About
In a corner of Arakicho, Shinjuku Ward, quietly nestled in a back alley not far from Yotsuya Sanchome Station, there is a specialty chanko hot pot restaurant called “Shinzan.” This establishment is known for being opened by a former chanko chef from the Miyagino sumo stable and serves authentic chanko hot pot that carries on the traditions of the sumo world.
Upon stepping inside, you are greeted by a calm atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era. Bottles engraved with the names of television stations and advertising agencies line the walls, suggesting that the restaurant is a hidden retreat for people in the media industry. There is also an anecdote that Michael Jackson once visited when he was in Japan, but was turned away because the restaurant was full.
The restaurant’s specialty is the “Curry Chanko Hot Pot,” simmered in a Japanese-style curry soup. The abundant ingredients—such as pork, cabbage, garlic chives, and meatballs—blend perfectly with the spicy soup, stimulating the appetite. For the finishing touch, you can choose either udon noodles or rice to make a porridge, allowing you to savor every last drop.
Why not spend a warm, comforting moment for both body and soul in this spot, just a step away from the hustle and bustle of Yotsuya Sanchome?