitsukoshi is a much-loved shopping destination dating several centuries in enterprise history, and its modern day rendition in the heart of Ginza boasts a total 16 floors of high-end restaurants, 200+ fashion boutiques, and the largest cosmetics retail floor space in the area. The complex also has multiple rest stops for those tired from the stresses of shopping and walking, with a variety of neat cafes and a 9th floor ‘Ginza Terrace’ overlooking the street to complete the perfect elegant afternoon.

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Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Official Website





Nakagin Capsule Tower(中銀カプセルタワービル)

Designed by the decorated architect Kisho Kurokawa and built in 1972 as the world’s first capsule-style apartment-housing complex, the Nakagin Capsule Tower is renown as both an emblem of Kurokawa’s early works, and a symbol of the postwar ‘Metabolism’ architectural movement spearheaded by him and his peers. The ‘capsules’, round-window bestowed rectangular blocks, are each tiny and minimalistic yet functional living quarters; the tower’s concept allows for the addition and subtraction of these capsules in tandem with the population’s organic movements, a revolutionary architectural idea. Hence, despite the inconvenience and growing concerns over durability, the tower itself is a much-loved cultural icon, with many owners using it as office or second home. Until recently, the joys of living in these quarters were known only to owners; however, with the advent of Airbnb, it has become increasingly popular as a short-term destination for fans and visitors, especially since its demolishing has been decided for a date not too far away.

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Address: 8-16-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Recommendations for Transportation

Taxi Advice

・Taxi drivers are increasingly capable regarding English, so it may be worth an attempt.
・As long as you know your destination address, the taxi's on-board navigation will do the rest.
Rates table

Train System Pointers

・Japan's Railways run almost perfectly on-time, so calculating transit times is easy.
・Signs and announcements are multilingual; when in doubt, just listen or see.
・Tokyo's subway system can be difficult to navigate; if lost, officials at the ticket gates are willing to help.
・Japan is a safe country; traveling with small children and strollers will be perfectly fine.
Japan Transit

A Few Ginza Secrets; 7 Fun-Facts to Know-It-All!

1.Ginza, despite its location in the heart of the city, has a surprising many parks and offers beautiful scenery during cherry-blossom season (Tsukijigawa-Unemebashi Park, Kyobashi Park, Ginza Sakura Avenue, GINZA SIX, etc.).
2.‘Ginza’ has a decidedly fitting meaning of ‘bustling place’.
3.The origins of ‘Ginza’ lie in the Edo-period mint of silver coins; in 1612, the office in charge of minting silver, originally located in current-day Shizuoka, was moved to its modern-day area in the new capital of Edo (Tokyo).

4.There are studies stating that during the Edo-period (17-19C), the area that is current day Ginza was a peninsula protruding into Tokyo Bay.
5.There are hundreds of locations with the ‘Ginza’ name throughout Japan, but the ‘Ginza’ in Tokyo is the original.
6.The first authentic Indian cuisine restaurant, run by an Indian native, opened its doors in Ginza in 1949.
7.The ‘gunkan-maki’ style of sushi, where the topping is held in place on top of the rice not due to the chef pressing the two together but with a wall of nori seaweed, commonly seen with pieces of ‘ikura (salmon roe)’ or ‘uni (sea urchin)’, was first invented in Ginza.





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