Visit Japan: Zauo Fishing Restaurant (Shinjuku)

 

When planning our first trip to Japan, we made sure to research and select a few must-try experiences. One restaurant that immediately stood out was Zauo, located in the heart of Shinjuku. We had heard about the unique concept of "catching your own dinner," and knew we had to experience it for ourselves. After booking a reservation (which is highly recommended, especially for popular times), we couldn’t wait to see if it would live up to the hype.

The concept at Zauo is simple but super fun: diners are given the opportunity to fish for their own meal. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by an indoor pond filled with fish, which was the first exciting part of the experience. The boys were immediately hooked (pun intended) on the idea of catching their own dinner, and they couldn't wait to get started!

How It Works: The process was super straightforward. You choose what kind of fish you'd like to catch from the pond (we had a few options to pick from) and then the staff provides the appropriate hook for your choice. 

The boys were really excited about this part – choosing a pole, hook, and bait, waiting for a bite, and hooking it up! Once they caught something, they placed it in a net and handed it over to one of the employees.

Here's where the magic happened. You simply give the staff your table number and let them know how you'd like your fish prepared. From deep-fried to grilled, there were plenty of options. And let me tell you – everything we ordered came out absolutely perfect! The fish was fresh and flavorful, and it was clear that Zauo knows how to prepare seafood to perfection.

Half of the Striped Jack - Sashimi

Half of the Striped Jack - breaded

Prawns - Tempura

Spiny Lobster - Grilled with Salt

On top of that, we also ordered a selection of sushi à la carte. It was some of the best sushi we had during our entire trip, and it complemented our “catch” perfectly.

While Zauo might seem like a touristy spot, especially with its interactive fishing experience, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip for the boys. They had such a blast, and it’s definitely an experience they’ll remember. In fact, they’re already planning on returning the next time we’re in Japan.

Tips for Visiting Zauo:

1. Make a Reservation: This place gets busy, so securing a reservation is essential, especially during peak hours.

2. Be Patient: The fishing experience is part of the fun, but there may be a wait to catch your fish, depending on how crowded it is.

3. Try the Sushi: Don’t just stick to the fish you catch! The sushi here is top-notch, and we highly recommend trying it.

4. Perfect for Families: If you have kids or anyone who loves interactive dining, this is a fantastic experience for all ages.

All in all, Zauo was a memorable and fun dining experience that we’re glad we didn't miss. The combination of fresh fish, the interactive fishing process, and delicious sushi made for a perfect meal. If you're in Tokyo and want something different, Zauo is definitely worth checking out!