Shinjuku Rokkasen: The Ultimate Wagyu Yakiniku Experience in Tokyo with All-You-Can-Eat Delights
If there's one way to describe "Shinjuku," it's a 24-hour urban city that never sleeps. With its futuristic skyscrapers and vibrant streets wrapped in dazzling neon lights, it continues to evolve while preserving pockets of retro charm from its past.
Shinjuku is densely packed with restaurants of various genres, including century-old established Western restaurants and traditional bars. With countless legendary dining spots, it's a gourmet town filled with unique and fresh culinary encounters no matter when you visit.
Today, we're introducing "Rokkasen Yakiniku," a popular Shinjuku restaurant that offers high-quality Japanese yakiniku at excellent value for money. As an author who loves yakiniku, I can confidently say, "If you're looking for exquisite wagyu yakiniku, this is the only place to go!" Let me thoroughly explain everything about Rokkasen!
What is "Yakiniku," the Japanese Cuisine Popular Both Domestically and Internationally?
Whether it's for celebrations, satisfying hunger, or enjoying time with family and friends, yakiniku (grilled meat dishes where beef and pork are cooked over direct heat and eaten with sauce) is a go-to choice for Japanese people on both casual and special occasions.
Yakiniku became widespread in Japan after World War II, initially popularized by Korean residents who opened yakiniku restaurants, and then quickly spread throughout the country.
Some establishments use flat iron griddles, while others employ shichirin (clay stoves) for charcoal grilling. There are specialists focusing on horumon (offal from beef, pork, and chicken) and high-end restaurants exclusively serving premium Wagyu beef.
Japanese yakiniku, which continues to evolve uniquely, has become a national food that captivates foreign visitors as well.
All-You-Can-Eat System Common in Yakiniku Restaurants
Source: Tabelog
Many yakiniku restaurants incorporate the "tabehodai" (all-you-can-eat) system, which is familiar in Japanese dining establishments.
The all-you-can-eat system allows customers to enjoy unlimited food for a fixed price within a time limit of 1.5 to 2 hours.
This dream-like system is hugely popular not only among Japanese people but also with foreign visitors.
Japanese yakiniku restaurants offering all-you-can-eat services often include various cuts of meat, vegetables, side dishes, and some even extend to desserts in their unlimited offerings.
Experience Premium Yakiniku at Rokkasen - A Must-Visit Restaurant in Shinjuku!
Source: Official website
Rokkasen Yakiniku is a renowned restaurant famous for offering high-quality branded and Japanese beef at excellent value. It's a paradise for meat lovers, where you can enjoy not only yakiniku but also traditional Japanese meat dishes like shabu-shabu and sukiyaki.
Both Shinjuku locations have earned the #1 spot in TripAdvisor's traveler rankings, and their reputation continues to grow. Guests can savor their meals in a sophisticated Japanese-modern atmosphere that blends traditional elements with contemporary design. Known for their meticulous hospitality, Rokkasen is expanding with a third location scheduled to open in December 2024.
What is Wagyu?
Source: Official website
Wagyu refers to specific Japanese cattle breeds that meet strict criteria. Only four breeds qualify as wagyu: Kuroge (Japanese Black), Akage (Japanese Brown), Mukaku (Japanese Polled), and Nihon Tankaku-shu (Japanese Shorthorn).
At Rokkasen Yakiniku, they carefully select the finest Kuroge wagyu daily from across Japan. Their commitment to quality ensures that each cut features optimal freshness, marbling, and flavor, all meeting the highest grade standards. Diners can experience this exceptional Kuroge wagyu prepared in various ways - whether as yakiniku, shabu-shabu, or sukinabe (sukiyaki).
Why Rokkasen is Shinjuku's Go-To Yakiniku Restaurant: A Meat Lover's Perspective
All-You-Can-Eat Premium Ingredients
Source: Official website
Rokkasen Yakiniku offers an impressive selection of premium beef, including Matsusaka and Kobe beef. Even in their all-you-can-eat courses, they never compromise on quality. With over 35 menu items centered around their signature Japanese beef selections, including Matsusaka sirloin and special fillet cuts, the restaurant excites all guests, whether Japanese or international visitors.
