Tokyo: Gourmet Stand-Up Dining at Kanemasu (かねます) in Kachidoki

Kanemasu (かねます) is a renowned stand-up-eating izakaya located just outside Kachidoki Station, close to my office. It’s a spot I’d been wanting to visit for some time, and I finally had the chance to enjoy dinner there. From the outside, the establishment has a simple and unassuming appearance.

When you think of stand-up-eating establishments, the image of cheap, no-frills izakayas might come to mind. But Kanemasu is different. There’s no menu posted outside, and the windows offer no hint of what lies within. You won’t know what’s available until you step inside and check the handwritten menu on the wall.

Once inside, however, you’re greeted with an array of high-quality dishes. Kanemasu prides itself on sourcing fresh ingredients from Tsukiji and preparing them to highlight their natural flavors.

Kanemasu isn’t your typical budget-friendly izakaya. The prices here reflect the quality of the food, and the menu is relatively limited. Here’s a glimpse of their handwritten menu:

My friend looked into it in advance, so I left everything about order to him.

Luckily, my friend had done some research beforehand, so I left the ordering to them. There’s no official drink menu, but I knew from online reviews that they offer beer, stout, Japanese sake, and highballs. It’s also mandatory to order an alcoholic beverage, so I opted for their famous strong highball.

Here’s what we ordered:
Vinegared sea eel and cucumber
Unfortunately, this dish wasn’t great. The sea eel didn’t seem as fresh as it could have been.

Raw yuba
This dish was unexpectedly luxurious, featuring thick slices of abalone and kuruma prawns alongside the yuba. The yuba itself was silky smooth and delightful.

Raw sea urchin rolled in half-roasted beef
A must-try! This indulgent dish is Kanemasu’s star attraction. Sweet and flavorful sea urchin wrapped in tender beef—pure bliss! It’s highly popular, so order it early if it’s available.

Sea eel sashimi
Served with plum sauce, this dish was overcooked, which impacted the texture.

Sushi box
A treasure trove of seafood atop vinegared rice (hidden under the seafood in the photo). Generously portioned and satisfying.

Grilled conger eel
The head portion was tender, while the tail was crispy. It would pair perfectly with rice.

Kanemasu offers a unique blend of high-quality ingredients and stand-up dining. While some dishes were better than others, the overall experience was enjoyable, and the standout items, like the sea urchin wrapped in beef, made it worthwhile. If you’re in Kachidoki area and up for something different, Kanemasu is worth a visit!

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Name Kanemasu (かねます)
Open Dinner
Reservation Unavailable
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