Plate of high-grade beef, part of a course of Asakusa Imahan's famous sukiyaki lunch, Asakusa & Sumida River.

©Rebecca Milner/Lonely Planet

Asakusa Imahan

Top choice in Asakusa & Sumida River

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Among the oldest and most famous of Tokyo's wagyū (Japanese beef) restaurants, Imahan (in business since 1895), specialises in courses of sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, thin slices of marbled beef are cooked in hot broth at your table (followed up with vegetables and noodles). For sukiyaki, the broth has a deeper soy sauce flavour and the cooked meat is dipped in raw egg yolk.

Diners on a budget should arrive early for one of the 20 limited servings of a gyūdon (rice topped with beef; ¥1500) and other affordable options at lunch. Reservations recommended for courses.

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