[Breathtaking Views] Indulge in Premium Shabu-shabu at “Koubai” in TOKYO Solamachi and [Ginza] GINZA SIX

[Breathtaking Views] Indulge in Premium Shabu-shabu at “Koubai” in TOKYO Solamachi and [Ginza] GINZA SIX

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP
Head Editor : UMENOHANA Co., Ltd.

Koubai is a specialty restaurant that serves shabu-shabu featuring carefully selected wagyu beef, with a particular focus on the rare Akaushi beef from Kumamoto Prefecture.
Each slice of beef is meticulously prepared by skilled chefs to bring out the rich flavor and tenderness of the lean meat, served perfectly at a rare doneness.
The combination of a serene Japanese-style setting and an elegant atmosphere makes it popular among families, couples, and tourists alike.
This article introduces the charms of “Koubai TOKYO Solamachi” and “Koubai GINZA SIX” in Tokyo, as well as tips for enjoying shabu-shabu at its best.
If you are considering sightseeing around Asakusa or Ginza, or looking for a luxurious dining experience in Tokyo, this guide is for you.

5 Highlights of Koubai

Koubai TOKYO Solamachi offers spectacular views of Tokyo Skytree®, while Koubai GINZA SIX boasts a refined, sophisticated adult atmosphere.
Both locations are conveniently situated for a pleasant stop during sightseeing or shopping.
Here are five key features that both Koubai locations share.

1. A Premium Brand by Umenohana Group, Expanding Internationally

Koubai is a wagyu shabu-shabu specialty brand operated by the long-established Japanese cuisine group, Umenohana Co., Ltd.
In Tokyo, it has only two locations: GINZA SIX and TOKYO Solamachi.
On October 3, 2025, Koubai’s first overseas location is scheduled to hold its grand opening in Thailand, at Dusit Central Park.

Meat whose flavor can be enjoyed directly, in a healthy shabu-shabu style
Meat whose flavor can be enjoyed directly, in a healthy shabu-shabu style

2. Fresh, Rare Akaushi “Kosei Beef”

The Akaushi “Kosei Beef” served at Koubai is raised stress-free on the vast pastures of Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture.
A distinctive feature of this beef is that beer lees are added to the feed, promoting healthy digestion through yeast and resulting in exceptionally tender, premium-quality meat.
Akaushi (Japanese Brown cattle) is prized for its low fat content and rich yet mild flavor of the lean meat.
By eliminating intermediaries, Koubai ensures the meat is fresh, safe, and of the highest quality.

Kosei Beef, raised for more than two years longer than usual
Kosei Beef, raised for more than two years longer than usual

Koubai offers not only sirloin and ribeye from Kosei Beef, but also a variety of other cuts such as tongue, misuji (top blade), ichibo (rump cap), zabuton (chuck flap), sankaku-bara (brisket point), and even chateaubriand.
Each cut is skillfully prepared by chefs and served in shabu-shabu and sukiyaki dishes.

Enjoy rich umami and moderate marbling.
Enjoy rich umami and moderate marbling.

3. Dashi and Sauces Showcasing the Art of Japanese Cuisine

The shabu-shabu broth features aromatic kombu (kelp).
Two dipping sauces are provided: Koubai’s special rich sesame sauce and homemade ponzu.

Five types of condiments—enjoy your favorite combination.
Five types of condiments—enjoy your favorite combination.

The sesame sauce combines kneaded and ground sesame for a luxuriously thick texture, coating the meat well and enhancing the flavor of the lean beef.
The ponzu is mellowed with amazake (sweet sake) to soften the acidity, while a refreshing yuzu aroma adds a refreshing finish—perfect for enjoying the pure flavor of the meat.

4. A Variety of Wagyu Dishes, Including Sukiyaki

Koubai also offers sukiyaki, where the meat’s sweetness and richness are perfectly balanced.
The beef is carefully grilled on an iron plate, creating a juicy, savory taste that pairs exquisitely with the rich sauce.
This luxurious lineup, allowing guests to enjoy both shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, is a hallmark of Koubai and caters to a wide range of preferences.

Seasoned with a mellow, rich sauce made with amazake.
Seasoned with a mellow, rich sauce made with amazake.

