Discover the Art of Sukiyaki at Ibuki: A Taste of Tokyo’s Finest Wagyu in Shinjuku

Surrounded by some of Tokyo's tallest skyscrapers, the ever-evolving Shinjuku is a 24-hour bustling district. As a city that generates countless human stories and narratives, it frequently appears as a setting in movies, dramas, and anime, consistently drawing attention. Following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the area saw a rapid increase in black markets, which eventually led to the establishment of diverse dining establishments.

The district boasts both century-old Western restaurants and traditional bars, making it a gourmet town where you can enjoy both old and new culinary experiences. In this article, we'll spotlight Ibuki Sukiyaki, a hidden gem that locals secretly treasure in Shinjuku.

The Lesser-Known Japanese Delicacy: What is Sukiyaki?

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Sukiyaki is a beloved Japanese national dish that represents the fusion between Western meat-eating culture and Japanese culinary traditions of seasoning with soy sauce and sugar. Its origins date back to the late 1800s, coinciding with the opening of Yokohama port, when Western culture began flowing into what had previously been an isolated island nation. This period marked dramatic changes in all aspects of Japanese life, from food to clothing and housing. Sukiyaki has remained incredibly popular to this day, symbolizing Japan's modernization.

The dish features beef and various ingredients like green onions, chrysanthemum greens, and grilled tofu, all simmered in warishita (sukiyaki sauce) made from soy sauce, sugar, and sake. Once you try this sweet and savory dish, you'll be hooked – especially if you're a meat lover!

What is Yakisuki: A Close Cousin of Sukiyaki?

There's a similar dish called yakisuki, but the main difference lies in the cooking method. While sukiyaki involves simmering the ingredients, yakisuki involves grilling them. The seasoning approach also differs – in yakisuki, condiments and sauce are applied directly while grilling.

This method allows you to enjoy the meat's grilled aroma and natural flavors more directly, while sukiyaki offers a richer taste where the ingredients absorb the sauce's flavors. Personally, I prefer lightly searing the beef and adding a small amount of dashi soy sauce while grilling. Unlike sukiyaki, yakisuki has less sweetness, making it an excellent pairing with red wine.

Ibuki: A Top-tier Sukiyaki Restaurant in Tokyo

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When it comes to sukiyaki restaurants in Shinjuku, Ibuki Sukiyaki is a name that always comes up. This long-established restaurant is popular for its use of high-quality domestic wagyu beef while maintaining reasonable prices.

The menu's simplicity - offering only "sukiyaki" and "shabu-shabu" - reflects the restaurant's confidence in their specialties. The staff prepares your meal right in front of you, creating an exceptional dining experience as you wait in anticipation, surrounded by the appetizing aroma. Don't miss the exquisite harmony of the sweet and savory sauce perfectly coating the meat.

Selected as One of Tabelog's Top 100 Restaurants

"Tabelog" is Japan's most famous restaurant search tool. With the concept of "Everyone's Restaurant Guide," general users from across Japan can register restaurant information and post reviews voluntarily.

"Tabelog's Top 100 Restaurants" selects 100 establishments that have received high ratings from Tabelog users in each category. Ibuki, with its excellent taste and value for money, is considered an unmissable destination in the sukiyaki and shabu-shabu category.

Not Just Sukiyaki - Enjoy Shabu-shabu Too

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Shabu-shabu is a hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat is picked up with chopsticks and swished through a kelp-based broth. It's typically served with vegetables like Chinese cabbage, potherb mustard, and chrysanthemum greens, along with tofu and shirataki (translucent, gelatinous noodles made from konjac yam). These ingredients are usually dipped in either tangy ponzu sauce or aromatic sesame sauce.

Wrapping vegetables with beef or pork creates a perfect balance between the vegetables' texture and the meat's umami, making it a healthy option with plenty of vegetables. According to tourism consumption surveys, shabu-shabu is surprisingly popular among international visitors. If you prefer to enjoy wagyu beef in a lighter style, shabu-shabu is highly recommended.

The Appeal of Shinjuku's Famous Restaurant "Ibuki" with Recommended Highlights

Luxurious Sukiyaki Using Carefully Selected Ingredients

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At Ibuki Sukiyaki, they use marbled Japanese Black Beef sirloin. The beautifully marbled red meat has just the right amount of fat that enhances the meat's mellowness. Skilled staff members prepare the hot pot right in front of you, cooking both meat and vegetables to perfection. They first carefully line the well-greased pot with vegetables, then delicately place the meat on top. They wait patiently as the sukiyaki sauce permeates the ingredients while cooking them thoroughly. Even the fresh vegetables absorb the sauce well, allowing you to savor their natural sweetness. When dipped in beaten egg and eaten together, the sauce combines perfectly, offering a rich and luxurious taste experience.

Particularly Famous for Its Tender and Exquisite Domestic Japanese Black Beef Sirloin

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The high-quality marbled sirloin has such a low melting point that it dissolves even at human body temperature, showing its delicate nature. The Japanese Black Beef sirloin served at Ibuki is incredibly tender, characterized by its smooth texture and perfectly balanced fatty umami. Even the thick-cut meat literally melts in your mouth. The staff's expert cooking technique maximizes the meat's natural deliciousness.

