For travelers visiting Japan, food is always one of the greatest highlights. While sushi and ramen are world-famous, Japanese Yakiniku (BBQ) has been attracting more and more attention in recent years. At the center of this culinary culture is Wagyu beef, loved by gourmets all over the world for its beautiful marbling, sweet fat, and deep umami flavor.
Among the many cuts of Wagyu, there is one that stands out as a hidden gem: Wagyu Tongue. At Kuro5, we go even further and serve only the most flavorful part – the Thick-Cut Tongue Moto — offering an unforgettable dining experience.
What is Wagyu Tongue?
Beef tongue is a popular dish in Japanese yakiniku culture. While most restaurants use imported beef tongue from the U.S. or Australia, Kuro5 serves authentic Wagyu Tongue, which is on a completely different level. It has a fine texture, rich umami, and the distinctive sweetness of Wagyu fat. Especially the tongue moto (the base of the tongue) is highly marbled, tender, and incredibly juicy – the best part of all.
Why Kuro5’s Tongue Moto is So Special
Wagyu tongue is so rare that most yakiniku restaurants cannot even purchase it. At Kuro5, each branch can only secure about two whole tongues per day. And from that, the premium tongue moto section yields just two servings. That means it is limited in quantity every single day. If you get the chance to try it, consider yourself truly lucky.
Why Thick-Cut?
Many restaurants serve thinly sliced tongue, but at Kuro5, we believe the only way to truly appreciate tongue moto is to serve it thick-cut. The thickness brings out the natural flavor, juiciness, and satisfying texture.
- Crispy and smoky on the outside
- Incredibly juicy on the inside
- Rich Wagyu sweetness with every bite
Many guests say, “This is the best beef tongue I’ve ever had in my life!” – thanks to this thick-cut style.
Perfectly Grilled Over Charcoal
The cooking process is crucial. Overcooking makes the meat tough, while undercooking prevents the fat from releasing its flavor. At Kuro5, our skilled staff grill each piece for you – the full-attend style. Using high heat charcoal, the surface is seared to a smoky perfection while the inside remains juicy and tender. This way, even first-time yakiniku diners can enjoy tongue moto at its very best.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy Tongue Moto
Kuro5’s Wagyu tongue moto is best enjoyed simply:
- With just salt – bold and flavorful
- With a squeeze of lemon – refreshing and light
- With wasabi – a Japanese twist, where the sharp freshness of wasabi balances the sweetness of Wagyu fat
The combination of Wagyu richness and wasabi’s clean finish is especially popular among our guests.
Reservations Highly Recommended
Since each branch can only serve two portions of tongue moto per day, reservations are highly recommended. Especially for overseas visitors with limited time in Tokyo, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime taste experience. Reservations are available online or by phone.
Why Visitors Choose Kuro5
- Exclusive rarity – Thick-cut Wagyu Tongue Moto, unavailable at most restaurants
- English-friendly service – English menus and attentive staff
- Convenient locations – perfect for sightseeing
- Kabukicho (Shinjuku): 5 min walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station, 7 min from Shinjuku Sanchome Station
- Ikebukuro Main & East Exit Branches: Walking distance from Ikebukuro Station
Conclusion
– Wagyu tongue is an extremely rare cut that most restaurants cannot even source.
– At Kuro5, only two tongues per branch are available daily, and the tongue moto yields just two servings.
– Every portion is limited and exclusive – a true luxury to encounter.
– Served thick-cut and grilled over charcoal, the flavor and texture are unmatched.
– Best enjoyed with salt, lemon, or wasabi.
– Reservations are essential to secure this experience.
For an unforgettable food memory in Tokyo, don’t miss Kuro5’s Thick-Cut Wagyu Tongue Moto. Whether in Shinjuku Kabukicho or Ikebukuro, this is the ultimate Wagyu experience you will remember long after your trip.
Kuro5 Restaurant Information
Wagyu Yakiniku Kuro5
IKEBUKURO Main Restrant
1F Shima 100 building ,2-46-3, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku , Tokyo 171-0014
https://en.kuro5.net/restaurant/honten
Wagyu Yakiniku Kuro5
IKEBUKURO East Exit Restrant
2F Need Building, 1-42-16 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
https://en.kuro5.net/restaurant/higashiguchi
Wagyu Yakiniku KURO5
Kabukicho
1F Sankei Building, 2-21-4 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
https://en.kuro5.net/restaurant/kabukicho
Official Instagram: @kuro5yakiniku
