USHIHACHI Ueno

Above the entryway of every Ushihachi restaurant, there is a bold proclamation: “King of Yakiniku”. With hundreds, if not thousands of yakiniku restaurants across the country, Ushihachi’s claim to the monarchy does not go unchallenged. But where it definitely holds the crown is what is known in Japanese as “cospa”—cost-performance ratio. As a celebratory meal, yakiniku shouldn’t have to be expensive, according to Ushihachi’s philosophy. As such, it aims to be the most reasonably-priced yakiniku franchise in Japan: a place where you can bring your family, your partner or a group of friends to enjoy high-quality grilled meat, all without worrying about breaking the bank. And it’s not as though the quality suffers for it either. Ushihachi is uncompromising on its choice of meat, purchasing and using only female kuroge wagyu cows. Its drink spread accommodates over 70 different types of spritzers and other assorted alcoholic beverages. While the promise of affordable yakiniku holds true at each Ushihachi branch, each of the 12 branches has its own distinctive trait. The Ueno outlet, for instance, offers diners an unobstructed view of the nearby Ueno Park, meaning stunning sunset memories and sights of the glittering skyline. Warmly-lit, comfortable booths make for a particularly intimate dining experience.