【Awards】 Tabelog 2026 Bronze Award Tabelog 2024 Top 100 Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu Restaurants 【Tabelog Rating (as of posting date)】 4.13 【Location】 About a 10-minute walk from Matsusaka Station South Exit 【Reservations/Reservation Method/Reservation Timing】 Yes/Phone/One week in advance 【Wait Time】 None 【Number of Visitors】 2 people 【Seating】 2nd floor large tatami room with tables 【Restaurant Overview, Chef's Background, etc.】 A renowned restaurant in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, maintaining a top reputation among sukiyaki restaurants nationwide. Founded in 1878, the first owner, Kanbei Matsuda, trained in cuisine at the Tokyo restaurant "Wadahei" before returning to Matsusaka to open a beef shop in Kaji Town (now Honmachi). Five years later, he opened a sukiyaki restaurant in Nishimachi 3-chome. Shortly thereafter, he established the "sukiyaki" style using high-quality Matsusaka beef cut into thin slices. After World War II, he reorganized the company and in 1964 established a private ranch in Ureshino Kuro no Machi to improve meat quality. 【Atmosphere】 Luxurious, bright, and somewhat quiet 【Cost/Person】 JPY 21,500 【Order】 A la carte + Course + Service Charge 12% 【Details】 ◆ Sukiyaki Matsu (JPY 15,800) ◆ Sukiyaki Course Ume (JPY 14,000) ◆ Grilled Tenderloin (JPY 7,750) ◇ Kirin Lager Medium Bottle (JPY 900) 【Impressions】 Wada Kin, a sukiyaki restaurant, is likely one of the most recognized establishments in Mie Prefecture, alongside "Hinode" in Kuwana and "Komata" sushi in Ise. I had been meaning to visit for a long time, but I kept missing opportunities due to a lack of specific reasons to be around Matsusaka. Finally, I decided to go. The Matsusaka area has many famous restaurants, but the station area feels quite deserted even on weekends. However, Wada Kin is different. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a dazzling interior dominated by red, resembling a grand mansion, with people continuously arriving. There are several rooms available, but due to the busy season, we were seated in a corner of the large room. The atmosphere is not chaotic; the spacious area has only about 5-6 tables, making it easy to enjoy your meal without being distracted by others. The sukiyaki is divided into two main types: a course with various appetizers and a la carte options focusing solely on sukiyaki. While the amount of meat (2 pieces of 65g each) is the same for Matsu, Take, and Ume, the cuts of meat become more premium. I ordered the Matsu sukiyaki a la carte, while my companion chose the Ume sukiyaki course for a comparison. The appetizers included Matsusaka beef tataki, a soup, and other small dishes and desserts, but the portions felt a bit modest for savoring, so it might be better for men to enjoy the a la carte sukiyaki first and, if financially feasible, try the grilled option or enjoy a closing dish at nearby restaurants. The ribeye from the Matsu selection had a visibly good balance of lean meat and fat, which the hostess skillfully prepared using tamari soy sauce and sugar. The meat was, of course, tender, with a rich aroma from the lean meat and a sweetness from the fat that spread throughout. Even during the meal, the lingering taste made the rice go down easily. I always think that two pieces of meat in sukiyaki are never enough, but when I actually eat, the vegetables are quite filling, making two pieces just right. Since I was finally here, I decided to try a piece of grilled meat as well. Interestingly, in some famous sukiyaki restaurants, the grilled option is often more popular. The grilled tenderloin had a fluffy texture, almost like cotton candy, and could be easily bitten through with just my lips. Yet, it was packed with flavor, and although the price made me hesitate, good food is undeniably delicious. Based on what I ate, the total cost was around JPY 20,000. Given the luxurious setting and the attentive service while enjoying 200g of Matsusaka beef under the Wada Kin brand, that price is understandable. While it’s not something I’d say you must eat before you die, it is undoubtedly a must-visit restaurant when discussing sukiyaki, and for that reason, I personally rate it ⭐︎ 4.0.
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