5. Seasonal Vegetables Sourced from Across Japan

Seasonal vegetables delivered from all over Japan add color and flavor to the shabu-shabu experience.
Koubai is committed to using only domestically grown vegetables, sourcing from regions where the produce is at its best during the season.
Guests may even encounter rare vegetables not typically found in supermarkets.

At the time of coverage, dishes included Kaga vegetables such as kinjiso, shiitake mushrooms from Tokushima, and fresh kikurage mushrooms from Ishigaki Island.
At the time of coverage, dishes included Kaga vegetables such as kinjiso, shiitake mushrooms from Tokushima, and fresh kikurage mushrooms from Ishigaki Island.

Access to Koubai TOKYO Solamachi and Koubai GINZA SIX

Koubai TOKYO Solamachi is located on the 31st floor of the East Tower at TOKYO Solamachi, just steps from Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line or Oshiage Station.
It is also about an hour by train from Haneda and Narita Airports.
To reach the 31st floor, take the dedicated elevator in Section 12, accessible directly from the 1st floor of Oshiage Station.
Koubai GINZA SIX is located on the 13th floor of GINZA SIX, just a 3-minute walk from Ginza Station and a 2-minute walk from Higashi-ginza Station.
Both locations are ideally situated for dropping by between sightseeing and shopping.

Recommended Koubai Dishes by Time of Day

At lunch, the menu includes shabu-shabu sets, sukiyaki “Ichirin” pots, and hitsumabushi, while dinner focuses on course meals.
Here are some popular menu items for both lunch and dinner.

Popular Dinner Dishes

・Shabu-shabu Course “Miyabi”

The “Miyabi” course features an array of appetizers and seasonal dishes, with your choice of a final dish.
It includes shabu-shabu of seven rare cuts of Akaushi, charcoal-grilled premium cuts, beef sushi, and more—perfect for special occasions or business entertainment.

The “Miyabi” shabu-shabu course is a recommended Koubai menu item.
The “Miyabi” shabu-shabu course is a recommended Koubai menu item.

・Shabu-shabu Course “Yui”

The most popular course, “Yui” allows guests to savor the pure flavor of fresh Kosei Beef.
This set includes beef sushi and seasonal dishes, with a choice of rice or somen noodles to finish.

Shabu-shabu Course “Yui”
Shabu-shabu Course “Yui”

The beef is so tender it can be cut with chopsticks, releasing rich juices with every bite and filling the mouth with umami.
Even large slices feel light, never heavy, allowing you to enjoy them to the very last bite without discomfort.
To fully savor the deliciousness of Kosei Beef shabu-shabu, there are two key tips:
Keep the broth temperature between 70–80°C, just below boiling. Limit the shabu-shabu cooking time to just 10 seconds.
Because Kosei Beef has little fat, overcooking can make it tough and cause the flavor to escape.
The ideal doneness is medium-rare, with a faint pink hue remaining.
For first-time visitors, the staff will provide clear instructions, so it is best to follow their guidance and enjoy the meat at its peak flavor.

The ideal time is when the broth is just starting to steam without boiling.
The ideal time is when the broth is just starting to steam without boiling.

・Sukiyaki Course “Hana”

The classic sukiyaki, where grilled meat is dipped in a sweet-savory sauce and enjoyed with egg, is also highly popular.
Koubai’s special sukiyaki sauce contains amazake in addition to sugar, giving it a mellow, layered flavor.
In addition to the traditional raw egg, “egg yolk with grated yam” is also available.
Using this instead of raw egg adds thickness and richness, offering a deeper, richer flavor.

The luxurious “Hana” sukiyaki course also includes beef sushi.
The luxurious “Hana” sukiyaki course also includes beef sushi.

Popular Lunch Dish

・Hitsumabushi

Sweet-savory seasoned Kosei Beef is served over rice. The first bowl is enjoyed as is, the second with condiments, and the third with hot broth poured over—allowing you to enjoy three different styles in a single bowl.
It is a satisfying yet not overly heavy lunch, making it popular among women.

The classic “Hitsumabushi” comes with appetizers and dessert.
The classic “Hitsumabushi” comes with appetizers and dessert.

