Few restaurants in Tokyo turn the arrival of a single ingredient into a full performance. In Ginza, CRAB - Kani Gennu Ginza places a whole live crab on the counter and lets the chef's hands do the storytelling.
A private room in the heart of Ginza
The restaurant runs four completely private dining rooms, each with its own dedicated chef. The setup suits a small group: no neighbouring tables, no shared noise, just your party and the preparation happening a few steps away.
Crabs are sourced directly from Japanese fishing ports daily. Matsuba crab here weighs over 1.2kg, and the Taraba (King) crab arrives in extra-large size. Both are selected on the spot, so the weight and condition you see are the ones that reach your table.
What to order
Four courses anchor the menu.
The Live Matsuba Crab Course (¥55,000) prepares one whole premium snow crab in multiple ways: fresh sashimi, a Shaoxing wine marinade, grilled, shabu-shabu in rich crab miso, and steamed. You get the full range of textures from a single animal.
The Live Taraba Crab Course (¥55,000-60,000) puts the massive king crab at the centre, with each preparation showing a different side of its meat.
For a comparison, the Golden Crab & Matsuba Crab Tasting Course (¥66,000) puts Japan's finest crabs side by side in one sitting.
Seasonal specialties include Hokkaido hairy crab with Ise lobster (¥52,000) and a rare Keisen-numa shark fin course (¥55,000).
The sequence of the meal
The meal opens with luxurious crab bisque, followed by an artistic hachimen appetizer platter that sets the tone for the evening.
The live crab is then broken down in front of you and presented on an ice block as pristine sashimi. The crab miso shabu-shabu and charcoal-grilled crab are the standouts of the middle course.
The finale is signature kani miso rice, cooked inside the shell so the broth seeps into every grain. It closes the meal with a flavour you will remember.
When it fits your trip
This restaurant caters to special celebrations, business entertaining, and once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic adventures. The combination of ultra-fresh ingredients, theatrical presentation, and intimate private rooms makes it a natural choice when the occasion matters.
The location in Ginza makes it easy to pair with a morning at the Tsukiji outer market or an afternoon of shopping along Chuo-dori. Allow roughly two hours for the full course, then continue your evening with a walk through the illuminated streets.
Tokyo's discerning diners have followed this place since it opened in November 2021. It carries a 3.55 rating on Tabelog and over 13,000 saves, a sign that regulars return for the consistency.
Practical notes
- Confirm your chosen course when booking, as seasonal specialties rotate and certain dishes may not be available on the day.
- Check the total per-person cost before arrival, since prices can shift with market conditions.
- Request a specific dietary adjustment in advance if any member of your party avoids shellfish or alcohol-based preparations.
- Reconfirm the number of guests and the room assignment 24 hours ahead, since all four rooms are private and capacity is fixed.
Planning a private tour
Bliss Travel designs private itineraries across Asia with meals like this built into the schedule. Our team handles the reservation and the pacing of your day so the dinner feels like a natural part of the trip.
See the full itinerary: CRAB - Kani Gennu Ginza
Frequently asked questions
What makes the dining experience at CRAB - Kani Gennu Ginza unique?
The restaurant features four completely private dining rooms, each with a dedicated chef. A whole live crab is placed on the counter and broken down in front of you to present the meal.
How much does the Live Matsuba Crab Course cost?
The Live Matsuba Crab Course costs ¥55,000. It includes preparations such as sashimi, Shaoxing wine marinade, grilled, shabu-shabu, and steamed crab.
Which crab courses are available and what are their prices?
The menu features four anchor courses: Live Matsuba Crab (¥55,000), Live Taraba Crab (¥55,000-60,000), Golden Crab & Matsuba Crab Tasting Course (¥66,000), and seasonal specialties like Hokkaido hairy crab with Ise lobster (¥52,000).
How are the crabs sourced and selected for the meal?
Crabs are sourced directly from Japanese fishing ports daily. Matsuba crab weighs over 1.2kg and Taraba (King) crab arrives in extra-large size, with both selected on the spot before reaching your table.
Plan your trip
Design a private itinerary around these tables: WhatsApp +852 8401 4526