In this article, we want to recommend a few safe places to get fugu in Tokyo. You must have heard about fugu and know why the restaurant should be safe. But just in case you haven’t, fugu (河豚; 鰒; フグ, blowfish) is a fish which has tetrodotoxin in it and therefore can be extremely poisonous if not prepared properly. A chef who is allowed to prepare this fish has to be trained for at least three years and must hold a proper certificate. This issue is controlled by law. 

Despite the danger, fugu has become one of the most celebrated dishes in Japan. That is because besides tasting good, fugu is also rich in collagen, protein, and other vitamins. 

Although the liver is considered to be the tastiest part, it is also the most poisonous, therefore serving fugu liver was banned. And chefs who served it anyway due to the customer’s requested were suspended from their jobs. 

Because of its danger, the emperor of Japan is forbidden from eating fugu. However, we are not the royal family. So if you are willing to take the risk and try fugu, you can do it., especially when in Japan. Firstly, outside Japan, there are not many places serving this delicatessen. Secondly, rules regarding preparing it and selling it are more regulated here, in Japan. 

And these are the places that safe and good and most of them are very much affordable.

Tiger Puffer Fish Restaurant “Guenpin”

Guenpin is a restaurant specializing in fugu cuisine. On their menu, you will find the fish prepared in different ways, as sashimi, deep-fried,  hot-pot, BBQ, and more… 

The restaurant has many branches all over the country. We can recommend you the one in Kabukicho. 

Shop details:

1-2-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Sankei 55 Building B1F

12: 00-21: 00 (Lunch LO15: 00, Dinner LO20: 00, Drink LO20: 00).

Shinjuku Konaya

Konaya in Shinjuku is another restaurant that specializes in fugu cuisine. You can choose from several menus. The interior is very nice and very Japanese. It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance.

Shop details:

7-13-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 12th Sankyo Building 1F.

11:30-14:00; 17:30-23:00 (LO food 22:00, LO drinks 22:30).

Ueno Fugu Kikuchi

Tasty, safe, yey very affordable fugu restaurant you will find in Ueno. This small shop became local’s favorite. You can find fugu dishes as cheap as ¥600-¥1,000 per dish. Of course, several course menus are also available. Be noted that the reservations should be made by phone only. 

Shop details:

1-12-2 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Kameda Building 1F.

16:00-21:00. Can be open for lunch if you make a reservation in advance. 

Tora Fugu Tei Shibuya

Tora fugu Tei is a fugu specialty shop with many locations across the city. One of them is in Shibuya, which makes it very easily accessible. A la carte menu and lunch and dinner courses available. Everything is reasonably priced and the variety is pretty good.  What is so special about this restaurant is that they offer take-away. Now you can enjoy well and safely prepared fugu dishes at home. 

Shop details:

5-6 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo King Building 1F.

Lunch: 11:30-14:00（L.I.13:30、course LO13:00), Dinner:
Mon-Fri. 17:00〜20:00 (L.I. 19:00)
Sat, Sun, Holiday 16:00-20:00 (L.I. 19:00).

Usuki Fugu Yamadaya Nishi-Azabu

If you are feeling fancy and want to take the most from the tasting fugu fish experince, we recommend, that you go to “Usuki Fugu Yamadaya Nishi-Azabu”, which is a branch of an established fugu ryotei in Usuki, Oita Prefecture. It is a 2-Michelin star restaurant and one of the leading high-class fugu restaurants in Tokyo. On their menu among others, you will find thick-cut tsukuri, seasoned with ponzu of kabosu, and karaage seasoned with spices. 

Shop details:

4-11-14 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo FLEG Nishiazabu Vierge Basement A.

18: 00-24: 00 (LO22: 30).

If you decide to try the fugu fish, we hope you use one of our recommendations and of course that you like the taste!