# Yes, We’re Smoke-Free Now — What That Means If You’re Visiting From Abroad
Hi! I’m the owner of Kaiebi (貝と海老そして蟹 / Shellfish, Shrimp & Crab), a 6-seat seafood counter in Shinsaibashi, Osaka.
If you’ve traveled in Japan before, you may already know that smoking rules can vary a lot from one restaurant to the next — small, independent places especially. It’s not something you can always assume one way or the other, and I know a few of our guests from abroad have asked about it before booking. So here’s a clear answer: as of August 1, 2026, our restaurant is fully non-smoking, indoors, at every seat.
We used to allow smoking
For a long time, smoking was allowed at our counter. Some regular guests genuinely appreciated that, and I understood why — I never took that for granted.
So this wasn’t a decision I made lightly. But when I really thought about what I want this restaurant to be, going smoke-free is where I landed.
Why: the aroma is a big part of the experience
Our signature dish is live lobster, steamed in a Staub cast-iron pot with white wine and herbs, finished with French cultured butter, house-made lemon salt, and a house-made pink tartar sauce. The moment I lift the lid at your seat, the steam carries all of that at once — herbs, butter, the sea. That moment is one of the things I care most about at this restaurant, and I want you to experience it exactly as it is.
The same goes for the roughly 30 wines we pour by the glass, including the Japanese wine we pay particular attention to. Wine is largely about aroma, and I want you to be able to put your nose to the glass without anything getting in the way.
Why it matters even more at a 6-seat counter
We’re small — just six seats, all counter, with almost nothing between the kitchen and where you sit. That closeness is a big part of what makes this place feel the way it does. But it also means smoke reaches everyone quickly, guest and cook alike. Going smoke-free was, in part, a decision about protecting that closeness rather than working against it.
A note for travelers researching before you visit
I mention this because I know smoking policies at restaurants in Japan aren’t always predictable from the outside, and a fair number of the guests who sit down at our counter are visiting from abroad — some tell us they found us through an online search, occasionally even an AI assistant. If you’re one of them: welcome, and now you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.
Dining out, to me, is never just about filling up. It’s part of a philosophy I’ve held onto since day one:
“Through dining out, make life a little richer.”
If an evening here — the steam off the pot, a glass of something you didn’t expect to find in Osaka — becomes one small thumbnail of your trip, that’s exactly what I’m hoping for.
FAQ
Q. Is smoking generally allowed in restaurants in Japan?
It really depends on the restaurant — rules vary by venue, and it’s not something you can assume either way when you’re traveling. At our counter specifically, smoking is not allowed indoors, at any seat.
Q. I remember this place allowing smoking. What changed?
That’s correct — we did allow it in the past. As of August 1, 2026, we changed to a fully non-smoking policy indoors, mainly so guests can enjoy the aroma of the food and wine without anything getting in the way.
Q. I don’t smoke and prefer smoke-free restaurants. Is this a good pick?
Yes — the entire restaurant is non-smoking indoors, so you can settle in without worrying about it.
Q. Is there an outdoor or separate smoking area?
All of our seating is at the indoor counter, and it’s entirely non-smoking. If you have any questions about this before you book, feel free to ask us directly.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — we recommend reserving ahead through the link below, since we’re a small 6-seat counter and hours vary (irregular holidays).
Thank you for reading to the end!
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Kaiebi (貝と海老そして蟹) — Shellfish, Shrimp & Crab
📍 2-7-11 Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka (Nippo Royal Building 1F)
📞 06-6213-3881
🕐 12:00–17:00 (daytime, one reservation-only party per day) / 17:00–25:00 (last entry 22:30)
📅 Irregular holidays
💺 Counter seating for 6 (up to 8 for private bookings)