In the realm of Japanese cuisine, options abound—from ramen to sushi to sashimi, all delightful in their own right. But another food that captures the hearts of tourists is none other than yakiniku!

The appeal lies in its simplicity—yakiniku is a straightforward way to savor Japan's famed beef, particularly premium varieties like wagyu and Matsusaka beef. The mesmerizing marbling and succulent flavor of these cuts is a feast for both the eyes and palate, leaving an unforgettable impression. While wagyu is now available globally, nothing quite compares to enjoying it in Japan, where quality and authenticity are guaranteed.

Japan is home to a multitude of yakiniku chain restaurants, providing a wide array of choices. Curious about which yakiniku chains to try in Tokyo? Read on!

Yakiniku dining offers a myriad of options. You can order à la carte or opt for set menus, typically including various cuts of meat, soup, side dishes, and rice.

In Japan, many yakiniku restaurants offer all-you-can-eat plans featuring a wide selection of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood.

These plans include a variety of seasoning options, such as sauces, marinades, and salt grilling. They also include a wide range of vegetable side dishes and desserts to complement your meal. And if you're in the mood for a toast with friends, you can even add unlimited drinks for a truly joyful experience.

For international tourists, dining on yakiniku isn't just about satisfying hunger—it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine and culture. So let's not waste any time—let's head to Tokyo and sample some delicious yakiniku!

In Shinjuku, you'll find a plethora of renowned yakiniku chains like Rokkasen and Jojoen. There are also long-standing establishments that have been serving up delicious yakiniku for decades, like Meigetsukan near the west exit of Shinjuku, reputed to be the oldest yakiniku restaurant in Japan.

These restaurants offer a variety of price ranges and dining options, including à la carte and all-you-can-eat menus. The quality of ingredients and service is top-notch, and the prices are reasonable. Plus, many accept reservations. When it comes to yakiniku dining in Tokyo, Shinjuku is the go-to spot!

When you're in Shinjuku, you can't miss out on the famous yakiniku chain, Rokkasen! They specialize in all-you-can-eat barbecue sets featuring premium meats like Kobe and Matsusaka beef.

They also offer hotpot options or all-you-can-eat plans for lobster and crab, making it a truly lavish dining experience! Plus, they provide multilingual menus and tablets for ordering, making it convenient for international visitors.

The quality of ingredients, service, and location are exceptional. Lunchtime tends to be more budget-friendly, but it's also busier, so making a reservation is advisable to save some time.

Yakiniku USHIGORO is a Tokyo-based chain operated by the Sangue company. Their restaurants have been recognized by Michelin for six consecutive years, speaking to the quality of the meat served to your table. They primarily serve the highest grade of Japanese wagyu beef (A5), offering various cuts and special dishes. The elegant ambiance makes it a perfect choice for those who appreciate excellent food and atmosphere!

At Wagyu Yakiniku Nikunone, every customer is treated to a luxurious dining experience with private booth seating. Not only can you treat yourself to premium wagyu beef, but you can also enjoy A5-grade Japanese Black wagyu, certified for raw consumption. The quality of the meat is absolutely guaranteed.

They offer set menus at three different price points: "Shining," "Nikunone," and "Kinsakura." The most popular option is the Shining set, which includes Miyazaki beef and two recommended rare cuts. It's highly recommended for travelers who want to truly savor Japan's premium wagyu beef.

Yakiniku Futago has locations all over Japan, featuring tabletop mini grills that are perfect for small groups or even solo diners. In addition to a variety of cuts of meat, they also offer various types of offal, making it a must-try for serious foodies.

In the Shinjuku area, besides the previously existing three locations, a new restaurant opened on February 9, 2024, near the east exit of Shinjuku Station. If you're craving extravagant slices of marbled Japanese Black wagyu beef, don't miss out, and make sure you visit!

Ginza is one of Tokyo's most prestigious areas, known for its abundance of yakiniku restaurants offering top-notch service and high-quality wagyu beef.

Establishments like YAKINIKU USHIJIRUSHI and Ginza Enzo showcase not only premium wagyu but also other luxurious Japanese beef varieties, such as Miyazaki and Saga beef.

Additionally, the area has budget-friendly yakiniku chain restaurants, allowing you to enjoy yakiniku in Ginza without breaking the bank. If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or indulge in a memorable dining experience, yakiniku in Ginza is a great choice!

At Oreno Yakiniku, you can savor highly acclaimed Japanese premium beef, such as A5 grade Japanese Black wagyu and Matsusaka beef. Because the restaurant purchases entire cattle, the prices are reasonable enough for most diners, despite being wagyu in upscale Ginza.

Just the opportunity to visit an Oreno restaurant and enjoy wagyu is enough to attract many travelers. When making a reservation, be sure to double-check if it's the Ginza 9-chome or 4-chome location to avoid any confusion!

