If you want to enjoy a truly special curry experience in Ginza, look no further than Ittai-kan, located just a few minutes from Higashi-Ginza Station. Here, freshly cooked clay pot rice is paired with a rich curry made from premium Japanese Black Wagyu beef. The result is a one-of-a-kind luxury curry meal. In this guide, I’ll share my firsthand visit with details on the menu, waiting times, seating, and tips for getting the most out of your dining experience.
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What is “Ittai-kan”?
Ittai-kan is a high-end curry restaurant that has quickly become one of the hottest dining spots in the Ginza and Higashi-Ginza area.
Its defining feature is the commitment to serving rice and curry in their best possible state:
- Rice is cooked to order in a clay pot, one portion at a time
- Guests can choose from three varieties of premium Japanese rice
- The curry is made by slowly simmering tender Wagyu beef until the flavors fully develop
- Spice levels can be adjusted across five levels
Dining here feels more like a refined kaiseki meal, where both rice and curry share the spotlight.
My Visit: Queue, Waiting Time & Entry
10 groups already waiting at 10:30 AM (Saturday)
I arrived on a Saturday morning around 10:30, right after opening. To my surprise, there were already about 10 groups lined up outside. Clearly, the restaurant’s popularity is no secret.
Ordering while waiting
While standing in line, staff members hand out menus so customers can place their orders in advance. This makes the service inside very efficient. I chose the Wagyu Beef Curry (medium spicy) with extra curry sauce, and upgraded my rice to Yukitsubaki for an additional charge.
Rice starts cooking after you order
Because rice is cooked only after an order is placed, there’s about a 30-minute wait before your food is served. The line also moves slowly, since each group’s rice is prepared fresh.
Here was my timeline:
- Joined line: 10:30
- Seated: 11:20
- Curry served: 11:35
In total, I waited about an hour before finally tasting the curry.
Atmosphere & Seating
Inside, the restaurant feels calm and elegant—more like a Japanese fine dining venue than a curry shop.
- 8 seats total (one table for 4, the rest for 2 people)
- Minimalist wooden décor with a warm, natural feel
- The gentle aroma of curry fills the room
There is no counter seating, so the space caters mostly to solo diners and small groups of two.
Tasting Review: Wagyu Curry
First impression: gentle sweetness followed by spice
The first spoonful begins with a light sweetness, followed by layers of warming spice that linger pleasantly. The balance is addictive.
Beef: melt-in-your-mouth softness
Generous chunks of Wagyu beef are tender enough to fall apart easily. The umami of the meat blends into the curry, creating deep, savory richness.
Rice: the true star
I chose Yukitsubaki, a premium rice from Uonuma, Niigata. Each freshly steamed grain was glossy, plump, and slightly sticky, with a natural sweetness that paired perfectly with the curry. It felt like the curry was designed to showcase the rice itself.
How to Order & Enjoy
The menu is simple, featuring only two main dishes:
- Wagyu Beef Curry – ¥1,650
- Wagyu Hayashi Rice – ¥1,650
Here’s the process:
- Choose your rice
- Select spice level (for curry only)
- Add optional toppings
- Wait (about 30 minutes for rice)
- First, enjoy a bite of the rice on its own
- Pour curry sauce over the rice and mix
- Try it with the side vegetables
- Continue as you like
Rice Options
Guests can select from three carefully sourced varieties:
- Original Blend – A mix of Yamagata’s Tsuyahime and Miyagi’s Sasanishiki. Balanced, light, and slightly sweet.
- Yukiwakamaru (Yamagata) – Firm texture with a satisfying bite, full of umami.
- Yukitsubaki (Uonuma, Niigata) +¥150 – Grown by a Diamond Award-winning farmer, known for its chewy texture and luxurious sweetness. Used in Michelin three-star restaurants.
The rice isn’t just a side dish—it’s the centerpiece of the meal.
Spice, Toppings & Add-Ons
Spice levels (for Wagyu curry):
- Medium (default)
- Spicy (+¥50)
- 2-Spice (+¥50)
- 3-Spice (+¥50)
- 4-Spice (+¥100)
- 5-Spice (extra hot, +¥100)
Toppings:
- Pork Tenderloin Cutlet – ¥650
- Jumbo Fried Shrimp – ¥500
- Cheese – ¥200
- Extra Curry Sauce – ¥400
- Extra Rice – ¥200
- Premium Egg – ¥150
The premium egg is highly recommended—its rich yolk blends with the curry to add a creamy, mellow flavor.
If you dislike spicy food, try the Wagyu Hayashi Rice, which has no heat at all.
Tips for Beating the Crowds
- Arrive early: lines form before opening time
- Expect at least 30 minutes from order to service
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded
- The restaurant closes once they sell out of curry for the day
Store Information
- Address: 1F Ishida Building, 4-14-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
- Access: 3 min walk from Higashi-Ginza Station (Exit 3) / 5 min from Tsukiji Station
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM) closes early if curry sells out
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Payment: Cashless only (no cash accepted)
Conclusion: Why Ittai-kan is Worth the Wait
Among the many curry spots in Ginza, Ittai-kan stands out for its dedication to quality.
- Freshly cooked clay pot rice takes center stage
- Rich, slow-simmered Wagyu curry complements every bite
- The meal feels luxurious yet comforting, making it worth lining up for
If you’re searching for a luxury curry lunch in Ginza, this is the place to go. It’s not just curry—it’s a memorable dining experience where rice and curry come together in perfect harmony.
