Arai Ya Bankokubashi ten (荒井屋 万國橋店) is a Yokohama institution, serving its signature gyunabe since 1895. This local style of hot pot features thinly sliced, exceptionally tender beef simmered in a sweet and salty broth known as warishita. The restaurant maintains a traditional atmosphere with kimono-clad staff and quiet tatami and wood interiors, where shoes are removed at the entrance.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the beef, often described as melting in the mouth. The lunchtime sets are particularly popular, seen by many as a bargain. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,870 for the Gyunabe Teishoku and ¥3,850 for the more substantial Kaika Gyunabe Zen. For a special occasion, dinner courses like the Hama Roman Course offer a more elaborate experience with top-grade beef, with diners reporting costs around ¥10,450. A typical lunch spend is ¥2,000–¥3,000, while dinner is closer to ¥8,000–¥10,000.
While the food receives high marks, visitors should be aware of a few practical points. Queues are common, especially at lunchtime, with waits of 30 to 60 minutes. Some foreign visitors have reported a frosty reception or being initially turned away, so booking ahead may be wise. Also note that while dinner courses are often cooked by staff at your table, some cheaper lunch sets may arrive pre-cooked and have been described by a few guests as saltier.
- Getting There: Located in the Sagami Building. It's a 3-minute walk from Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai Line or a 7-minute walk from Kannai Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are possible, particularly for lunch, but queues can be long. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner or to guarantee a table. Note that reservations are not accepted for some of the basic lunch sets.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica, Rakuten Edy, nanaco, WAON) are accepted.
- Service Charge: A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Seating: The restaurant has 60 seats, including private and semi-private rooms which may incur a separate room charge. Shoes are removed at the entrance for tatami and raised seating areas.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Parking: No parking available.
