Ueno, representing the northeastern district of Tokyo, is a vibrant area attracting both domestic and international tourists. It's home to the lively Ameyoko shopping street, Ueno Zoo famous for its pandas, the urban oasis of Ueno Park, and several museums. In a city where redevelopment is rampant, Ueno remains a precious place where you can still experience the atmosphere of old downtown Tokyo.
With multiple train lines including JR and Metro, and several stations within walking distance, Ueno's excellent accessibility is another reason for its popularity. From this charming area, we'll introduce 7 of the best yakiniku / Japanese BBQ spots in Ueno and its neighbors for 2024.
What is Yakiniku in Japanese Cuisine?
While often considered Korean cuisine overseas, yakiniku was actually created by Koreans living in Japan. After World War II, meat was scarce in Japan. Korean residents began grilling easily obtainable beef and pork offal at food stalls, which is said to be the origin of yakiniku.
Horumon-yaki (grilled offal) quickly gained popularity, and the style of "grilling meat over direct fire" spread throughout Japan. Later, cuts like kalbi (ribs) and rosu (loin) were added, evolving into the current yakiniku restaurant style. In other words, yakiniku is a cuisine that was born and evolved in Japan. Today, yakiniku restaurants can be found all over Japan and are hugely popular among all generations.
Best Yakiniku / Japanese BBQ Spots in Ueno and Its Neighbors for 2024
Nikuya no Daidokoro
source：Tabelog
"Nikuya no Daidokoro" defies the common notion that all-you-can-eat means quantity over quality. Surprisingly, they serve A4 and A5 grade wagyu beef. The bright and casual interior also offers private rooms.
I chose the most reasonable "Nikuya no Daidokoro Course" (¥6,000). This price for all-you-can-eat wagyu is astonishingly cheap, and it's even more affordable on the 29th of each month. With over 100 menu items including their pride wagyu, rare cuts, offal, and seafood platters, you'll be spoilt for choice.
The luxurious experience of biting into thick-sliced beef tongue will be an unforgettable memory. This is one of the best yakiniku spots in Ueno for 2024 for those who want to enjoy wagyu without worrying about their wallet!
<Store Information>
・Address: 7F Nagafuji Building, 4-9-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: New Year's holidays and some irregular days
・Phone: 050-3172-4945
・Hours: Mon-Fri 12:00 - 15:00, 16:00 - 23:00; Sat, Sun, Holidays 12:00 - 23:00
・Official Website
Yakiniku Kokokara
source：Tabelog
"Yakiniku Kokokara" is one of the most popular yakiniku restaurants in the fiercely competitive Ueno area. The warm wooden interior and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere. The yakiniku style here is incredibly wild! Luxuriously large cuts of meat are carefully grilled by the staff.
I highly recommend the ¥5,000 course. It includes their signature dish, the "Legendary Platter" (¥6,578), featuring thick cuts of tongue, skirt steak, and tenderloin at a great value. The super rare cooking style, only possible with the freshest meat, is a must-try. The moment you taste the tender meat with their homemade ponzu sauce made from soy sauce and kabosu citrus is pure bliss.
This is one of the best yakiniku spots in Ueno for 2024, especially for those who prefer their meat rare.
<Store Information>
・Address: 2-5-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: New Year's holidays
・Phone: 050-5596-4134
・Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00 - 05:00; Sun, Holidays 17:00 - 23:00
・Official Website
Yakiniku Bouya Horumonkan
source：Tabelog
"Yakiniku Bouya Horumonkan" is a local favorite right next to Ameyoko, Tokyo's kitchen. They purchase whole cows, allowing them to offer fresh meat at an incredible cost-performance ratio. The recently renovated interior now accommodates larger groups.
My favorite dish is the "Chunk Harami with Black Pepper" (¥1,628). The juicy fat pairs perfectly with the spicy black pepper, creating an addictive flavor. If you're hungry, the "Signature Chunk Harami Course" (¥5,500) is a great deal, including harami, kalbi, tongue, offal, side dishes, and all-you-can-drink.
This restaurant, embodying the essence of downtown Tokyo, is perfect for a cost-effective meal during your downtown sightseeing tour. It's undoubtedly one of the best yakiniku spots in Ueno and its neighbors for 2024.
<Store Information>
・Address: 1-2F Kominato Building, 6-6-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 050-5589-7336
・Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00 - 23:15; Sat, Sun, Holidays 12:00 - 23:15
・Official Website
Kanthaka
source：Tabelog
"Kanthaka", near Ueno-Hirokoji Station, is a hidden gem known to insiders. It offers a wide variety of offal, including rare items like "Urute" (cow's throat cartilage, ¥660) and "Kobukuro" (pig's uterus, ¥630) that you won't find in typical yakiniku restaurants. Even for someone like me who doesn't usually eat offal, their soft and odorless offal is a favorite!