The experience becomes even more luxurious as diners can also enjoy shabu-shabu (a hotpot dish where ultra-thin slices of meat are briefly cooked in broth and eaten with ponzu sauce) or sukinabe. This comprehensive offering allows guests to explore the full spectrum of Japanese meat cuisine in a single visit, guaranteeing complete satisfaction.
All-You-Can-Drink Options Available for Maximum Enjoyment
Source: Official website
At Rokkasen Yakiniku, all-you-can-eat courses include all-you-can-drink options, allowing you to enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to your heart's content. The drink menu features a diverse selection, from Japanese beer, sake, and shochu (Japanese distilled spirits made from ingredients like sweet potato, barley, or buckwheat) to whiskey and Makgeolli (traditional Korean fermented alcohol). The non-alcoholic beverage selection is equally impressive, offering 100% fruit juices that perfectly complement the meat dishes and post-meal treats like iced coffee. If you haven't tried sake or shochu before, the all-you-can-drink option provides an excellent opportunity to explore these traditional Japanese spirits.
Refined Atmosphere and Attentive Service
Source: Official website
Rokkasen Yakiniku's popularity extends beyond its high-quality cuisine. Despite being an upscale establishment, it offers friendly and gracious service, with male staff wearing traditional hakama and female staff in beautiful kimonos. The restaurant provides menus in English, Chinese, and Thai, demonstrating thoughtful consideration for international guests. The staff pays meticulous attention to detail, even preparing popular side dishes like crab and shrimp for easy consumption. The impeccable timing of food and drink service highlights the restaurant's outstanding hospitality.
5 Must-Try Menu Items at Rokkasen
Matsusaka Sirloin
Source: Tabelog
Matsusaka beef is one of Japan's most prestigious wagyu brands, known for its sweet, noble aroma, rich and smooth texture, and deep, complex flavor. At Rokkasen Yakiniku, the meat is precisely cut to 8mm thickness to maximize its umami. Experience the perfect harmony between the tender meat and high-quality marbling.
Recommended Course: Matsusaka Banquet (with all-you-can-drink) - Includes all-you-can-eat Matsusaka sirloin, special fillet, premium salted tongue, lobster, boiled crab, and all items from the "All-You-Can-Eat Yakiniku Menu"
Kobe Beef Ribeye
Source: Tabelog
Ribeye is renowned as one of the two premier cuts of beef, alongside sirloin. Coming from a less-exercised part of the cow, it develops beautiful marbling and offers exceptional tenderness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Kobe beef ribeye is particularly notable for its fine marbling, extraordinary tenderness, and juiciness. With a slightly higher fat content, it showcases the elegant sweetness characteristic of Kobe beef.
Recommended Course: Kobe Banquet (with all-you-can-drink) - Includes all-you-can-eat Kobe beef ribeye, Matsusaka sirloin, special fillet, premium salted tongue, lobster, boiled crab, and all items from the "All-You-Can-Eat Yakiniku Menu"
Premium Kalbi
Source: Official website
Kalbi, which means "ribs" in Korean, refers to the meat around the ribs, also known as belly meat. The beautifully marbled meat is packed with juicy umami flavors. This popular cut features the perfect amount of fat content and delivers a light texture that becomes crispy and aromatic when grilled. When upgraded to special premium Kalbi, it brings out an even richer flavor similar to sirloin.
Recommended Course: Tsuki no Utage (All-you-can-drink included)
Includes all-you-can-eat Premium Kalbi, Premium Roast, Premium Tongue with Salt, Lobster, Boiled Crab, and all other items from the "All-you-can-eat Yakiniku Menu"
Special Select Tongue with Salt
Source: Tabelog
This Special Select Tongue with Salt comes from the center part of Japanese Black Cattle tongue. It's the finest cut among tongue selections, and at Rokkasen, it's served as thick-cut pieces for maximum enjoyment. Known for its springy yet tender texture, its characteristic mild flavor is addictively delicious. It's particularly recommended when you want to vary the taste between the rich wagyu beef courses.
