Matsuo Jingisukan Sapporo Miyanomori

Near the foot of a mountainous area, Miyanomori, Sapporo’s westernmost neighborhood, offers the perfect setting for a barbecue. Matsuo Jingisukan, a beloved name across Japan, understands the essence of this culinary experience, which is why it chose this picturesque spot for its next outlet. Since its humble beginnings in 1956 in Takikawa City, the restaurant has been serving jingisukan — Hokkaido’s iconic lamb or mutton grilled on a convex skillet. Known for championing lamb and mutton, Matsuo Jingisukan keeps the recipe a well-guarded secret, but there is a reason why the brand has grown such a local cult following. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the meat marinade: a soy-based sauce infused with freshly grated apples and onions, which add a touch of sweetness, as well as ginger and a blend of spices. The exceptional quality of lamb and mutton at Matsuo Jingisukan reflects decades of expertise. Cuts such as ribeye and rare short loin are carefully trimmed of excess fat before soaking in a flavorful marinade. To bring out their best flavors, a fine selection of vegetables should be grilled first on the skillet's "moat." Once the vegetables are ready, the lamb is added, allowing the marinade to trickle down and infuse them with its rich, savory taste. The menu also features hearty dishes like the impressive bone-in lamb steak and comforting mutton ham and egg soup. Today, the restaurant has preserved all the hallmark qualities of its Hokkaido roots, right down to the charming ambiance.