Japanese hotpot, or 鍋 (nabe, hotpot), is a yearly winter tradition for many in Japan. Everyone sits around a table, warming their bodies, boiling and eating their favorite nabe toppings, all while enjoying the company and laughter of their loved ones. What’s not to like? And to make it even better, in an adorable teddy-bear-themed experience? Introducing Kumachan Onsen, the cutest hotpot you’ve ever seen in Shibuya, Tokyo!
Kumachan Onsen in Shibuya
Located just a 4-minute walk from Shibuya Station, Hokkaido’s famous teddy-bear hotpot has finally landed in Tokyo! When you arrive, be ready to enter a forest of cuteness and teddy bear-themed interior.
Literally translated, kumachan onsen means teddy bear hot spring. When boiled, the collagen teddy bear melts into a delicious hotpot broth. As the broth melts, imagine the bear taking a relaxing bath in a natural hot spring.
The broth is offered in a variety of flavors including chicken, miso, Sichuan-style dandan, Korean gochujang, soy milk, and katsuo (skipjack tuna). They also offer a seasonal broth flavor.
The meat options include beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and beef tongue sets ranging from ¥2,500-¥4,000 yen. A mixed meat set is also available for those that want a little bit of each option.
With each set, a vegetable medley including cabbage, daikon radish, pumpkin, mushrooms, and more is included. Included is one add-on side dish. You can choose from boiled dumplings, ramen noodles, or rice cakes.
Also important to note, one drink order per person is required and Kumachan Onsen offers both alcohol and non-alcohol options.
A do-it-yourself sauce and spice bar is located on the left-hand side of the dining space to make the best sauce combination to suit your personal taste.
The restaurant is also accordingly themed with cute teddy bear decorations and illustrations. Each seat is equipped with its own bear-ear headband. Additionally, if you’re dining alone or have an empty seat at your table, you can request a giant teddy bear to occupy the space.
Even better, if you still have room in your stomach after the hotpot, Kumachan Onsen also has teddy bear-themed dessert options for you to enjoy like ice cream parfaits and fruit shaved ice.
As expected of the cutest hotpot you’ve ever seen, the restaurant is wildly popular. So, we recommend making a reservation 1-2 weeks in advance if you want to stop by.
If watching the bears soak in their baths has made you want to visit a hot spring yourself, check out How To Hot Spring In Japan—A Beginner’s Guide!