The meat slowly grilled over charcoal in traditional cooking tools called shichirin has an exceptional aroma. The side dish of Korean-style pizza "Seafood Chijimi" (¥990) is also delicious with its fluffy interior and crispy exterior. It's the perfect spot for enjoying yakiniku with a drink in a warm atmosphere that feels like home.
<Store Information>
・Address: 1-2F Koufuku Building, 2-3-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-5826-4670
・Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00 - 05:00; Sun, Holidays 17:00 - 00:00
・Official Website
Yakiniku Yushima Yuuyakekoyake
source：Tabelog
If you're looking to enjoy high-quality wagyu at reasonable prices in Ueno, "Yakiniku Yushima Yuuyakekoyake", just a 1-minute walk from Yushima station, is one of the best yakiniku spots for 2024. The exterior features sunset-inspired lighting, true to its name, while the interior has a calm atmosphere.
If you're unsure what to order, try the "Wagyu One Cow Assortment" (¥7,480). This luxurious dish features various parts of the cow on a large platter, and you can order additional portions of your favorite cuts. When I visited, I enjoyed comparing different cuts, including "Kamenoko" from the hip joint, which I had never tried before.
During lunchtime, they offer a set with 6 types of wagyu for just ¥1,350, which is incredibly reasonable. This is my top pick for a yakiniku restaurant where everything you eat is satisfying.
<Store Information>
・Address: 3-36-9 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Mondays
・Phone: 050-5590-5697
・Hours: Tue-Fri 11:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 23:00; Sat 11:00 - 23:00; Sun, Holidays 12:00 - 23:00
・Official Website
Yakiniku Kotaro
source：Tabelog
"Yakiniku Kotaro" is closest to Inaricho station but also about a 10-minute walk from Ueno station. It's open until early morning, which is great for late dinners.
There are three all-you-can-eat and drink courses, but I recommend the "Kotaro Course" (¥5,380) which includes beef tongue. The restaurant focuses on sourcing good quality meat at lower prices regardless of origin, resulting in excellent value. The beef tongue with just the right amount of fat, combined with their special sauce, will make you crave more rice!
The delicious side dishes like kimchi and bibimbap are another reason to recommend "Yakiniku Kotaro". It's a dream-like restaurant where you can enjoy yakiniku to your heart's content at an affordable price.
<Store Information>
・Address: 1F Ortancia iv, 2-7-10 Moto-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Mondays
・Phone: 050-5590-0915
・Hours: Tue-Sun 18:00 - 05:00
・Official Website
Wagyu Yakiniku Panga
source：Tabelog
"Wagyu Yakiniku Panga" is closest to Shin Okachimachi Station and about a 20-minute walk from Ueno station. It's one of the rare halal-certified yakiniku restaurants in Japan, ensuring a safe dining experience for Muslim visitors. The interior, themed around earth and wood, is stylish and warm.
This restaurant serves only the highest quality A5 grade wagyu, which accounts for just 4% of all wagyu. I ordered the "Wagyu Tasting Platter" (¥7,150), which allows you to enjoy wagyu at a reasonable price. Every cut exceeds expectations with its superb taste. To finish your meal, I recommend the "Yukgaejang Soup" (¥990) with its rich beef broth.
During lunchtime, they offer yakiniku set meals starting from ¥1,000, providing excellent value. It's an ideal spot to visit during your Ueno sightseeing tour!
<Store Information>
・Address: 3-27-9 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: New Year's holidays, Obon
・Phone: 03-3839-8929
・Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 - 14:00, 17:00 - 22:30; Sun, Holidays 17:00 - 22:00
・Official Website
Tips for Enjoying Yakiniku
Yakiniku restaurants offer two styles: self-grilling and staff-grilled. If you're grilling yourself, there are a few tips to ensure the best taste.
First, avoid grilling too much meat at once. Grilling large amounts simultaneously makes it difficult to control the heat, and the meat might cool down before you can eat it.
Also, when grilling meat, try to flip it only once on each side. Flipping it multiple times can cause the meat to lose its juiciness and become tough. Once it's grilled to your liking, enjoy it with your preferred sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
Conclusion
Ueno, where old and new Tokyo cultures coexist, offers a wide range of yakiniku options, from high-end restaurants serving premium beef to casual all-you-can-eat places. The unpretentious atmosphere characteristic of downtown areas adds to its charm.
The 7 yakiniku restaurants introduced here all offer meat quality that exceeds their price point. After a full day of sightseeing in Ueno, recharge your energy with some delicious yakiniku.
You'll be amazed by the high cost-performance ratio in Ueno, known as a fierce battleground for yakiniku restaurants.