Is there anything better in life than immaculate aesthetics and delicious food? I don’t think so. Kumachan Onsen promised to check both of those boxes, so for one of the last stops on my 2023 Japan trip, we rode the train to Shibuya and ventured towards this bear-filled paradise.
What is Kumachan Onsen?
It is an Onsen. FOR COLLEGEN JELLY MOLDED BROTH BEARS.
Kumachan Onsen is a Hot Pot restaurant located in Shibuya, Japan. The name breaks it down for us: Kumachan translates to “little bear” and onsen refers to Japanese onsen hot springs.
Disclaimer: No real bears were hurt in the making of this blog post, though my emotional attachment to a block of gelatin was severely tested.
Instead of broth, you are brought a 3D collagen jelly bear. As soon as you turn on the burner, the bear starts to melt and turn into a delicious hot pot broth.
The meal includes meat of your choice and a variety of vegetables. I chose the beef and standard vegetable platter.
The meat was served on a stone which I thought was very cute and on-theme.
The woodland bear theme continued throughout the restaurant, including the main center table which was surrounded with tree trunks.
More cute bear themed things:
The tables have huge bear plushies that dine with you! All tables also had bear ear headbands for kawaii photo-ops.
Was the food life-changing? Maybe not, but the vibes? Incredible. It was so undeniably cute and charming that I still had the best time soaking it all in. I left with a huge smile on my face and zero regrets. I’d honestly go back in a heartbeat purely for the absolute joy and wholesome fun of it all!
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