The Yakiniku Palace in Jimbocho

The act of eating yakiniku is intrinsically communal. At its core, yakiniku is a group of people gathered around a flame, grilling and eating meat together. Chef Tetsuo Otsuru, chief executive officer of the VIP Group, was so inspired by this concept that he founded The Yakiniku Palace in Jimbocho. Whether it’s a birthday, or a first date, or even just a meal with loved ones, Chef Otsuru hopes to let his guests discover truly one-of-a-kind experiences in the practice of yakiniku, making memories together for hundreds of years to come. And to Chef Otsuru, key to the yakiniku experience is top-quality meat. That is why he spares no expense to get the finest A5-grade wagyu beef to his customers. Perhaps unexpectedly, the meat is chosen particularly for its aroma when on the grill. The olfactory aspect of yakiniku is often overlooked, but is so crucial to the experience, says Chef Otsuru. Just imagine coming to The Yakiniku Palace with someone special, he suggests. What would you remember? The firm but soft texture of A5-grade wagyu, marbled to perfection. The hiss and sizzle of rendering fat. And of course, the mouth-watering smell of meat over an open flame. This is the ideal experience Chef Otsuru envisions for every customer—the kind that will remain enshrined in their memory for life.