If you love beef, there are few better places on the planet to eat it than in Japan. 'Wagyu' is typically associated with Kobe beef outside of Japan, but the word literally just means 'Japanese beef'. Once you arrive in Japan, you’ll realise there’s much more than Kobe beef in the world of wagyu – that’s just one of many different varieties and grades of domestic beef here!
Imahan - image © Florentyna Leow
Wagyu finds its way into all kinds of restaurants, but we think that wagyu is best eaten in ways that highlight the quality and taste of the beef. These are shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, yakiniku, and teppanyaki respectively.
You’ll find restaurants that specialise in both shabu-shabu and sukiyaki – they typically go together. Think of shabu-shabu as beef hotpot; sukiyaki is best described as simmered beef and vegetables in a sweet-savoury soy sauce. Then there’s yakiniku, which is Korean-style barbeque. It’s one of the best ways to sample a variety of different cuts of cow, and is an absolute must for beef lovers.
Lastly, there’s teppanyaki. This refers to food that’s been cooked on an iron griddle. While it may not be ultra-flashy – no egg-tossing or spoon-juggling here, folks – it’s all about superb ingredients cooked well. As you can imagine, iron-griddled wagyu is ultra-delicious.
Shabu-Shabu/Sukiyaki in Tokyo
- Ningyocho Imahan (Shinjuku; mid-range to expensive)
For some amazing sukiyaki - a simmered Japanese beef dish - be sure to visit Imahan on the 14th floor of Takashimaya Shinjuku. - Asakusa Imahan (Asakusa; mid-range to expensive)
There are many sukiyaki restaurants around town, but few are as consistently delicious as the Imahan chain. Asakusa Imahan’s wagyu sukiyaki and shabu-shabu are as memorable as they are exquisite. - Azuki (Ueno; mid-range to expensive)
If you’re looking for a sukiyaki restaurant that’s a little different from the rest, you’ve come to the right place. Azuki in Ueno prides itself on serving the finest “Sanuki Olive” wagyu sourced from cows on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa – these cattle spend their lives eating food mixed with local olive oil!
Yakiniku (Korean Barbeque) in Tokyo
- Jiromaru (Shinjuku; budget to mid-range)
A Korean barbeque beef restaurant serving great wagyu without breaking the bank? That’s exactly what Jiromaru in Shinjuku is – a standing yakiniku bar that’s also cheap and cheerful. They sell different cuts of wagyu by the piece, so solo diners needn’t be left out of this beefy experience. - Jojoen Ebisu Garden Place (Ebisu; expensive)
On the 38th floor of the Ebisu Garden Place Tower in Ebisu, this high-end Korean barbeque restaurant offers incredible views and superb food to go with it. Highly recommended for meat lovers! - Cossott'eSP (Azabu Juban; expensive)
Special occasions call for special places, and Cossott’eSP in Azabu Juban is precisely the sort of restaurant you pull out all the stops for. Their yakiniku won’t come cheap, but the taste and quality of their wagyu is out of this world.
Teppanyaki in Tokyo
- Ukaitei (Harajuku; expensive)
This excellent teppanyaki restaurant on Omotesando is a brilliant place to sample delicious Japanese meat and shellfish. They offer wine pairings chosen to accentuate the dishes. - Restaurant Omae XEX (Roppongi; expensive)
This upscale and tourist teppanyaki restaurant serves some surprisingly tasty meat and seafood. As you would expect, it's cooked on a teppan right in front of you.
For more about teppanyaki in Tokyo, see our Best Teppanyaki in Tokyo page.
Best Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations
- Best Restaurants in Tokyo
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- Best Kaiseki/Kappo/Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo
- Best Izakaya in Tokyo
- Best Ramen in Tokyo
- Best Soba in Tokyo
- Best Udon in Tokyo
- Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo
- Best Teppanyaki in Tokyo
- Best Tempura in Tokyo
- Best Wagyu in Tokyo
- Best Unagi in Tokyo
- Best Yakitori in Tokyo
- Best Pizza in Tokyo
- Best Curry Rice in Tokyo
- Best Soup Curry in Tokyo
- Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo
- Best Vegan/Vegetarian in Tokyo
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
