Popular ちゃんこ鍋 (chanko-nabe) place, established in 1957. Chankonabe is eaten at sumo stables for lunch, so wrestlers usually have extensive skills to prepare this dish, which is the reason that a lot of chanko restaurants are run by former sumo wrestlers. Also the father of the current owner has been a sumo wrestler, and a lot of his Sumo memorabilia are displayed at the walls.

In Japan at restaurants serving one pot dishes one is normally asked to order for at least two persons, the good news is that Shibamatsu is an exception to the rule. Which is also very fortunate, because the portions served at Shibamatsu are B I G, refer to below picture, which is 二人前 (nininmae / for two persons) but is enough for 4 hungry people ready to pack a punch. The author has been eating chanko at Tokyo sumo stables many times, and the taste of the chanko served here at Shibamatsu is definitely top tier. At 2420 Yen/person good value. Worth mentioning are further:  あんきもポン酢 (ankimo ponzu / monkfish liver with ponzu sauce) (1050 Yen), 牛さしみ  (Gyūsashimi/ sliced, rare beef meat) (1580 Yen), soft and tender, カニクリームクロッケ (creamy crab croquettes) 3 tennis-ball sized pieces for 950 Yen, and not to forget the 力士みそ きゅうり (rikishi miso /cucumber served with “wrestlers style” miso paste) (740 Yen). The rikishi miso is actually miso mixed with ground chicken meat, tastes excellent and is also sold separately to take-away, 740 Yen/pack, sweet or spicy taste.

The drinks are standard fare, prices steep, the speciality of the house is 芝松カクテル (Shibamatsu cocktail / Shōchū mixed with ginger ale) (680 Yen), very strong mix, taste one has to get used to....

The service is friendly and at lightning speed.

Conclusion: if you like chanko, Shibamatsu is worth a visit. Reservation is possible but will cost you 1000 Yen extra.... (しっかりしてますね.../ pfff...)

Located 1 min. walk from Tokyū Oimachi-line Midorigaoka station. 1st floor table seating and 2 separate tatami rooms, 2nd and 3rd floors tatami seating, total capacity of about 100 persons. Toilets Japanese style, unisex. And ladies beware: the toilet door lock is out of order...

Beer (633ml bottle): 790 Yen (c’mon....)

2nd Opinion...

Whoppo