Jojoen Yugentei Osaka: Enjoy Beautiful Osaka Castle Scenery and Yakiniku!
Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo, is often called the “Nation’s Kitchen” and the “City of Kuidaore” (indulgence in food), thanks to its rich culinary culture. Known as a gastronomic hub, the city is filled with restaurants and eateries of all kinds.
Osaka boasts many renowned yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants, competing to provide the best dining experience in different areas. Among them, Jojoen stands out as a luxurious chain offering premium yakiniku, horumon (offal dishes), and teppanyaki.
In this article, we’ll introduce Jojoen Yugentei, a sophisticated yakiniku restaurant where you can not only savor exquisite dishes but also enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park.
Experience Premium Yakiniku at Jojoen Yugentei, Hotel New Otani Osaka
Jojoen Yugentei is located on the third floor of the Hotel New Otani Osaka, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. The restaurant’s elegant interior exudes luxury, offering both table seating and bar counter seating, all with a stunning view of Osaka Castle.
Known for its impeccable service and thoughtful hospitality, Jojoen Yugentei creates the perfect ambiance for enjoying top-quality yakiniku. If you seek an elevated dining experience in Osaka, this restaurant comes highly recommended.
What is Yakiniku?
Yakiniku refers to grilled meat dishes where thin slices of meat are cooked on a hot plate or grill right at the table. Its origins trace back to the post-war era when Korean residents in Japan introduced the concept of grilling beef offal to suit Japanese palates.
Yakiniku restaurants began proliferating around the 1950s, and today the dish is firmly established as a beloved part of Japanese food culture. Most yakiniku restaurants feature built-in grills at each table, where diners can cook slices of meat and vegetables to their liking and enjoy them with dipping sauces.
While beef is the most popular choice for yakiniku, modern restaurants offer a variety of meats, including pork and chicken.
What Makes Jojoen Special?
Source: Official Website
Jojoen is a leading luxury yakiniku chain in Japan. Traditionally, yakiniku was enjoyed in a casual, diner-style setting, but Jojoen revolutionized the concept by introducing an upscale dining experience in a refined and relaxed atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for its stylish presentations and unique service style, where staff kneel while taking orders, emphasizing a deep sense of hospitality. Jojoen's thoughtful touches and high standards have significantly redefined the image of yakiniku restaurants in Japan.
Among Jojoen’s establishments, Yugentei stands out for offering premium meat selections. It is an ideal venue for special occasions, such as business meetings, private parties, and celebrations.
Why Is Jojoen Yugentei at Hotel New Otani Osaka So Popular? Three Key Highlights
Dine to the Sound of a Harp with a Stunning View of Osaka Castle
Source: Official Website
At Jojoen Yugentei, you can enjoy premium meat selections while overlooking the majestic Osaka Castle—all accompanied by the soothing sounds of a live harp performance. This refined atmosphere makes every meal a memorable experience.
The live harp performances are held every evening starting around 6 PM, occurring hourly until closing. Jojoen Yugentei is the only yakiniku restaurant in Japan that offers this unique combination of fine dining and live harp music, making it the perfect choice for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
If you're celebrating a birthday, be sure to mention it when making a reservation—Jojoen Yugentei offers a special birthday surprise with a harp rendition of a birthday song. It's an excellent way to treat a loved one or friend to an unforgettable celebration.
Savor the Finest Cuts, from Chateaubriand to Premium Wagyu
Source: Official Website
Jojoen Yugentei offers an unparalleled dining experience by serving carefully selected, premium meats such as Chateaubriand and top-grade Wagyu beef.
Rather than focusing on a single region, Jojoen sources the finest meats from across Japan through experienced professionals who select only the highest quality cuts available each day. This commitment ensures that customers always enjoy the best meat on offer, no matter the season.
All meat processing is handled at Jojoen's dedicated facilities, where strict quality standards are followed. Any meat that fails to meet these standards is never served at the restaurant. Jojoen’s unwavering focus on excellence guarantees a world-class dining experience.
Wine Pairings Curated by In-House Sommeliers
Source: Official Website
Each Jojoen Yugentei location has an in-house wine sommelier to help guests perfectly pair wines with their yakiniku.
The restaurant’s bar counter offers a luxurious setting for an evening of wine and grilled meat, with panoramic views of Osaka Castle and the city’s beautiful nightscape. Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the selection, which includes top-tier wines from Bordeaux’s five great châteaux, crisp Chablis from France, and exquisite Overture from California.
For those who appreciate fine wine, Jojoen Yugentei offers an ideal pairing experience that elevates every bite of grilled meat.
Private Rooms for Relaxed Dining with Family or Loved Ones
Source: Official Website
Jojoen Yugentei provides private rooms, perfect for families or couples seeking a more intimate dining experience. The Hotel New Otani Osaka branch offers nine table-style private rooms with 51 seats and six special tatami rooms accommodating 32 guests.
A private room fee applies, with a 10% service charge for lunch reservations (until 3 PM) and a 5% charge for evening bookings (after 5 PM). These rooms are ideal for special occasions, so it’s recommended to book early to secure your spot.
Attention to Detail: Signature Sauces and Fresh Salads
Source: Official Website
Jojoen’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the meat—great care is also taken with its signature sauces and salads.
The restaurant’s special dipping sauce, known for its rich, complex flavor, is a guarded secret, with only a select few staff aware of the full recipe. The accompanying salads are dressed with a fragrant sesame-based dressing, crafted to appeal to diners of all ages. To ensure peak freshness, each batch of salad is prepared in small portions, with a maximum of two servings made at a time.
