Tabelog ratingGenya offers a distinct, two-stage dining ritual popular with locals. The meal begins with salt-grilled meats (yakiniku) ordered to your table, before moving on to the main event: the house specialty, chiri-tori nabe. This is a square, shallow hotpot filled with a rich, slightly spicy-sweet broth loaded with offal, seafood, and vegetables, cooked at your table.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the grilled meats, especially the tender Tan-butter (beef tongue in butter) and the Jou Harami (premium skirt steak). The chiri-tori hotpot is celebrated for its generous portions and deep flavor. The meal traditionally ends with a shime course, where noodles or rice are added to the remaining broth — a finish many diners describe as addictive.
However, the service style is a frequent point of criticism, with many reviewers describing it as abrupt, rushed, or even rude. The restaurant enforces strict rules, such as requiring all grilled meat orders to be placed at the very beginning of the meal. The atmosphere can be noisy, and smoking is permitted. One diner also reported a serious but isolated hygiene issue involving a staff member smoking while handling food.
Despite these points, most consider Genya to be outstanding value. Reviewers in 2024-2026 reported paying around ¥2,800 for the chiri-tori hotpot, ¥1,500-¥1,600 for the Tan-butter, and ¥1,600 for the Jou Harami. A typical dinner costs between ¥5,000 and ¥7,000 per person, a price most feel is more than fair for the quality and quantity of food.
- Reservations: Booking is strongly recommended, as walk-ins are rarely able to get a table.
- Getting There: The restaurant is located 275 meters from Shoji Station.
- Payment: Electronic money is accepted, but credit cards and QR code payments are not. Be prepared to pay with cash or a compatible e-money service.
- Ordering: Be aware that you must order all your grilled meats at the start of your meal; you usually cannot add more later.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant has 26 seats and no private rooms. Smoking is permitted throughout, and the space can be lively and noisy.
- Parking: No parking is available.