01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
At the heart of jingisukan, Japanese-style grilled lamb, is the pleasure of cooking tender meat until fragrant on a hot plate lined with onions. At Jingisukan Sapporo Daiichi Tokyo Skytree Station Front, near Tokyo Skytree Station, the menu centres on lamb chuck from the shoulder, described in reviews as fresh-tasting. Reviewers describe the meat as moist and tender, with little of the strong flavour or smell that can put some people off lamb; they find it easy to enjoy even if they are not used to eating it.
A good place to start is the classic lamb chuck, served with a special soy-based sauce. Its lean meat has a delicate savoury flavour, balanced by the sweetness of the fat. Add grated garlic or chilli from the table to the sauce for more fragrant richness and heat; the combination works well with rice or a drink. The onions slowly cook in the meat juices, becoming sweet along the way—another pleasure of sharing the grill.
Another signature dish, shio lamb chuck, is coated generously with white sesame seeds and black pepper. Try it without the sauce: the sesame brings a crisp, nutty aroma, while the pepper adds a spicy kick that lifts the meat’s sweetness. Reviewers describe the finish as clean and crisp, a good match for beer or a sour.
There is more to choose from, including substantial bone-in lamb, lamb steak, and grilled vegetables such as mushrooms and thick fried tofu. Rice dishes called 三国飯 (Mikuni Meshi) and 大一飯 (Daiichi Meshi), both familiar favourites, make another option for rounding out the meal. The calm dining room has both tables and counter seats, making it an option for smaller parties as well as groups. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and open from 5 pm to 11 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Booking ahead for dinner is a sensible precaution.
