The door closes behind you and Ginza disappears. Wood, paper screens, quiet. Then a long steel counter, polished to a mirror.
We went as four, on a Monday evening in July. I had called a few days ahead and the room was already nearly full, so if you have a date in mind, book early.
A private room, and a chef who stayed with us
The four of us were given a separate room, and one chef cooked for our table only, from the first course to the last. Everything happened in front of us.
Guests without a room sit in the large hall instead. A few chef stations sit in the middle, with tables wrapped around them like a track, so you are seated almost as you would be at a bar. One chef looks after several guests at once.
That difference is, plainly, where a good part of the price goes.
The courses
What to know before you go
- Book several days ahead, especially for weekends and holidays.
- A 13% service charge is added separately, rising to 15% from 1 December 2026.
- Closed Sundays, plus two Mondays each month (please confirm before you travel).
- Children under 12 cannot be seated at the counter, but they are welcome in a private room.
- Three minutes on foot from Exit 6 of Higashi-Ginza Station. No parking.
Was it worth it
It is expensive. That is simply true.
But when you are given your own room and your own chef for the evening, it is clear where the money goes. The presentation was beautiful and the food was very good, right through to the dessert.
This is not somewhere I would go often. For a special day, though — an anniversary, a birthday, a trip you have been planning for a long time — it is worth it.
Have you been to a teppanyaki counter in Japan, or is one on your list? Tell me in the comments.
Ginza Ukai-tei
5-15-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Jiji Press Building 1F)
Tel: 03-3544-5252
Lunch 12:00–16:00 · Dinner 17:00–21:30
Saturdays and public holidays open from 11:30
Closed Sundays and two Mondays a month
Reservations by phone or online (please confirm before visiting)
