Shinichikan Shinjuku: Matsusaka Beef, Tokyo X Pork & Audio Menu

For those who want to compare various cuts at once, the “Matsusaka Beef Tasting” series is recommended. The basic set includes grilled loin, upper rib, regular rib, upper ribeye, and ribeye, plus two pieces of seared upper ribeye sushi, priced at around seven thousand yen. It allows you to clearly experience the differences in marbling and texture between cuts. The premium version includes rarer cuts like chuck flap and triangle brisket, offering a more layered experience. For à la carte, the premium rib, upper ribeye, chuck flap, and thick-cut steaks (loin, tenderloin, chateaubriand, etc.) are all worth trying. Seared sushi is another way to enjoy the meat; thinly sliced and lightly seared, served on vinegared rice, the aroma of the fat and rice emerges simultaneously—a small but exquisite portion.

The common thread among these Matsusaka beef cuts is the sweetness of the fat and the way it melts in your mouth. Due to the careful breeding environment and feed, the fat is not simply greasy but carries a refreshing finish. Many say it is best when grilled until the surface is slightly browned while the inside remains pink; when bitten, the juices and fat overflow without feeling heavy. For those in Shinjuku looking to seriously enjoy whole-cow-purchased Matsusaka beef, this is one of the few places that balances variety and price.

However, if your travel companions do not eat beef, they don’t have to just watch others grill. Another major signature of this restaurant is “Tokyo X” pork. It is a brand of pork born in Tokyo from a crossbreed of Kagoshima black pig, Beijing black pig, and Duroc, known for its refreshing fat, delicate aroma, tender texture, and high vitamin content. The menu features tenderloin (limited quantity), thick-cut pork belly, loin steak, and a whole-cut platter including shoulder loin, belly, leg, and core loin, mostly priced between one thousand five hundred and two thousand yen. It can be grilled alone or wrapped with lettuce and garlic slices. The sweetness of the fat is different from beef—it is more refreshing, suitable for those who prefer a lighter meal.