Sukiyaki is a dish you crave when you want to indulge in a little luxury.
When it’s made with premium Kuroge wagyū beef, the price can easily exceed 5,000 JPY per person.
However, Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto—an izakaya (Japanese gastropub)-style chain with locations in both Kyoto and Tokyo—offers high-quality wagyu at surprisingly affordable prices, without compromising on quality or taste.
“すき焼き（極）,” Sukiyaki Black Wagyu Beef Loin (photo shows two portions) 3,938 JPY per person (tax included)
Outstanding value, thanks to whole-cow wagyū beef sourcing
Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto’s signature sukiyaki menu is divided into three tiers: “Sukiyaki Black Wagyu Beef Belly & Black Wagyu Beef Lean Meat; “Sukiyaki Black Wagyu Beef Belly & Domestic Beef Loin,” and “Sukiyaki Black Wagyu Beef Loin”
The top-tier “Sukiyaki Black Wagyu Beef Loin” features only wagyu loin, priced at 3,938 JPY per person (tax included), available for two or more people.
Kuroge wagyu loin used in the top-tier selection
Loin is prized for its perfect balance of lean and fatty cuts. Beef belly offers a richer, fattier flavor, while lean meat is cleaner and lighter on the palate. Loin combines the best of both worlds—rich wagyu flavor without overwhelming heaviness.
At Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto, sukiyaki is prepared by layering generous amounts of onions and tofu underneath the wagyu. As the onions heat up, they release moisture and savory juices, making the wagyu’s flavor even richer.
A unique sukiyaki experience at Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto
Breaking from the typical image of sukiyaki as a high-end dish, the restaurant offers a casual, approachable dining experience—without sacrificing flavor.
Diners cook their sukiyaki themselves—adjusting the amount of warishita (sukiyaki broth) and sugar to customize the flavor exactly as they like it.
This laid-back style is perfectly in line with the restaurant’s name, which includes the word taishū (meaning “for the people”). They’re happy to leave the final touches to the diners, offering a truly casual and personalized experience.
And there’s a special twist: instead of just raw eggs for dipping, your set also comes with fresh tororo (grated Japanese mountain yam). The rich flavor of the wagyu and the light, creamy texture of the tororo create a surprising and delightful combination you might even prefer to the traditional egg dip.
Tororo, included in the sukiyaki set
Of course, if you love the classic pairing, be sure to go for the raw eggs too—so you can enjoy two distinct flavors in one meal. It’s all part of their philosophy: they want every guest to stay engaged and enjoy every last bite, a reflection of what makes this spot such a beloved favorite.
Finish your meal with udon
To wrap up your meal, add udon noodles to the remaining broth in the hot pot. The rich flavors of the wagyu and vegetables come together to create a truly satisfying final dish.
“〆のうどん,” udon for finishing the meal 275 JPY (tax included)
Let the udon soak in the deeply flavored broth until they’re tender and full of umami. Each silky bite will warm you right through. Enjoy them plain, or dip them in egg or tororo for a new flavor experience—it’s all up to you.
Don’t miss the grilled beef tongue, another house favorite
Alongside sukiyaki, Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto’s shio-dare yaki (grilled with a salt-based sauce) dishes are equally popular, especially the thick-cut beef tongue.
“牛タン 塩だれ焼き,” Grilled beef with salt-based sauce 1,298 JPY (tax included)
The beef tongue is cut to just the right thickness. Grill it lightly until the surface changes color for the perfect balance of tenderness and bite. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon to highlight the tongue’s rich, meaty flavor and cut through the fattiness. Another recommended way to enjoy it is to wrap slices of raw onion in the beef tongue—it’s a delicious contrast in flavor and texture.
Any remaining beef tongue and onion can be stir-fried together with the restaurant’s punchy shio-dare sauce on the teppan grill—its fragrant aroma will have you ready for another bite. When the onions turn translucent, it’s time to eat! The peppery sauce brings a real kick, perfectly complementing the juicy beef tongue.
It’s a dish that pairs perfectly with sake or beer, and a must-try for anyone who loves hearty flavors.
Speaking of sake, Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto has a great selection of kappu-zake (literally “cup sake,” small, single-serving glass bottles) from across Japan—perfect for solo sipping or sampling different flavors.
Various kappu-zake at Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto
Whether you go for the sukiyaki or the grilled beef tongue, both dishes are perfect matches for a glass of sake. Enjoy a relaxed but indulgent meal at Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto—it’s affordable luxury, and you deserve it!
Information
| Store name | 京都大衆すき焼き 北斗 Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto |
|---|---|
| Address | Yamashita Building 2F, 6-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Ginza Station: 4-minute walk from Exit C3
Hibiya Station: 4-minute walk from Exit A1
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| Phone number | 03-6274-6220 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog, Retty, Hitosara, Reserve with Google |
| Payment |
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| Service charge / Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:30 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM), 5:00 PM–11:00 PM (last order: food 10:00 PM, drinks 10:30 PM) |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 54 seats 4 counter seats, 50 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking Smoking room available |
| Official website | https://alwayssaisei.co.jp/hokuto/ |
| Other information |
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*Menu items, prices, and store information are current as of May 2025.