Yakiniku Ushi Jirushi is one of the top yakiniku restaurants in Ginza, offering unparalleled quality of beef. Each customer is seated in a private or semi-private booth, providing a comfortable, intimate dining experience.

What sets it apart is the presence of professional chefs who offer tableside service, including detailed explanations of different cuts of meat, recommendations on how to enjoy them best, and assistance with grilling.

The impeccable service and premium wagyu beef create a luxurious dining experience perfect for discerning diners!

This is the newly opened yakiniku restaurant at Ginza Yamashina, a teppanyaki kaiseki restaurant. They serve Shiga Prefecture's Omi beef, which differs from the usual cattle slaughtered at 24 months; it's "fully matured Omi beef," carefully nurtured and aged for over 40 months.

This results in yakiniku with a rich, sweet flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Each party enjoys private booth seating, and professional chefs provide tableside service. It's a luxurious experience. Plus, since the restaurant only opened in October 2023, it's less well-known among tourists, so you won't have to worry about crowds.

Many yakiniku restaurants in Ikebukuro are conveniently located near the station, lining the streets and alleys around the east and west exits.

Particularly, around the west exit, there's a bustling restaurant district with plenty of yakiniku shops, such as Saikatei and Seikoen, all with an excellent local reputation. Here, we'll also share a few additional noteworthy establishments for your consideration. Happy exploring!

Kin No Nikunchu specializes in charcoal-grilled yakiniku, beef sashimi, and aged beef tongue. As soon as you step into the restaurant, you'll notice their aging cellar, where each cut of meat is aged for over four weeks, depending on its size and quality.

If you're a beef tongue fan, they offer regular and aged options to compare and enjoy. They offer two reservation options: the "Recommended Set Meal of the Day" and the restaurant-selected "Omakase Set." Both include beef sashimi, a platter of assorted meats, and main dishes, allowing you to choose based on your budget.

Yakiniku TORAJI is a well-known yakiniku chain in Japan. It primarily offers dinner services by reservation and has two pricing options: Premium and Royal.

The Royal option features Japanese Black wagyu beef, while the slightly more affordable Premium option offers select premium cuts. If you're looking for variety, the Premium option is recommended, whereas if you're craving high-grade wagyu, the Royal option is the way to go.

The Ikebukuro Sunshine branch is conveniently located inside the popular attraction Sunshine City, making it a great dining option before or after sightseeing!

Sansantei is a sister restaurant of the popular Tokyo yakiniku restaurant, Jyojyoen. Here, you can enjoy the delicious offerings of Jyojyoen at a more budget-friendly price.

The most popular option is their weekday lunch special, featuring favorites like beef tongue, marbled beef, and skirt steak, all for less than 5000 yen—an incredible deal!

The lunch set includes a variety of items such as a mixed yakiniku platter, shrimp, appetizers, salad, tofu, rice, soup, and dessert—there's something for everyone. Sansantei is exclusive to Ikebukuro, unlike Jyojyoen, which has locations all over Tokyo. This local exclusivity adds to its appeal!

Yakiniku Fufutei, known for its all-you-can-eat dining, is operated by a meat wholesaler. They offer three types of 2-hour all-you-can-eat plans: "Japanese Black Wagyu Yakiniku," "Domestic Beef Yakiniku," and "Yakiniku."

Surprisingly, even the most expensive plan featuring Japanese Black wagyu won't break the bank, and the least expensive plan is incredibly budget-friendly. With over 90 dishes to choose from, including beef, pork, chicken, side dishes, salads, and desserts, it's a great choice!

In Shibuya, yakiniku restaurants are mainly located in central areas such as Chuo-dori, Miyamasuzaka, and Dogenzaka near the Hachiko Exit. While shopping and sightseeing in Shibuya, you can easily stop into any yakiniku restaurant along the way.

Many offer budget-friendly all-you-can-eat wagyu options, making them perfect for those on a budget. However, due to the crowds in Shibuya, long lines are expected. If you'd rather not wait, it's advisable to make reservations in advance.

Gyumaru specializes in all-you-can-eat wagyu, with a variety of cuts to choose from, along with Korean-style pork belly. Their online reservation packages include drinks, soup, desserts, and more, all available in unlimited quantities, making it incredibly cost-effective and worry-free.

Each group of diners is seated in their own private space, for a relaxed meal. Plus, the restaurant is conveniently located near MEGA Don Quijote, so you can eat to your heart's content before continuing your shopping spree!

Nikuya Yokocho offers all-you-can-eat dining featuring domestic and wagyu beef. What sets it apart is the glass display case showcasing various cuts of meat right in the restaurant. You can easily see what each cut looks like, and can order your selections on the spot.

A reservation for the all-you-can-eat plan includes unlimited drinks and is typically limited to 100 minutes, so manage your time wisely and seize the opportunity to enjoy all the meat you can handle!

In Ueno, yakiniku restaurants are primarily located around JR Ueno Station. Many of these establishments are popular among foreign tourists, including long-standing favorites like Yansando and Taishoen, as well as well-known chains such as Tokori, Jyojyoen, and Gyu-Kaku.

