Matsuo Jingisukan Main Branch

Most people are familiar with Japanese grilled dishes like yakiniku, yakitori or shabu shabu. But tucked away in the northern reaches of Japan lies jingisukan, a rare and distinctive cuisine local to Hokkaido that spotlights lamb and mutton instead of the more common beef, chicken or pork. The Hokkaido-born Matsuo Jingisukan offers an authentic taste of this iconic dish. Tender cuts of marinated lamb and mutton are grilled on a domed grill while the flavorful juices flow down to simmer fresh vegetables on the outer rim. Among the vegetable options, crisp bean sprouts, along with onions and peppers that caramelize into sweet perfection, are the most popular. Each bite is enhanced by Matsuo’s signature sauce — a slightly sweet blend of apple, onion and soy sauce that has been used as the main marinade through the restaurant’s 60 years of operation. Lamb and mutton are prepared in a variety of ways beyond the classic jingisukan nabe. Course menus often include bone-in lamb steak, as well as cuts like rib roast, lamb heart and short loin. Diners can also enjoy Jingisukan cooked on a flat iron plate, where the vegetables and meat are kept separate. As the flagship branch of Matsuo Jingisukan, this restaurant features a spacious interior with over 1,100 seats, offering a mix of tables, cozy booths, and traditional tatami mat rooms. Guests can pair their meal with a selection of drinks, including sake, shochu, wine, and Sapporo or Orion beer. Located 15 minutes from Takikawa Station, Matsuo Jingisukan is a must-visit for experiencing Hokkaido’s culinary heritage.