These carefully curated sauces and salads are available for purchase, so guests can take a taste of Jojoen’s excellence home with them. Consider buying them as souvenirs or gifts for fellow food lovers.
Three Must-Try Dishes at Jojoen Yugentei Hotel New Otani Osaka
Chateaubriand: The Pinnacle of Premium Beef
The Chateaubriand at Jojoen Yugentei is one of the restaurant's most highly sought-after dishes. This cut is renowned for its superior meat quality, making it ideal for special events and celebratory gatherings.
Often called the “ultimate lean cut,” Chateaubriand is exceptionally tender, finely textured, and low in fat, making it both flavorful and easy to enjoy. Because of its delicate nature, it’s best served rare to preserve its moisture and tenderness—overcooking can result in dryness. This dish perfectly embodies the high standards of Jojoen’s carefully selected meats.
Tsubozuke Karubi Yaki: Jojoen’s Signature Marinated Short Ribs
Source: Official Website
Tsubozuke Karubi Yaki is a signature dish beloved by Jojoen’s patrons. The ribs, along with shrimp, garlic, and corn, are marinated in a soy-based sauce inside a ceramic jar, infusing the ingredients with rich flavor.
The ribs are a generous 30 cm long, with shallow cuts on the surface to allow the meat to cook evenly. Guests can use scissors to cut the ribs into smaller pieces for grilling, adding a fun, interactive element to the meal. Be sure to try this dish with Jojoen’s signature soy marinade for an unforgettable taste experience.
Jojoen Salad: The Restaurant’s Long-Time Bestseller
Source: Official Website
The Jojoen Salad has been the restaurant’s most popular dish since its inception. Made with lettuce and cucumber and dressed in an original sesame-based dressing, the salad perfectly complements Jojoen’s grilled meats.
A distinctive feature of this salad is the absence of vinegar, making it less acidic and more enjoyable for those who aren’t fond of sour flavors. The dressing is carefully adjusted to match the water content of the vegetables, ensuring each serving is perfectly balanced. If you're looking for a refreshing side dish to pair with your yakiniku, the Jojoen Salad is a must-order.
Access and Essential Information
- Address: 1-4-1 Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Hotel New Otani Osaka, 3rd Floor
- Access: A 3-minute walk from Osaka Castle Park Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line
- Hours:
- 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Closed between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Holidays: None
- Official Website:https://www.jojoen.co.jp/shop/yugentei/osaka/
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Other Restaurants at Hotel New Otani Osaka Offering Stunning Views of Osaka Castle
The Four Seasons Sky Lounge
Source: Official Website
Located on the 18th floor, The Four Seasons Sky Lounge is a sophisticated nightlife destination. It offers breathtaking views of Osaka Castle and the dazzling Osaka cityscape, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxing night out.
In addition to expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines, the lounge serves a variety of à la carte dishes, from salads and pizzas to meat dishes and light snacks—ideal for sharing with friends. Enjoy a meal and drinks while soaking in the magnificent night view for an unforgettable experience.
- Opening Hours:
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Holidays: None
- Phone: 06-6949-3294
- Official Website:https://www.newotani.co.jp/osaka/restaurant/4seasons/
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Keyaki – Teppanyaki with a View
Source: Official Website
Keyaki, also located on the 18th floor, offers a teppanyaki experience with panoramic views of Osaka Castle. Guests can watch talented chefs grill high-quality steaks and seafood right in front of them, making for a truly immersive and elegant dining experience.
This restaurant is ideal for special occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas celebrations, or business dinners. Keyaki’s customized plans ensure your special day becomes a cherished memory.
- Opening Hours:
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Holidays: None
- Phone: 06-6949-3228
- Official Website: https://www.newotani.co.jp/osaka/restaurant/keyaki/
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Enjoy Osaka Castle Up Close at the Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace
Source: Tabelog
For those who want an even closer view of Osaka Castle, the Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace is a fantastic choice. Located at MIRAIZA Osaka Castle on the top floor, this venue offers barbecue dining with views of the majestic Osaka Castle and lush surroundings of Osaka Castle Park.
This spot is perfect for group gatherings with friends or family. During weekday lunches, the terrace operates as a café, offering guests a chance to relax under the blue sky and enjoy a meal with scenic views of the Osaka skyline.
- Seating Options: Sofa seats and table seats
- Opening Hours:
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM (weekdays only)
- Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Sunday–Thursday)
- Dinner: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Friday–Saturday)
- Holidays: None
- Phone: 06-6941-7100
- Official Website: https://www.landmark-osaka.com/bluebirds/
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Explore Osaka Castle with a Guided Cycling Tour
Take your Osaka adventure to the next level with a 4-hour cycling tour that includes lunch and explores the highlights around Osaka Castle Park. An English-speaking guide ensures you won’t miss a thing, making this tour perfect for visitors looking to learn more about the area's history.
During the tour, you'll visit the Osaka Castle keep, shrines, and other historical spots while cycling through the scenic park. You’ll also stop by the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, which offers fascinating insights into Osaka’s cultural heritage.
The experience includes lunch featuring local Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki and finishes with a relaxing break at a green tea café. Since the tour is limited to small groups, it’s also a great opportunity to connect with other travelers.
- Meeting Point: FamilyMart near Tenmabashi Station
- Tour Route: Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, local tea house
- Start Time: 10:00 AM
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