Must-try ultimate egg-over-rice in Shinjuku! Setsummaru features freshly shaved 0.01mm bonito flakes with a 10-minute shelf life.

If you thought Tokyo's culinary highlights were limited to sushi, yakiniku, or ramen, then Buchimaru (ぶしまる), located in the basement of the Kinokuniya building in Shinjuku, might completely change your perception of Japanese breakfast or set meals. This restaurant is famous not for its fancy presentation or enormous portions, but for a seemingly simple yet meticulously crafted bowl of katsuo-bushi (bonito flakes) and egg over rice. From the 0.01mm paper-thin bonito flakes shaved on the spot to the pairing with Hyogo Prefecture's premium "Yume O" (Dream King) eggs, alongside a bowl of white rice and various side dishes, the overall experience is more memorable than you might expect.

Shinjuku's rare "freshly shaved bonito flakes experience," the key is those 10 minutes

Sekimaru's biggest feature is turning katsuobushi, which is usually considered a supporting ingredient, into the star of the entire meal. The restaurant uses honkare-bushi from Makurazaki, Kagoshima Prefecture, and shaves it right in front of the customers. The official introduction specifically emphasizes that katsuobushi is at its ideal state for only about 10 minutes, because once it comes into contact with air and begins to oxidize and dry, its aroma and texture gradually change. Therefore, what is highlighted here is not the common bonito flakes, but an on-site experience that emphasizes the importance of timing and freshness.

Furthermore, with a thickness of only 0.01 millimeters, it almost melts on your tongue upon entering your mouth, completely different from the dry, thin, and brittle bonito flakes many people imagine. This texture is indeed highly recognizable, and it's no wonder the establishment defines it as an extraordinary dining experience.

With Japan's champion-grade eggs, "Yume O," even simple egg over rice can feel luxurious.

Another star ingredient at Setsumaru is "Yume O," a brand of chicken eggs from Hyogo Prefecture. The official website states that Yume O won consecutive grand prizes at the "Tamago Kake Gohan Festival" for three years in a row. Its characteristics are a rich yolk and a distinct aroma, making it particularly suitable for making tamago kake gohan. This makes sense because Setsumaru's emphasis isn't solely on bonito flakes; it's about achieving the best balance between bonito flakes, eggs, and white rice together.

For Taiwanese travelers, the most interesting aspect of this meal is that while it appears simple on the surface, it actually elevates every basic element to a high standard. When you truly mix hot rice, a Jidou egg yolk, freshly shaved bonito flakes, seaweed, and a touch of seasoning, the aroma complexity is much stronger than a regular egg-over-rice dish. It's the kind of thing you understand the difference once you've tried it.

It's not just a trendy photo op, but a deeper dive into Japan's everyday food culture.

Egg and rice is a very everyday dish in Japan, but Setsumaru has created a more ritualistic version. This approach is appealing, not because it turns a commoner's food into an expensive dish, but because it elevates an ordinary meal into an experience worth coming for, through ingredient selection and on-site preparation. For those trying it for the first time, it's a feeling somewhere between familiarity and surprise.

The menu design is clear, with options ranging from basic set meals to deluxe combinations.

The restaurant's current signature core meal is the "Freshly Shaved Bonito Flakes Gozen." The basic set includes white rice, freshly shaved bonito flakes, Yume-O Egg, miso soup, two kinds of pickles, and roasted seaweed, priced at 1,600 yen. For a more complete meal, you can also choose the Setsumaru Set, Kinokuniya Set, or Platinum Set, which include side dishes for the rice, priced at 2,100 yen, 2,450 yen, and 2,950 yen respectively.

At this price point in the core of Shinjuku, it's actually not exaggerated. Especially considering the use of Katsuobushi from Makurazaki and brand-name eggs, not to mention the labor and skill required for on-site shaving, it's positioned as a "quality Japanese meal worth trying," rather than a quick bite.

The brand doesn't just sell egg and rice, but also turns bonito flakes into a complete concept.

Looking at the official website, Setsumaru isn't just a restaurant that sells egg mixed rice; it has made "freshly shaved bonito flakes" its core brand. In addition to the "Katsuobushi Shaved Bonito Flakes Gozen" (a set meal), the website also mentions Chinese-style noodles that feature bonito broth as the main ingredient. This indicates that the restaurant's intention isn't just to create a single viral item, but rather to offer a complete experience incorporating bonito flakes, broth, and Japanese-style umami.

If you're already interested in Japanese dashi culture, ingredient flavors, and shaving techniques, then Setsumaru is more worth visiting than a typical trendy restaurant. This is because what you eat here is not just delicious, but a reflection of an attitude that has thoroughly mastered the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine.

Located in the basement of Kinokuniya in Shinjuku, it's a great place to visit after shopping or buying books.

In terms of location, Setsumaru is located at Kinokuniya Building B1F, 3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, and is about a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. This location is very convenient for a meal, whether you're planning to shop in Shinjuku, visit department stores, or go to the Kinokuniya bookstore. The official website states that business hours are from 11:00 to 22:00, with last order at 21:30.

This is very practical for tourists, as Shinjuku is a common area for many people to stay or transfer. You can fit this store into your itinerary without having to go out of your way. Compared to small shops located in residential areas that require a special trip, stores like Jiemaru with a clear location and convenient transportation are easier to actually visit.

Store Information

Shop name: Bushimaru
Address: Kinokuniya Building B1F, 3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Transportation: Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
Phone: 03-5944-0841
Official Website:https://www.bushimaru.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bushimaru2025/
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@bushimaru22
Tabeloghttps://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13316862/

Conclusion

If you're looking for a Japanese restaurant in Shinjuku that's not just "delicious" but truly memorable, Setsumaru is worth adding to your list. It elevates bonito flakes from a supporting role to the star, then uses Dream King eggs and hot rice to enhance the overall dish, creating a deceptively simple yet meticulously prepared Japanese bento. For those who appreciate Japanese food culture and are willing to pay for attention to detail, this will be a refreshingly novel dining experience.