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What is Fugu? 5 Tokyo Restaurants

What is Fugu? 5 Tokyo Restaurants

Mar 21, 2025

Despite being a luxury fish, fugu cuisine has long been a favorite among everyday Japanese people. The editorial team of OMAKASE, an official Michelin partner, introduces five fugu cuisine restaurants in Tokyo.


What kind of fish is fugu?

A poisonous yet popular fish among the Japanese

Fugu swimming in an aquarium

Fugu (pufferfish), despite being a luxurious fish, has long been enjoyed by ordinary Japanese people and has become a part of Japanese food culture. The city of Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture is famous as the hometown and production center of fugu, handling the largest volume among Japan's markets.

There are about 100 species of fugu worldwide, with 50 species found in waters around Japan. Of these, 22 species are permitted for consumption. The tiger pufferfish, considered the king of fugu, is considered the most expensive and delicious.

Despite its cute appearance, some species contain potent toxins, and the edible parts vary. In Japan, only those with a fugu license can prepare it, ensuring it's safe to eat as a dish.

Fugu cooking methods

Popular fugu dishes include fugu sashimi (tessa) and fugu hot pot (tecchiri).

Fugu sashimi is characterized by paper-thin slices that are nearly transparent. It's typically eaten by dipping it in ponzu sauce (citrus-based sauce) with chopsticks. Adding grated daikon radish as a condiment can provide a nice flavor variation. Fugu hot pot, perfect for winter, is a dish where sliced fugu, bones, and seasonal vegetables are cooked in a kelp-based broth and eaten with ponzu sauce.

Other dishes include grilled fugu, tempura, rice porridge, deep-fried fugu, hirezake (hot sake with a grilled fugu fin), and shirako (fish milt, often from fugu). Shirako is seasonal and only available from around December to April. It's mainly eaten raw, grilled, or in a hot pot. For a full fugu experience, ordering a course meal allows you to taste various dishes prepared using different cooking methods.

Price range for fugu cuisine

Lunch menus for fugu cuisine typically range from 6,000 to 10,000 yen. On average, mid-range restaurants charge around 10,000 yen, while meals at high-end establishments can cost between 10,000 and 80,000 yen. Budget-friendly options are available at some establishments, but they often use species other than the prized tiger pufferfish.

Fugu seasons

 Ingredients for Fugu hot pot

Fugu is a quintessential winter delicacy in Japan, with its peak season from autumn to spring. It's also considered delicious just before spawning, from spring to early summer, and in summer, after spawning when nutrients are replenished in its flesh. This makes fugu enjoyable year-round.

Wild-caught fugu is said to be most delicious from November to February with the latter month offering a special treat as the shirako (fish milt, often from fugu) reaches its peak, doubling the enjoyment. For those wanting to experience both fugu and shirako, visiting Japan between December and February is recommended.

Are there fugu restaurants in Tokyo?

While not as numerous as in other areas, Tokyo does have fugu restaurants, including some listed in the Michelin Guide, branches of Michelin three-star restaurants, and long-established restaurants that have preserved traditional flavors. Experiencing fugu cuisine with seasonal ingredients can be a valuable part of your Japan trip.

This article, curated by the editorial team of OMAKASE, the only official Michelin Guide partner in Japan's online gourmet sector, introduces fugu restaurants in Tokyo.

Note: When making a reservation, it's advisable to book not only your seat but also your desired course or dishes for a smoother dining experience.

5 Fugu Restaurants in Tokyo

1. Ningyocho Kimi / Nihonbashi / Ultra-high-end

Sliced pufferfish sashimi on a plate

A branch of the members-only high-end fugu specialty restaurant, Osaka Torafugu no Kai from Osaka, is now open to the public in Ningyocho. The omakase (chef's choice menu, where the chef decides what to serve) course offers the highest grade 5-S wild tiger pufferfish year-round.

Interior of the Ningyocho Kimi

The entrance features a heavy door, and the interior has a unique counter seating arrangement around the kitchen, a rarity for fugu restaurants. The omakase course offers creative dishes centered around the finest wild tiger pufferfish, beyond just the standard tessa (thinly sliced fugu sashimi) and tecchiri (fugu hot pot), in a live kitchen setting.