Experience "Authentic Japanese Food Culture" Through the Common Dish "Sukiyaki"

When Japanese people hear "Let's have sukiyaki for dinner tonight," they can't help but smile and hurry home... Both now and in the past, sukiyaki has been considered a blissful feast for Japanese people. Even when cooking at home, you need to use high-quality beef to prevent it from becoming tough while simmering, naturally making it a more expensive menu item than usual. With plenty of meat and vegetables to enjoy, it satisfies feelings of happiness, luxury, and contentment. As it's often eaten during New Year's celebrations and special occasions, we invite you to experience this accessible yet special Japanese feast.

Outstanding Atmosphere with Staff Cooking Right in Front of You!

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At Ibuki, staff members prepare everything from scratch right before your eyes. The restaurant's famous proprietress is particularly renowned for adding her special touch to the cooking. You can watch as staff members grease the pot, layer the vegetables, and place the meat on top. It's enjoyable to observe their skilled preparation. When they pour in the soy sauce-based sukiyaki sauce, the aroma of melting meat and sweet-savory fragrance rises, building anticipation! The first bite after waiting for the perfect finish is truly a taste of pure bliss.

Warm Service from Staff and Welcoming Atmosphere

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Ibuki Sukiyaki, established in 1950, is a long-standing restaurant beloved by locals and workers in the Shinjuku area. In recent years, it has also become popular among international tourists.

The traditional interior is cozy and intimate, featuring a unified Japanese aesthetic that creates a serene atmosphere.

Even during peak hours when the restaurant is fully seated, the staff maintains warm smiles and provides attentive service.

Since the iron pots are relatively small, the staff thoughtfully helps customers by adding ingredients and sukiyaki sauce multiple times to match their dining pace. This comfortable atmosphere is one of the reasons why Ibuki is so popular.

The welcoming environment attracts various customers, including solo diners stopping by after work, demonstrating its appeal to a diverse clientele.

Three Recommended Dishes to Enjoy at Ibuki

Japanese Black Wagyu Sirloin Sukiyaki

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First, try their signature sukiyaki. While there are many sukiyaki specialty restaurants, it's rare to find a place like Ibuki that offers high-quality Black Wagyu sirloin sukiyaki at such exceptional value.

Not only is the meat delicious, but Ibuki's sukiyaki is perfect in every aspect, from the cooking of vegetables to the penetration of the sukiyaki sauce.

Each slice of beef is deeply flavorful, making even a single portion satisfying. If you want more, you can order additional meat or vegetables separately.

Toppings (Three Options: Egg, Udon, and Rice)

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While I personally enjoy sukiyaki both with and without egg, beaten raw egg is traditionally essential for sukiyaki.

The beef and vegetables are cooked in a rich sukiyaki sauce, resulting in relatively strong flavors. Dipping in beaten egg creates a milder taste, achieving the perfect balance.

It's also delicious served over rice with the egg.

For the finale, we recommend udon noodles. The thin udon noodles perfectly absorb the concentrated broth filled with the umami of beef and vegetables, making it impossible to put your chopsticks down.

Shabu-shabu

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While sukiyaki is overwhelmingly popular, their shabu-shabu is also highly regarded by food enthusiasts.

The shabu-shabu also uses Black Wagyu sirloin and is served with two special dipping sauces: sesame sauce and ponzu.

While generally lighter than sukiyaki, shabu-shabu allows you to better appreciate the natural flavors and aromas of each ingredient.

For shabu-shabu, consider adding udon noodles as a main ingredient rather than just a finale. You can enjoy it with refreshing ponzu sauce or savor the deep flavors of the sesame sauce, offering a different experience from sukiyaki.

Savor carefully selected sake that pairs perfectly with meat!

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At Ibuki Sukiyaki, we always stock light and mellow Japanese sake varieties including Kihei and Hakkaisan. Kihei, in particular, is available as a nama genshu (unpasteurized undiluted sake). This special sake preserves its fresh aroma and taste through low-temperature storage and aging. The moment it touches your palate, you'll experience its deliciousness and smoothness spreading throughout, along with the distinctive robustness characteristic of nama genshu.

Hakkaisan is a Japanese sake celebrated for its pure, light taste without any off-flavors. It's a major brand that can be enjoyed both chilled or kan-style (warmed to 30-50°C). While Japanese sake is typically associated with sashimi and fish dishes, you'll be surprised to discover how well it pairs with beef dishes, especially sukiyaki.

Access to Ibuki

- Address: 2F Kawano Building Annex, 1-16-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3 minutes walk from JR, Keio, Odakyu, Toei Subway, and Tokyo Metro "Shinjuku" Station West Exit, or 1 minute walk from Underground Mall Exit 5
- Business Hours: 17:00-23:00
- Closed: Sundays and Holidays
- Phone: 03-5323-3552
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibuki_shinjuku/?hl=ja