Here are three Ueno yakiniku chain restaurants where you can enjoy group gatherings or dine solo with ease!

Nikuya no Daidokoro is known for its budget-friendly prices and its A4 to A5-grade black wagyu beef. Their top-tier PREMIUM all-you-can-eat set menu is particularly popular among tourists, featuring a wide selection of beef cuts, seafood, side dishes, and more.

Choosing the PREMIUM option and informing the restaurant in advance of any celebrations, such as anniversaries or birthdays, allows diners to receive a complimentary meat platter or meat cake, perfect for stunning photos!

Yakiniku USHIHACHI is a chain that specializes in high-value yakiniku dishes. Offering both set menus or à la carte options, it's suitable for those who prefer a relaxed dining experience and are not keen on all-you-can-eat options.

There are various reservation options, and at the Ueno location, you can enjoy the "Casual Course," which includes three cuts of black wagyu beef for just under 6,000 yen.

At Yakiniku LIKE, each customer gets their own grill, and meals are served on set menus. One popular option is the "Black Wagyu All-Star Set," which includes five types of meat along with rice, kimchi, salad, and oolong tea, all for just 3,300 yen.

In Asakusa, yakiniku restaurants are mostly located near the Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station and Nakamise Shopping Street.

They are predominantly small-scale, individual establishments, such as the vintage-style grill restaurant Hontosaya, the all-you-can-eat wagyu beef spot Ittougai Yakiniku Gen, and the longstanding eatery Kinraku.

Adding to the mix are two Asakusa yakiniku chain restaurants, where you can conveniently make online reservations without worrying about lines or language barriers while ordering.

Although Asakusa may give off a casual dining vibe, it also hosts some upscale restaurants. Heijoen specializes in authentic A5 Wagyu beef, offering options like "Asakusa Banquet" or "Whole Cow Wagyu."

You can upgrade your meal with additions like snow crab and king prawns for an additional fee. You also have the choice to add on unlimited drinks, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

The interior is elegantly designed, and the staff are courteous and friendly, making even upscale yakiniku dining feel relaxed and enjoyable.

At Tokori, a Tokyo chain of yakiniku restaurants, they select whole Wagyu cattle and have skilled craftsmen handle the butchering directly, ensuring that the meat served is always of the highest quality.

At their Asakusa location, there are currently five meal options available for online reservation, ranging from Standard Wagyu to Deluxe Wagyu, priced roughly between 5,600 to 16,500 yen.

For those looking for a new experience, we recommend opting for the Classic Wagyu set at a mid-range price. It includes Wagyu beef, beef tongue, pork, chicken, lamb, and more, for a diversely rich selection.

Tokyo Station's yakiniku restaurants are mainly located in the Yaesu and Nihonbashi areas. Places like Jyojyoen inside Daimaru department store and Tokori, known for its Korean-style yakiniku with wagyu beef, are easily accessible on foot.

Along the way, you can take the opportunity to admire the cityscape around the station. Here are two yakiniku restaurants you can only find near Tokyo Station, both specializing in premium Wagyu beef. Make sure to book in advance for a delightful dining experience!

Yakiniku Yazawa Tokyo is just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station. It's a premium yakiniku restaurant specializing in high-quality Wagyu beef. Only carefully selected and top-notch meats are served here, ensuring exceptional taste and freshness. The main reservation options are for dinner service, ranging from 13,600 to 17,000 yen per person (minimum of 2 people per reservation). What's special here is that you can even make reservations for late-night dining, starting your meal as late as 9 or 10 PM. Yazawa also features an open kitchen, allowing you to see the chefs in action!

Tokyo Yakiniku Ittouya is the sister restaurant of Heijoen, taking a more upscale approach. They offer three reservation options: "Yoi" for evenings, "Muromachi" for lunch, and "Ittouya" for a more extensive dining experience.

Each option has its own highlights. Yoi includes specialties like beef tongue soup, wagyu yakiniku, and rice bowls. Muromachi adds snow crab and grilled items to the menu.

The priciest option, Ittouya, offers the most variety, with 16 dishes featuring wagyu and Matsusaka beef. The dining environment is elegant, the ingredients are top-notch, and it's about a 12-minute walk from Tokyo Station, close to Ginza. It's definitely worth the price!

Restaurants like Jyojyoen, Heijoen, Tokori, and Nikuya no Daidokoro are among the hottest spots for tourists. During peak hours, you might end up waiting in long lines, causing significant delays.

It's recommended to make reservations beforehand to avoid waiting endlessly and spending half your time studying the menu after being seated. Get ready to enjoy a meal in Tokyo, letting the delicious taste of Japanese wagyu and yakiniku provide you with an unforgettable culinary experience!

*The information in this article is accurate as of March 2024. For the latest updates, please refer to the official websites of the respective restaurants and follow their announcements.