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Shunpanro's Shako Festival 2026: A Culinary Delight

As the winter season approaches, prestigious restaurants Shunpanro in Osaka's Abeno and Tokyo are preparing to enchant guests with the highly anticipated "Shako Festival," commencing on January 13, 2026. Known for celebrating the luxurious and sought-after delicacy of Shako (the milt of the fugu fish), this year's festival theme invites patrons to indulge in a remarkable culinary experience associated with happiness.

Shako: The King of Winter Delicacies

Often referred to as the "king of winter flavors,” Shako is the precious milt obtained from male fugu, with only two pairs available from a single fish. The peak season for Shako falls between January and March, during which it develops a unique, rich flavor and creamy texture that gourmets cherish. At both the Abeno and Tokyo locations, diners will be treated to an array of dishes prepared using various techniques—grilled, simmered, and fried—to maximize the exquisite taste and mouthfeel of Shako.

Festival Details

Event Duration: January 13, 2026 - March 31, 2026

Locations:

• - Abeno Location: 14F Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store, 1-1-43 Abeno-suji, Abeno-ku, Osaka (Tel: 06-6625-2378)

- Business Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM (Last Order at 8 PM)
- No closing days during this period.

• - Tokyo Location: JA Kyosai Building, 2-7-9 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Tel: 03-5211-2941)

- Closing Days: Sundays and holidays
- Weekday Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:15 PM (Last Order at 1:45 PM)
- Weekday Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10 PM (Last Order at 9 PM)
- Saturday Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Last Order at 2 PM)
- Saturday Dinner: 5 PM - 10 PM (Last Order at 9 PM)

Reservations are highly recommended due to the limited quantity of Shako available. Reservations can be made online or via phone:

• - Abeno: Web Reservation or call 06-6625-2378
• - Tokyo: Web Reservation or call 03-5211-2941 (Reservations required two days in advance)

Festival Menu Highlights

Shako Kaiseki and Fugu Courses

For true Shako enthusiasts, Shunpanro offers a special "Shako Kaiseki" menu. Comprising multiple courses with a focus on Shako, this kaiseki is a perennial favorite among diners. Notable offerings include:

• - Shako Kaiseki (Abeno): 14,300 yen (tax included) - Features sake, appetizers, seven types of seasonal starters, Shako tofu, fugu sashimi, grilled Shako, Shako hot pot, and dessert.
• - Fugu Course "Tamaki" (Abeno): 19,800 yen (tax included)
• - Fugu Course "Mikado" (Abeno): 24,200 yen (tax included)
• - Fugu Course "Yashima" (Tokyo): 24,200 yen (tax included)
• - Fugu Course "Tamaki" (Tokyo): 29,040 yen (tax included)

A La Carte Dishes

To further immerse guests in the unique flavors of Shako, a selection of a la carte options is available, including:

• - Shako Sushi (1,650 yen, Abeno only)
• - Shako Sake Steamed (Abeno: 4,400 yen; Tokyo: 5,445 yen)
• - Shako Tempura (4,400 yen, Abeno only)
• - Grilled Shako (4,400 yen, Abeno only)
• - Shako for Hot Pot (5,445 yen, Tokyo only)
• - Shako Sake (2,530 yen, Abeno only)

These exquisite choices can be paired with any menu offerings, allowing diners to experience their favorite Shako dishes with ease.

A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

The roots of Shunpanro trace back to a remarkable act of hospitality during a time of scarcity, when Japan's first Prime Minister, Ito Hirobumi, wished for a meal of fish. The founder, through determination and skill, prepared fugu against the odds, birthing a historical legacy of care and culinary excellence that continues to flourish today.

As a pioneer of fugu dining in Japan, Shunpanro invites patrons to indulge in both its esteemed history and the richness of flavors it has to offer, making this year's Shako Festival a must-visit culinary event.

Visit Shunpanro

Understanding its importance in Japanese culture and cuisine, Shunpanro remains a cherished institution. It has hosted dignitaries, including Emperor Showa and Empress Showa, and continues to stand out as a beacon of lavish fugu cuisine overlooking the historically significant Kanmon Strait.

For a unique dining experience enriched with tradition and flavor, do not miss the chance to visit Shunpanro during the Shako Festival.