Yakiniku is a Japanese-style of barbecue dining. It’s characterized by a tableside charcoal brazier or a gas grill where customers can cook their own cuts of meat and vegetables. Yakiniku became popular in Japan during the early Showa period, influenced by Korean barbecue dishes like bulgogi, which were brought to Japan by Korean immigrants. Over time, yakiniku evolved into its own Japanese style of barbecue, featuring unique cuts of meat and Japanese dipping sauces called “tare”. One feature of the Korean origins that does hold strong is the assortment of side dishes like kimchi offered with yakiniku—albeit sweeter and less spicy versions have been adapted for the Japanese palate.
Yakiniku in Shinjuku
Tomodachi X NEW Kyoen
Yakiniku Motoyama Shinjuku
Todaimon Takkanmari Ichigaya
Todaimon Takkanmari Ichigaya, located in the Ichigaya district of eastern Shinjuku, offers authentic Korean-style dining in Japan. Their specialty Yangnyeom Chicken is seasoned with a spicy Korean miso paste called “gochujang” that’s made in-house and packs an addictive punch. Enjoy this fabulously spicy grilled chicken with a cold beer. In addition to yakiniku, enjoy Korean staples like Chijimi, a savory seafood pancake, and Takkanmari stewed chicken.
Dinner: 3,500 JPY / Lunch: 850 JPY
Yakiniku & Seafood Kaen
For a distinctly Japanese yakiniku experience, visit Yakiniku & Seafood Kaen close to Shinjuku Station’s east exit, where they offer a choice selection of A5-grade Japanese black wagyu beef. Try rare cuts like “top blade” and “chuck flap” that have different flavors, degrees of marbling, textures, and aromas. Kaen’s specialty Rib Roast with Vegetables features 150 g of distinctively tender rib roast beef with just the right amount of marbled and lean meat for an exquisite balance of flavor.
Dinner: 3,800 JPY
Yakiniku in Shibuya
Kobe Yakiniku Kanteki
Kobe Yakiniku Kanteki offers A5 ranked Japanese black wagyu beef supplied from different areas of Japan. Enjoy various cuts of meat with their daily special, such as the Maboroshi Ribs, a lavish dish of grilled beef that’s so fresh it could be eaten raw, or the Japanese Black Wagyu Double Thick-Cut Skirt Steak featuring a rare cut of tender and filling skirt steak meat. The unique sweetness of A5-grade Japanese black wagyu beef never fails to impress when it arrives at the table.Niku Kappo Bar Wagyu Otoko - COW BOY
Enjoy delicious grilled meat in a relaxing atmosphere at Niku Kappo Bar Wagyu Otoko - COW BOY in the fashionable Daikanyama district located close to Shibuya. The restaurant specializes in richly flavored and full-bodied cuts of Japanese black wagyu beef and serves up a range of popular and unusual cuts for every palate, including shinshin (knuckle), ichibo (top round), and tomosankaku (tri-tip). Wagyu Otoko receives deliveries of fresh beef direct from their suppliers every day. Be sure not to miss their unique Marbled Wagyu Sushi, a dish of lightly-grilled beef paired with warm sushi rice. It’s a dish that truly showcases the rich umami flavor of wagyu beef!Try Yakiniku in Shinjuku and Shibuya and Experience Meat Cooked to Perfection
Shinjuku and Shibuya are centrally located, provide easy access to famous landmarks, and offer a wide variety of options for shopping and dining, making them prime locations to stay for visitors to Tokyo. With so many choices available, however, it can be difficult to decide on what to eat. But yakiniku is always an excellent option for those seeking a premium taste of wagyu beef and tender and rich Japanese pork. Visit Savor Japan for a list of the best yakiniku restaurants in Shinjuku and yakiniku restaurants in Shibuya.Discover more Yakiniku restaurants by area
Tokyo Area Near Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka Area Hokkaido Area Northern Honshu (Tohoku) Central Honshu (Chubu) Western Honshu (Chugoku) Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa and Southeast Islands