Recommended Course: Kobe no Utage (All-you-can-drink included)
Includes all-you-can-eat Kobe Beef Rib Roast, Matsusaka Sirloin, Special Premium Filet, Special Select Tongue with Salt, Lobster, Boiled Crab, and all other items from the "All-you-can-eat Yakiniku Menu"
Boiled Crab
Source: Tabelog
At Rokkasen, seafood quality is never compromised, and they maintain high-quality ingredients throughout their menu. Most courses include all-you-can-eat boiled crab. When you crack open the shell, you'll find it packed with meat, offering excellent value. The shells are pre-cut for easy eating. While it can be enjoyed as is since it's already boiled, it's recommended to grill it briefly with the shell to enhance its aromatic flavor. Among seafood, crab is particularly low in calories and protein-rich, making it a refreshingly light option during your meal.
Recommended Course: Tsuki no Utage (All-you-can-drink included)
Includes all-you-can-eat Premium Kalbi, Premium Roast, Premium Tongue with Salt, Lobster, Boiled Crab, and all other items from the "All-you-can-eat Yakiniku Menu"
I'll translate this article while highlighting the Rokkasen Yakiniku information and maintaining all the essential details for tourists.
Enjoy Traditional Japanese Sukiyaki at Rokkasen Yakiniku
Source: Tabelog
Sukiyaki is a meat hot pot dish where beef and ingredients like green onions, chrysanthemum greens, and grilled tofu are simmered in a sweet and savory sauce called warishita (sukiyaki sauce) made from soy sauce, sugar, and sake.
The origins of sukiyaki date back to the late 1800s, symbolizing Japan's modernization by combining Western meat-eating culture with Japanese seasoning traditions of soy sauce and sugar. It has become an immensely popular national dish among Japanese people and is widely appreciated by international visitors.
At Rokkasen Yakiniku, they call it "Sukinabe" and generously use premium Kuroge Wagyu beef. The high-quality beef fat melts perfectly in the pot, creating an exquisite harmony with the sweet and rich warishita sauce. The vegetables and tofu also absorb the flavorful sauce, offering a deeply satisfying taste experience.
For Sukiyaki Lovers, Ibuki in Shinjuku is Also Recommended
Source: Tabelog
Established in 1950, Ibuki is a beloved sukiyaki specialist restaurant cherished by Shinjuku residents and workers.
Despite using high-quality Japanese wagyu, their reasonable pricing has made them popular. They're even recognized as a notable restaurant on "Tabelog," Japan's most famous gourmet information search tool.
Their confidence is evident in their simple menu offering only "Sukiyaki" and "Shabu-shabu."
The staff prepares the dish right in front of you, creating an exciting dining experience as you anticipate your meal while enjoying the appetizing aroma.
Don't miss the perfect harmony of the sweet and savory sauce with the meat.
Ibuki:
- Address: 2F Kono Kawano Building Annex, 1-16-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from West Exit of JR, Keio, Odakyu, Toei Subway, and Tokyo Metro "Shinjuku" Station, 1-minute walk from Underground Exit 5
- Hours: 17:00-23:00
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 03-5323-3552
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibuki_shinjuku/?hl=ja
Access of Rokkasen
Rokkasen Yakiniku Shinjuku West Exit Main Store:
- Address: 10F 110 Building, 1-10-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last order 22:30)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3348-8676
- Official Website: https://rokkasen.co.jp/
Rokkasen Yakiniku Shinjuku West Exit Kotakibashi Street Store:
- Address: B1F Nishi-Shinjuku K-1 Building, 7-2-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access:
- 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
- 2-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line "Shinjuku-Nishiguchi" Station Exit D5
- 6-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line "Shinjuku" Station Exit B14
- Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last order 22:30)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3348-8676
- Official Website: https://rokkasen.co.jp/
