If you’re looking for another kawaii eating hotspot to add to your list in Japan, this is it. Kumachan Onsen takes hotpot to another level by enticing with teddy bear-shaped soup stocks — which taste especially good during the chilly seasons.

Originating from Hokkaido, Kumachan Onsen made its debut in Tokyo in 2021. It has taken the city by storm since then, with online reservations highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

First, choose what everyone visits Kumachan Onsen for: the teddies (or soup stocks) come in different flavours and colours. Each diner gets his/her individual pot; pick from the Rejuvenation Bath (Korean Gochujang broth), Beautiful Skin Bath (chicken collagen broth), Healing Bath (soy milk broth), Health Bath (sake and miso broth), Longevity Bath (Tantan broth), Golden Bath (tuna broth), or the Seasonal Bath (which was shark’s fin at the time of our visit).

Every hotpot set comes with a standard set of vegetables and mushrooms. Each diner has the choice of various meat sets: the Special Menkoi Set (beef, pork, chicken, chicken balls), Ox Tongue Set, Pork Set, Lamb Set, Chicken and Chicken Balls Set, or the Beef Set. Prices range from JPY2,980 (~SGD29.70) to JPY3,600 (~SGD35.80), depending on which set you get.

Finally, complete your meal with a choice of boiled dumplings, ramen noodles, or Topokki. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, add on more meat, or additional dishes such as prawns, scallops, vermicelli, or more vegetables and mushrooms.

Still hungry? Go all out with sides of deep-fried chicken, corn or pumpkin croquettes, french fries, takoyaki, or even try salted fish guts. Round it all off with a sweet wafer cake and ice cream — choose from vanilla, green tea, or black sesame flavours. Each diner is also required to order a drink.

Load up on condiments at the self-serve bar; think: ground red peppers, garlic, green onions, and radish. Add these into your choice of sauce — there’s butter oil, garlic oil, sesame sauce, ponzu, and the like.

Don’t be too quick to switch on the stove when the star of the show arrives, as it melts quickly over the heat. Take your time to snap all the pictures you’d like — however, do take note that there’s a 90-minute dining time limit from the time of your reservation. The soup stock is solidified with collagen and, as a finishing flourish, is topped with a towel made of daikon.

Once the heat is switched on, the teddy will slowly melt — and look as if it’s enjoying its very own onsen. Once it falls over on its side, add the broth enhancer and let the concoction simmer.

Once the teddy has more or less melted (the head takes the longest to disintegrate), you can start adding in your vegetables, and cooking your meat.

Looks-wise, we couldn’t get enough! The teddy is adorable, and makes for great Instagram shots. Taste-wise, however, the hotpot was nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, my sake and miso broth tasted a little too thick and cloying. However, as with most diners, we weren’t there to eat per se. It’s all about the teddies!

The interior of the restaurant is warm and inviting, decked out in wooden tones much like the usual Japanese onsens. Each table is given two cute teddy bear hair bands — all the better to take photos with. If you’re lucky, you might even snag a giant teddy as a dining companion! Each diner will also be given a specially designed bib (much like those in seafood restaurants) to protect against any stains.

The decor emulates the theme in every way, complete with a giant teddy in a hammock hanging from the ceiling, rainbow teddies lining the cashier counter, a teddy manning a faux drinks counter, a teddy claw machine, and even giant paw prints leading up to the staircase.

On the ground floor, you’d find Oyasumi-dokoro, a sweet joint that offers teddy-themed desserts. Try the signature shaved ice dessert in the shape of a teddy bear, which is made to look like it’s soaking in an onsen. This comes with fruit, rice flour dumplings, and more. Otherwise, choose from teddy soft serves, teddy cream sodas, and more.

The best part? Kumachan Onsen is easily reached within a six-minute walk from Shibuya station. Don’t forget to make reservations in advance!

Address: Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 1 Chome−8−10 2階

Opening hours: 11am - 3pm, 5 - 10pm; daily