Jingisukan, a Japanese transliteration of Genghis Khan, is a unique dish of mutton or lamb grilled on a dome-shaped skillet. It’s a signature delicacy of Hokkaidō, a major island in Japan’s northern region, and many visitors to the area seek it out.
Founded in 1954, “Jingisukan Daruma Ueno Okachimachi” (referred to hereafter as “Jingisukan Daruma”) is a renowned establishment with over 70 years of history. With several locations in Sapporo, Hokkaido, each of its restaurants attracts crowds daily.
In July 2024, Jingisukan Daruma opened its first Tokyo branch in Ueno-Okachimachi.
Try it even if you’re not sure you like mutton! Truly unique Jingisukan
There are two main styles of Jingisukan. One involves grilling marinated lamb, while the other, more common in Sapporo, involves grilling unseasoned meat and dipping it in sauce while eating.
At Jingisukan Daruma, customers can enjoy the dipping-style.
While many restaurants use lamb meat (from young sheep) because it’s generally considered milder and easier to eat, Jingisukan Daruma’s distinctive feature is their use of mutton (meat from mature sheep)!
The restaurant’s fresh mutton, sourced through exclusive channels, has no unpleasant gamey smell and is exceptionally tender and flavorful.
It’s a big reason why Jingisukan Daruma has garnered such a big following.
“成吉思汗（じんぎすかん）,” Jingisukan 1,290 JPY (tax included)
The biggest challenge in the restaurant’s expansion to Tokyo was maintaining the fresh mutton supply. The owner’s commitment to providing the same experience as in Sapporo is reflected in the pricing, which differs by only 10 JPY from the Sapporo locations.
They offer three meat options: standard jingisukan, tenderloin, and premium cuts.
“ヒレ肉,” tenderloin 1,690 JPY (tax included)
The standard jingisukan is their traditional offering featuring various cuts on one plate. Initially, this was their only menu item, but regular customers’ requests led to the addition of individual tenderloin and premium cut options.
“上肉,” premium cuts 1,690 JPY (tax included)
The tenderloin is a rare cut, yielding only a few hundred grams per sheep. It offers a tender texture with a refined, clean yet flavorful taste. The premium cut features thick-sliced shoulder with rich marbling, providing a steak-like satisfaction and juiciness!
Enjoy meat and veggies together in jingisukan
Start by ordering the “Basic Vegetables” set with your mutton. The unique dome-shaped grill allows the mutton fat to collect around the edges as the meat cooks. This fat helps gives the vegetables a delightful deep-fried-like touch.
Once your setup is ready, a piece of mutton fat is placed in the center of the grill, and the staff arranges the vegetables for you.
“基本のお野菜,” Basic vegetables 230 JPY (tax included)
Next, spread the fat across the pan and start grilling the meat. A key to delicious jingisukan is not overcooking it. Also, avoid flipping it too often; grill one side, flip it once, and let the other side cook until done. If you’re unsure about cooking times, don’t hesitate to ask the staff.
Once it’s done cooking, dip it in the sauce.
This soy-based sauce, a house secret, enhances the umami of the mutton with its light flavor. It’s so good that you’ll be constantly reaching for grilled meat and vegetables.
After finishing your meat and vegetables, wrap up with ochazuke (tea poured over rice). This off-menu item can be made by ordering rice and kimchi and asking the staff for “ochazuke.”
The staff will pour hōjicha (roasted green tea) over the rice, and you can add kimchi, dipping sauce, leftover meat, or vegetables as you like.
“キムチ,” kimchi 395 JPY (tax included) “ライス（普）” rice (normal size) 250 JPY (tax included)
The key here is the sauce, infused with rich meat flavors, which, combined with the hojicha, makes for a unique ochazuke you won’t find elsewhere.
You’ll feel just like you’re in Sapporo while you’re in Tokyo!
The drink menu features Hokkaido specialties rare in Tokyo, including Sapporo Classic beer, Yoichi Wine, and JA Yoichi’s “Ringo no Hoppe,” an apple-flavored chūhai (a carbonated cocktail traditionally made with shochu and lemon or other fruit juices).
Any one of the beverages in this lineup will make you feel like you’re enjoying a drink in Hokkaido.
(left) Yoichi Red/White Wine Half Bottle 2,500 JPY each (tax included), (middle) Sapporo Classic 715 JPY (tax included), (right) Ringo no Hoppe 495 JPY (tax included)
All grilling at Jingisukan Daruma is done over carefully selected charcoal that provides ideal heat for cooking and bringing out the great flavor of jingisukan.
The Ueno Okachimachi location has two floors: the first floor accepts reservations via their website, while the second floor operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
The restaurant is located in an area known for yakiniku restaurants, chosen for its similarity to Sapporo’s Susukino district.
It’s a delight to enjoy such a Hokkaido specialty in Tokyo. There’s usually a line, but if you arrive before the 4:00 PM opening on weekdays, you should be able to get in—so give it a try!
Information
| Store name | 成吉思汗だるま 上野御徒町店 Jingisukan Daruma Ueno Okachimachi |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-41-5 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Yushima Station 2-minute walk from Exit 2
Ueno-hirokoji Station 3-minute walk from Exit A3
Okachimachi Station 5-minute walk from Okachimachi Station North Exit Ueno Station（UEN） 9-minute walk from Exit 7 |
| Phone number | 03-6240-1430 |
| Reservations | Only allowed on the first floor Official website |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 16:00-2:00 AM（last order 1:30 AM） Sat-Sun. 11:00-2:00 AM（last order 1:30 AM） |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Seating | 20 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://sapporo-jingisukan.info/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of November 2024.
