I visited "Akasaka Raimon," a highly popular Yakiniku restaurant just a stone's throw from Akasaka Mitsuke Station. If you love Yakiniku, you’ve probably heard of this place, and I was really looking forward to my visit.The interior was more subdued than I expected. It wasn’t the typical noisy Yakiniku joint; instead, it provided a space where you could truly focus on enjoying the food.I was immediately impressed by the assorted platter of tongue that was served first. It featured both thick and thin slices, and the texture varied significantly even though it was the same cut. The thick slices, when grilled properly, released a burst of juices upon biting, and despite their thickness, they were surprisingly tender.On the other hand, the thin slices cooked quickly, and when grilled lightly, you could enjoy the unique tenderness of the tongue.The comparison of how much difference thickness can make, even with the same cut, was fascinating, and the initial tongue alone left a strong impression. Many reviews also highlight the differences in texture and tenderness between the thick and thin slices.The subsequent meats were equally impressive, with each piece having a strong presence.They weren’t just fatty and tender; you could really taste the umami of the meat when you bit into it. I found myself carefully monitoring the cooking time, reluctant to overcook such quality meat.What stood out particularly was the moment you put the grilled meat in your mouth—the sweetness of the fat spread out, followed by the rich flavor of the lean meat.In a typical Yakiniku experience, you might think about grilling the next piece, but here, each slice invites you to savor it fully.The Horumon (offal) dishes were not just greasy; they had a firm texture and rich flavor, offering a different kind of enjoyment compared to the meat.Above all, what I appreciated was the anticipation throughout the course—wondering what would come next.Many reviews reflect a very high level of satisfaction, with some repeat customers rating it as "top-class among all restaurants in Tokyo." It’s clear that many people return multiple times, rather than just visiting once for the hype.Of course, the prices are not cheap. It’s reservation-only, so it’s not a place you can casually decide to go to for Yakiniku on a whim.However, once you experience the food, you’ll understand why it’s so hard to get a reservation.