Ningyocho Kimi's Information
Operation hours
6:00PM - 8:30PM
Regular holiday
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays
Price range
Dinner: USD 135.93 - USD 547.11
Address
Yoshimachi Building B1F, 1-5-5, Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station
Ningyocho Station
Directions from station
1 minute walk from Ningyocho Station
Payment methods
Cash and Credit card available
Seats
6 Seats
Available Seats at Ningyocho Kimi

2.Fugu Club miyawaki Bettei / Tsukiji / High-end

New selection
Michelin Guide, 2025
A plate with pufferfish and seasonings

This is a renowned restaurant that has been listed in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years. Fugu Club miyawaki Bettei is housed in a traditional Japanese building from 1927 in Tsukiji, offering a leisurely dining experience with high-quality fugu prepared in various ways. The restaurant only offers the Bettei omakase (chef's choice menu, where the chef decides what to serve) course, featuring premium fugu along with seasonal ingredients. Unlike the main branch mentioned below, this Tsukiji location focuses solely on the Bettei omakase course, combining top-quality fugu with seasonal delicacies.

Interior of the Fugu Club miyawaki Bettei
Fugu Club miyawaki Bettei's Information
Operation hours
Monday to Saturday
5:00PM-11:00PM (L.O. 10:30PM)

Sundays and Public Holidays
5:00PM-10:00PM (L.O. 9:30PM)
Price range
Dinner: USD 137.06 - USD 182.75
Address
6-7-7, Tsukiji , Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station
Tsukiji station
Directions from station
3 minutes walk from Tsukiji Station
Payment methods
Cash, Credit card available
Seats
30 Seats
Awards
Michelin
New selection
  • Michael
    4.8
    Posted on :11/24/2024
    We went as a party of 3, and was give a semi-private area of the restaurant upstairs. It was very nice and quiet, lovely place to have good conversations. The dinner was amazing, with a few show-stoppers like the hire-zake (roasted fin wine) and grilling the fugu on the table side. The portion is also quite generous in my opinion, we all very full by the end. The service we received was very attentive yet not intrusive. I highly recommend it!
  • Eduard Sh.
    5.0
    Posted on :11/06/2024
    Unique and excellent Fugu Omakase Menu. Especially loved the BBQ part.
  • Amy Mari
    5.0
    Posted on :07/03/2024
    What an exceptional meal. It was our first time having fugu and it was INCREDIBlE! Service was superior. Food was amazing. I highly recommend booking the omakase meal. A true Japanese delicacy and just a great experience. It was about 12 courses but paced and portioned perfectly so I never felt like I ate too much. Highlights for us were the sashimi, hibachi fugu, and pizza (yes, pizza!).
Available Seats at Fugu Club miyawaki Bettei

3.Fugu Club miyawaki / Ginza / Mid-range

Sliced pufferfish sashimi on a plate

Located in Ginza, Fugu Club miyawaki offers fugu dishes similar to its Bettei counterpart. They use farmed fugu raised with superior Japanese techniques as high-quality ingredients, offering them at reasonable prices. The restaurant offers only an omakase (chef's choice menu, where the chef decides what to serve) course, but à la carte options like tessa (thinly sliced fugu sashimi), tecchiri (fugu hot pot), grilled fugu, and deep-fried fugu are available at more affordable prices than at Bettei. The omakase course is suitable for various occasions, and there's an extensive sake menu.

Interior of the Fugu Club miyawaki
Fugu Club miyawaki's Information
Operation hours
[1-2 people]
5:00PM-11:00PM (Available all day.)

