I’m going to be real — teppanyaki as a category has honestly become pretty disappointing. It’s a lot closer to fine dining now than a casual premium meal I remembered younger, at least in Japan. And to be honest, it feels like a lot of places are really geared toward foreign tourists looking to check off their Kobe beef bucket list — and charging them for it.
If you’ve already decided you want teppanyaki, here’s what I’d say about Genkichi: it has one of the best vibes around. It’s a tiny, cozy spot, perfect if you’re rolling in with a small group — like you and five friends who are willing to drop about $200 USD each (more with drinks). If that’s the case, you’ll have a great time. The owner and staff are super friendly, and it’s one of those rare places where the energy really depends on you and your crew. If you’re there with a lively group — say, a bachelor party — they’ll make sure you’re well-fed, well-drunk, and having a lot of fun. And honestly, getting to basically take over the place at that price point is pretty rare in Japan.
But — and it’s a big but — most people probably aren’t coming here like that. Most people are visiting as a couple, and when you’re sharing the counter with two or three other couples, it can feel a little awkward. It turns into this low-key game of “who’s spending more” so you don’t look cheap, and with the cheapest cut starting around $150 USD per person for lunch, it adds up fast — $300 before you even blink.
As for the food? It’s fine. The meat is okay — not bad, but nothing that blew me away either. You can tell the chef is a real veteran and does a solid job, but if you’re expecting world-class culinary magic, it’s not that. Honestly, if you’re just chasing a Wagyu fix, there are cheaper (and maybe better) ways to do it. Some of the sides, like the salad and vegetables, felt a bit underwhelming too, especially considering the price.
Service-wise, everyone’s friendly and professional, no complaints there. Overall though, I’m mixed. If you’re already hesitant, I’d say skip it and enjoy the other amazing things Kobe has to offer. Genkichi is fine — I’m glad I tried it, but it’s not something I’d rush to do again. After this, I’m probably good on teppanyaki for a while.
