Tabelog ratingHitsuji Sunrise (羊SUNRISE) offers a refined take on jingisukan, the Japanese lamb barbecue. Here, the experience is elevated to a full-service counter affair, where staff personally grill each cut of meat to its ideal doneness right before your eyes. The restaurant specializes in mostly chilled, never-frozen domestic lamb, allowing guests to appreciate the subtle differences in flavour through tasting flights that progress from young lamb to more mature hogget and mutton.
Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the meat, noting its sweetness, lack of gaminess, and rich umami. The theatrical, guided service is a major highlight, as is the way side dishes like lotus root and broccolini are cooked in the flavourful lamb fat. Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the seared lamb yukke (a raw, seasoned preparation) and the popular finishers of garlic rice or lamb curry, both made with drippings from the grill.
On the downside, the intimate space is often smoky, and guests should expect the smell of the grill to linger on their clothes. Some find the prices high for the portion sizes, and while many enjoy the interaction, a few have found the staff's conversation intrusive. Overall, however, the consensus is that for a special occasion focused on extraordinary lamb, the experience is well worth the cost.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported dinner costs of ¥10,000–¥15,000 per person. Specific dishes cited include Hokkaido Obihiro lamb for around ¥3,600, aburi lamb yukke for ¥2,420, and vegetable sides like lotus root for ¥990.
- Reservations: Essential. Seats are limited and book out well in advance, typically via the restaurant's online system.
- Getting There: A 3-minute walk from Azabujuban Station. The restaurant is on the 3rd floor of the PIA Azabujuban 2 building.
- Payment: Credit cards are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: There are 18 seats, mostly at a 14-seat counter, with one small table for four.
- Children: School-age children are welcome.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant is non-smoking, but it is a barbecue spot, so expect smoke from the grills. Dress accordingly.
- Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid parking lots nearby.
