One must-try experience for visitors to Japan is the unparalleled taste of wagyu yakiniku. Shinjuku, a vibrant district renowned for shopping and sightseeing, is also a culinary hotspot with many exceptional restaurants serving wagyu at its finest. Here, we introduce three standout yakiniku spots in Shinjuku, each offering unique and memorable wagyu experiences. Conveniently-located, these restaurants are easy to stop by for a delicious meal between sightseeing or shopping. Let’s dive into what makes each of these destinations a must-visit for wagyu lovers!
Yakiniku Masuo Shinjuku Main Branch
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Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, “Yakiniku Masuo Shinjuku Main Branch” specializes in Miyazaki’s prized Ozaki beef and premium black wagyu. The restaurant offers private and semi-private rooms, creating a serene and intimate setting for savoring the deep flavors of Japanese wagyu.
This restaurant’s star attraction is its selection of Ozaki beef and black wagyu, renowned for their exceptional quality. Highlights include Ozaki beef sushi and sashimi, delicacies that allow diners to fully appreciate the rich taste of this rare wagyu. For lunch, you can enjoy A5-grade wagyu steak bowls and yakiniku lunch sets, showcasing the beef’s full depth of flavor. Private rooms are available in both table and tatami styles, with flat tatami seating to accommodate young children or babies. The restaurant also offers all-you-can-drink options and birthday plates, perfect for adding a special touch to any celebration.
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Yakiniku Ushifuji Nishi-Shinjuku Main Branch
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13298617/)
Situated in West Shinjuku, “Yakiniku Ushifuji Nishi-Shinjuku Main Branch” is a sophisticated yakiniku restaurant with a signature golden cow motif. The sleek black interior is designed to create a luxurious ambiance, with fully private rooms, semi-private rooms, and table seating — ideal for every occasion from romantic dinners to important business meetings.
One of this restaurant’s key appeals is that diners are free to grill the wagyu to their preferred doneness. The popular “Ushifuji Yakiniku Course” includes a variety of cuts such as yukhoe (Korean-style beef tartare), tongue, harami (skirt steak), and other premium selections of wagyu. For special occasions, there’s even a “meat cake”, a creative and memorable addition for birthdays or anniversaries. The restaurant uses smokeless grills, allowing you to enjoy your meal without worrying about lingering odors. A designated smoking terrace ensures a private, relaxed experience for smokers as well.
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Hanamonya
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Located just a three-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station’s Southeast Exit, “Hanamonya” sits on the sixth floor of Shinjuku Youth Building. With all rooms being private, this yakiniku restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a space with a warm, wood-accented decor — perfect for romantic dates, business dinners, or family meals.
“Hanamonya” serves A4 to A5-grade black wagyu, offering a range of flavors for each cut. To enhance the natural taste of the meat, the restaurant provides five different seasonings, including rock salt, seaweed salt, house soy sauce, and special ponzu. Aged lean cuts are particularly popular here, celebrated for their tender texture and balanced, slightly tangy flavor. Guests can also enjoy an assortment of rare wagyu cuts or indulge in a specialty course meal that includes a variety of unique wagyu selections. The restaurant even offers message plates for special occasions, adding a thoughtful touch for birthdays or anniversaries.
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Conclusion
Each of these three yakiniku restaurants offers a unique, high-quality wagyu experience in Shinjuku. With options like Ozaki beef and premium black wagyu, and elegantly designed private dining spaces, these restaurants allow guests to enjoy a luxurious meal in a peaceful, private setting. Conveniently located in Shinjuku, they’re easy to visit between shopping and sightseeing, making them perfect for special dinners or memorable celebrations. Take a moment to savor the richness of Japan’s wagyu culture with a premium yakiniku meal in Shinjuku — an experience that will deepen your appreciation for Japanese cuisine.