Original Amazake to Accompany Lunch & Dinner

Koubai’s “Soy Milk Amazake” blends authentic amazake, made from rice and rice malt, with soy milk.
The matcha flavor is light and refreshing, while the yuzu flavor is rich and velvety—both are recommended as a dessert alternative after your meal.
The ratio of amazake to soy milk is adjusted for each flavor, creating distinct taste profiles.
As it is non-alcoholic, it is suitable for those who do not drink alcohol.

Amazake is a traditional, authentic version made by a sake brewery.
Amazake is a traditional, authentic version made by a sake brewery.

Enjoying Koubai TOKYO Solamachi and Koubai GINZA SIX

Both Koubai TOKYO Solamachi and Koubai GINZA SIX offer an extensive selection of beverages, from wine to sake.
They are perfect for special occasions such as dates or anniversaries.
Multilingual menus in English and Chinese are available, ensuring a relaxed dining experience for all guests.
Here’s a closer look at each location.

1. Koubai TOKYO Solamachi

Located approximately 150 meters above ground on the 31st floor, right next to Tokyo Skytree®, Koubai TOKYO Solamachi is a popular spot for enjoying premium wagyu cuisine with breathtaking views.
During the day, the interior is bright and open, while at night it transforms into a romantic space illuminated by the glittering city lights.
It is ideal for special occasions such as dates and anniversaries, and also caters well to families with young children.

During the day, you can see even the details of Tokyo Skytree®.
During the day, you can see even the details of Tokyo Skytree®.
Luxurious counter seating where you can dine with Tokyo Skytree right before your eyes
Luxurious counter seating where you can dine with Tokyo Skytree right before your eyes
In the paid special seats, you can have a private space for two, enjoying both the night view and fine cuisine all to yourself.
In the paid special seats, you can have a private space for two, enjoying both the night view and fine cuisine all to yourself.

For children, lunch options such as the “Kids’ Shabu-shabu Set” and “Kids’ Sukiyaki Set” are available, allowing them to enjoy wagyu just like the adults.
Gentle-flavored side dishes and desserts are also offered, accommodating children with smaller appetites.
The restaurant provides baby chairs and attentive service, ensuring a comfortable experience for the whole family.

Kids’ meals such as hamburg steak and somen noodles that children will love.
*Kids’ menu is available only at the TOKYO Solamachi location
Kids’ meals such as hamburg steak and somen noodles that children will love.
*Kids’ menu is available only at the TOKYO Solamachi location

Many regular guests request window-side seating for the views, so booking early is recommended for special occasions.
The interior features a calm, modern Japanese design, with both table seating and semi-private rooms available to suit various needs.
Nearby attractions include Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, making it ideal for sightseeing, dates, and family gatherings.

2. Koubai GINZA SIX

Situated in the heart of Ginza, Koubai GINZA SIX offers a serene, sophisticated Japanese setting that feels far removed from the bustle of the city.
With a more formal atmosphere than the Solamachi location, it is a preferred choice for business dinners and refined gatherings.
In addition to shabu-shabu and sukiyaki featuring Kosei Beef, this location offers exclusive courses and à la carte dishes.
Directly connected to Ginza Station via the Tokyo Metro, it is conveniently located for visits after shopping or theater outings.
Highly recommended for those seeking a quiet, high-quality wagyu dining experience.

Refined Japanese decor with a calm, luxurious feel and warm hospitality
Refined Japanese decor with a calm, luxurious feel and warm hospitality
Private rooms where you can enjoy personal time
Private rooms where you can enjoy personal time

Wrap-up

At Koubai TOKYO Solamachi, guests can enjoy premium wagyu while taking in the spectacular view of Tokyo Skytree®—a truly memorable part of any trip.
By day, it offers a refreshing, open atmosphere, and by night, a magical cityscape for a relaxing time.
Its versatility makes it suitable for lunch breaks during sightseeing, anniversaries, and more.
Meanwhile, Koubai GINZA SIX offers refined hospitality in an elegant Japanese setting in the heart of Ginza.
For those seeking a special dining experience in Tokyo, both Koubai locations are perfect for discovering the richness and flavor of wagyu.