Stepping foot in Meguro, this is not merely a corner of Tokyo, but a special space where a treasure trove of art and culture spanning time and space unfolds—Meguro Gajoen. And nestled in one corner of this temple of history and beauty, the renowned teppanyaki restaurant STEAK HOUSE hama. Today, we present this luxurious yet intellectual lunch experience woven by these two establishments.
The Beautiful Space of Gajoen Weaving History
Born in 1931 as a traditional Japanese restaurant, Meguro Gajoen traces its beginnings to “Shibaura Gajoen,” opened by founder Rikizo Hosokawa in Shibaura, Tokyo in 1928. Later moving to Meguro, it established its position as a prestigious traditional restaurant. Furthermore, it became known as Japan’s first comprehensive wedding venue.
Stepping inside the building, what unfolds before your eyes is like a living picture scroll. The gorgeous decorations created by artists of the early Showa period overwhelm visitors with their power, as if the era itself were breathing.
Particularly famous are the “Hundred Steps Staircase” consisting of 99 steps. Each of the tatami room buildings spread across these steps holds value as Tokyo Metropolitan Designated Tangible Cultural Properties. Each room is set with different themes, featuring paintings influenced by the Rimpa school, lacquerwork, gold leaf decorations, and other condensed essences of Japanese art. Standing in this historic place, one is enveloped in the mystical sensation of art and eras intersecting.
And what permeates this cultural property space is not mere nostalgic sentiment. The indoor waterways where ornamental carp swim, the ceiling painted like a painting, the beauty that captures your heart with just a glance upward—all this makes you forget modern commotion and provides visitors with quiet emotion.
STEAK HOUSE hama — Culinary Art Unfolding on the Teppan Stage
After appreciating the temple of beauty, we advance to STEAK HOUSE hama within Meguro Gajoen. Feeling the texture of luxurious carpet underfoot, when you open the restaurant doors, there lies another stage—a place where teppan magic unfolds.
On this day, I chose the Meguro Lunch Course.
First, as a dish to savor the ocean’s bounty, Sautéed Scallops appeared. The scallops, seared crispy on the surface while remaining tender and moist inside, are a dish that seems to have captured the very memory of the sea. The characteristic fragrance of teppanyaki whets the appetite, exceeding expectations from the very first bite.
The main course that followed was Japanese Black Beef Sirloin Steak 150g.
Taking a bite, the mellow sweetness of the fat and the umami of quality meat spread throughout your mouth, bringing such bliss that you naturally close your eyes. This wagyu beef is raised under traditional methods spanning generations and strict breeding management—truly the crystallization of Japanese food culture.
Furthermore, teppanyaki as a cooking method is itself a unique food culture that developed in post-war Japan. The skillful techniques displayed by the chef before your eyes are not mere cooking but a form of performance art. This moment where cuisine and art intersect is truly an experience that stimulates all five senses.
And not to be forgotten is the Garlic Rice. This doesn’t end as mere rice—with the addition of teppan aroma and garlic punch, it radiates a presence worthy of a main dish. Your stomach is properly satisfied, and you’re enveloped in a feeling of complete contentment.
Post-Meal Moments — Luxurious Lingering Flavors That Transform Space
As an elegant touch of this restaurant, there’s the production of enjoying dessert in a separate seating area. Moving locations resets your mood, creating a sensation like welcoming the beginning of a new journey. The time spent savoring beautifully plated dessert while having coffee in a quiet, calm space is pure bliss.
An Invitation to Intellectuals and Gourmets — The Charm of Meguro Gajoen and STEAK HOUSE hama
The lunch experience at Meguro Gajoen and STEAK HOUSE hama transcends the framework of mere dining to become a journey of intellectual exploration and sensitivity. This space should be visited by intellectuals and gourmets from both domestic and international circles—here exists special time to feel the essence of Japanese culture and immerse oneself in culinary art.
Teppanyaki enjoyed in a space where culture and history are woven is not just lunch, but an experience that stimulates both the five senses and intellect. Whether for precious moments with loved ones or as a reward to yourself, why not visit this establishment?
Amabie Nomad