If you are looking for the best yakiniku in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Kuro5 is the place to visit.
Founded in Ikebukuro in 2008, Kuro5 now operates its Ikebukuro West Exit Main Branch, Ikebukuro East Exit Branch, and Kabukicho Branch in Shinjuku.
From the very beginning, Kuro5 has focused on one of the rarest cuts in Japanese barbecue: fresh Wagyu Harami (skirt steak). Combined with our commitment to Binchotan charcoal grilling, this makes for a truly unforgettable yakiniku experience.
Why Wagyu Harami is so rare
Harami is often called the “ultimate lean cut” of yakiniku lovers. Although it looks and tastes like lean beef, it actually comes from the diaphragm, technically classified as offal. Even more, Wagyu Harami is extremely rare – only a few kilograms can be taken from one cow. That is why most restaurants serve frozen or imported harami. At Kuro5, however, we serve only fresh Wagyu Harami, never frozen.
Trusted relationships make it possible
Since our foundation in Ikebukuro, Kuro5 has built long-standing, trusted relationships with local meat suppliers. Thanks to these partnerships, we are able to source fresh Wagyu Harami consistently, something that is nearly impossible for most restaurants in Tokyo.
The philosophy of “Fresh Wagyu Harami” and Binchotan Charcoal
From day one, we have never compromised on serving fresh Wagyu Harami. Frozen meat loses its texture and umami – but fresh Wagyu Harami offers juiciness, rich flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Equally important is our commitment to Binchotan charcoal grilling. Binchotan produces extremely high and stable heat, but it is very difficult to handle. That is why, at Kuro5, our staff grill every piece of meat for you. This “grill-master style” ensures that every slice of Harami reaches your table at the perfect doneness, locking in the flavor with the gentle heat of Binchotan.
How to enjoy it: Salt, or Special Sauce with Rice
We recommend starting with a simple pinch of salt – it lets you enjoy the pure flavor of the meat. But the ultimate way to enjoy Wagyu Harami at Kuro5 is:
“Dip it in our special sauce, place it over hot white rice, and take a big bite.”
The combination of sweet-savory sauce, fluffy rice, and smoky Binchotan-grilled Wagyu Harami is a luxury you can only experience in Ikebukuro.
Conclusion｜The best Wagyu Harami Yakiniku in Ikebukuro
- Ikebukuro is the birthplace of Kuro5
- Fresh Wagyu Harami – one of the rarest cuts in yakiniku
- Binchotan charcoal grilling, handled by our staff for perfect doneness
- Enjoy it simply with salt, or with our special sauce and rice
Kuro5 has stayed true to its philosophy since it opened in Ikebukuro in 2008. If you want to enjoy authentic Japanese yakiniku in Ikebukuro, come taste our Wagyu Harami grilled over Binchotan charcoal.
Kuro5 Locations｜Ikebukuro & Kabukicho
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
