Himawari Japanese Restaurant: A Hidden Slice of Japan in Seputeh. Tucked away inside the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, Himawari Japanese Restaurant offers a charming escape from the bustle of city malls like Mid Valley. While food courts and chain restaurants often come with long queues and limited ambience, Himawari provides a refreshing change with its authentic, home-style Japanese fare — a perfect alternative for those craving a more peaceful and immersive dining experience.
Located off the main road, Himawari isn’t the easiest restaurant to stumble upon. Housed within an individual building at the Japan Club, it requires a short walk from the entrance after parking. Though there’s ample parking space around the area, it’s unclear whether it’s meant for the public or reserved for club members. Visitors will need to request access at the gate, but the guards are friendly and helpful in directing guests toward the restaurant. For those with elderly companions, it’s advisable to ask for permission to park closer to the entrance, as the restaurant is a short distance inside the premises.
Once inside, diners are transported to what feels like a traditional eatery in Japan. From the wooden decor and subtle lighting to the Japanese signage and curtains, every detail contributes to an authentic atmosphere. Sharing the same building is a Japanese convenience store, language centre, and even a manga library — a reminder of the community-oriented spirit behind the space.
When the reviewers arrived, the restaurant was still quiet, but it quickly filled up — with a notable number of Japanese patrons, a good sign of authenticity. The menu is extensive, offering everything from appetizers, salads, and nabe pots, to sushi, sashimi, donburi, yakimono, and even Japanese-style porridge, a rare find in KL.
The real appeal of Himawari lies in its homey, unpretentious food. It doesn’t strive for haute cuisine, but instead delivers well-executed dishes that remind one of comforting meals in a Japanese home. One standout dish was the Koebi Karaage, a crispy and addictive deep-fried baby shrimp dish, praised for its light batter and satisfying crunch.
Another highlight was the Chawanmushi (RM4), a classic steamed egg custard served in a small teacup. Made with mushroom slices, crabstick, and a small prawn, the dish was smooth, savoury, and expertly done — with the silky texture and umami flavour that defines a well-crafted chawanmushi.
Among the more value-driven choices, the Sashimi Set Lunch (RM19.80) stood out. It included slices of salmon, yellowtail, and squid, accompanied by rice, a piece of sausage in sauce, miso soup, and fruit. While the portions weren’t large, the freshness of the sashimi was notable, especially the buttery texture of the yellowtail and the smooth richness of the salmon. The squid was lightly flavoured and delicate, though slightly thin in size. At under RM20, it was seen as excellent value — especially compared to the prices at more commercial Japanese restaurants in the city.
To round off the meal, the diner tried the Uji Kakigori (RM7), a Japanese green tea shaved ice dessert. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet expectations. Unlike the light and fluffy texture of traditional kakigori, this version featured coarse crushed ice that resembled Malaysian ais kacang. The green tea flavour was faint, and overall the dessert fell flat — a surprising letdown considering the otherwise pleasant dining experience.
Despite this minor hiccup, Himawari left a lasting impression. The setting, the friendly bilingual staff (fluent in Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and English), and the laid-back vibe all contributed to the restaurant’s charm. Staff were welcoming and encouraged diners to explore the rest of the club, including the Japanese grocery store and the manga library (which is accessible to JCKL members).
With prices generally ranging from RM20 to RM40 per person, Himawari offers a rare combination of affordability, authenticity, and ambiance. It stands apart from the trendier Japanese dining spots in KL by leaning into nostalgia and warmth rather than flashy presentation or fusion concepts.
Ideal for families, casual outings, or anyone who misses Japan, Himawari delivers a unique dining experience in the heart of Seputeh — and it’s one that many would be glad to return to, kakigori aside.
Himawari Japanese Restaurant @ Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur
Address: No.2, Jalan 1/86, Off Jalan Taman Seputeh, 58000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-9.30pm | Sat & Sun 11.30am-9.30pm
