Tabelog ratingKanemasu (かねます) is a paradox: a tiny, standing-only bar, or tachinomi, in Kachidoki that serves seafood with the quality and technique of a high-end kappo restaurant. It's a place that prioritizes exceptional ingredients over comfort, attracting long queues of diners who come for some of Tokyo's most iconic izakaya dishes.
The bar is credited as the birthplace of the uniku (生うに牛あぶり), a now-famous creation of lightly seared beef topped with a generous portion of raw sea urchin. Other consistently praised dishes include the mountain-like hairy crab salad mixed with rich miso (毛ガニサラダ), thick slices of seared tuna 'brain' (まぐろ脳天炙り), and exceptionally fresh, large portions of sashimi like botan shrimp and abalone. Reviewers consistently note that while the setting is basic, the food is anything but.
The experience does come with challenges. The space is small and queues are the norm, with many popular dishes selling out quickly. The daily menu is handwritten in Japanese calligraphy on the wall and can be difficult for visitors to decipher. Service is brisk and to-the-point. While an isolated incident, one reviewer reported a food safety issue, so those with sensitivity to raw foods should be mindful.
A meal here is more expensive than at a typical standing bar, but reviewers agree the price is justified by the quality. Expect to spend around ¥5,000–¥5,999 for lunch and ¥6,000–¥7,999 for dinner. Recent visitors reported paying around ¥2,600–¥3,000 for the uni-beef roll, ¥2,100 for the crab salad, and ¥1,100–¥1,500 for the beef stew. A bottle of Yebisu beer costs about ¥800–¥900.
- Getting There: Kanemasu is on the 1st floor of the Kachidoki View Tower, a one-minute walk from Exit A4a of Kachidoki Station on the Toei Oedo Line.
- Reservations: Reservations are not accepted. It is essential to arrive early, often before opening, to secure a spot and have the best choice of the menu.
- Seating: The bar is standing-only, with counter space for about 20 people. It's best suited for solo diners or pairs.
- Menu: The menu is handwritten on the wall in Japanese only. Having a translation app on your phone is highly recommended.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