[3-6 people]
①5:00PM-8:00PM (2 hours)
②8:30PM-11:00PM (2 hours)
Regular holiday
Open year-round
Price range
Dinner: USD 78.49 - USD 78.49
Address
1-22-12, Ginza , Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station
Ginza Station, Higashiginza Station, Shintomicho Station
Directions from station
6 minutes walk from Ginza Station
5 minutes walk from Higashiginza Station
2 minutes walk from Shintomicho Station
Payment methods
Cash, Credit card available
Seats
26 Seats
  • Glenn Bersabe
    5.0
    Posted on :10/03/2024
    My friends and I had a great experience eating here. The food was delicious and unique, while the waiter was both friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend trying this restaurant out with some friends if you want to have a good time.
  • Farshid ajvan
    4.5
    Posted on :07/06/2024
    Absolutely outstanding flavours and texture in every course on the omakase. The fugu was utised so well and so diversified. Service was fast and intimate. Great value for money
  • Charles
    5.0
    Posted on :04/30/2024
    Food was nothing short of amazing. Attention to details from the staff was always on point. Chef was always on point with all of his timing when it came to each individual customers.
Available Seats at Fugu Club miyawaki

4.Nakameguro Yakifugu Yumeteppou / Nakameguro / High-end

A fugu restaurant branch of Yakifugu Yumeteppou, beloved in Osaka for over 30 years, is now in Tokyo's Meguro district. Known as a pioneer of grilled fugu, Yumeteppou's specialty allows you to enjoy firm tiger pufferfish grilled like yakiniku (Japanese BBQ).

They offer four course options: Yume, Ren, Yu, and Mai. À la carte menu includes tecchiri (fugu hot pot), seasonal shirako (fish milt, often from fugu), and other creative dishes. They take pride in their ingredients, including house-made ponzu sauce (citrus-based sauce) that pairs perfectly with fugu. A dedicated sommelier selects wines to complement fugu dishes, creating a memorable Japanese culinary experience.

The sophisticated interior includes counter seats, tables, sofa seating, and private rooms, making the venue suitable for various occasions.

Nakameguro Yakifugu Yumeteppou 's Information
Operation hours
Weekdays 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (L.O. 10:00 p.m.)
Weekends and holidays 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (L.O. 9:30 p.m.)
Regular holiday
Wednesday
Price range
JPY9,900 - JPY33,000
Address
Granduo Nakameguro B1F, 1-25-13, Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station
A few minutes walk from Nakameguro Station
Directions from station
Nakameguro Station
Payment methods
Cash, Credit card
Seats
32 seats

Make a Reservation

5.Usuki Fugu Yamadaya Marunouchi / Tokyo Station / High-end

  1. MICHELIN (2009,10, 2020 - 23): Two Star
  2. MICHELIN (2011 - 19): Three Star

The Nishi-Azabu branch of Usuki Fugu Yamadaya held three Michelin stars for nine consecutive years. The original restaurant, a long-established fugu ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) founded in 1905, is located in Usuki City (a city in Oita Prefecture, known for fugu). While the Nishi-Azabu branch is currently closed, the Marunouchi branch remains open.

They offer course meals, à la carte options, and lunch menus during the day. Carrying on the flavors and pride of a long-established ryotei into modern times, every aspect from taste to tableware and ambiance reflects Yamadaya's commitment to tradition, creating a memorable dining experience.

Usuki Fugu Yamadaya Marunouchi's Information
Operation hours
Monday to Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (L.O. 2:00 p.m.), 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (L.O. 9:00 p.m.)
Sunday & Holidays: 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (L.O. 2:00 p.m.), 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (L.O. 9:00 p.m.)
Regular holiday
Open all year round (except January 1st and legal inspection days)
*The restaurant may be temporarily open or temporarily closed.
Price range
Lunch: JPY8,000 - JPY9,999
Dinner: JPY20,000 - JPY29,999
Address
35F, Marunouchi Building, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station
Tokyo Station,Nijubashimae Station
Directions from station
1-minute walk from Tokyo Station
5-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station (Chiyoda Line)
216m from Nijubashimae Station
Payment methods
Credit card, Electronic money, QR code payment (PayPay, d払い, Rakuten Pay, au PAY)
Seats
34 seats (Counter 6 seats, 6 private rooms)

Make a Reservation

About the author

Koyanagi
Koyanagi

A Tokyo-based foodie, she spends nearly all of her earnings on culinary explorations throughout Japan, from street food to fine dining. Her passion for food has become a career, contributing to gourmet magazines and collaborating with TV shows. She also handles the creation of articles for OMAKASE. When dining out, she makes it a point to properly understand the chefs' and restaurateurs' backgrounds and philosophies.