As the years go by, Japan’s vegetarian options get better and better. But that doesn’t mean they’re neglecting the carnivorous among the population. On the contrary, in a country famous for their beef (wagyu) and yakiniku barbeques, the meat love isn’t going away any time soon. In the words of the Uruk-hai, looks like meat's back on the menu boys.

Japan’s best meat based dishes have all been brought together in one place for Niku Fest 2018, currently being held in Tachikawa, Tokyo.

Possibly the meaty treat with the most eye-catching name is the ‘hamburger that you can drink’. I purchased the beef patty, puzzled, but upon eating it I realised what they mean. The meat is so soft it almost feels like it turns to liquid in your mouth.

Another creation, which we were assured has never been seen before on the Niku Fest circuit is the uni and garlic butter sirloin steak. Although it looks a bit like nacho cheese, the rich sauce is made from uni (sea urchin gonads), a popular sushi topping. Can a sirloin steak be improved by the presence of such a thing? Well it’s an acquired taste, so I’ll leave it up to the individual to decide.

For people who hate seafood but don’t want to miss out on Japan’s most famous dish, meat sushi is a dream come true.

Only a fool would leave a Japanese meat festival without partaking in some wagyu. Cuts of steak and very thin ‘shabu’ style strips that boast grades of A4 and A5 are lightly doused in tare dipping sauce.

Not all the dishes on offer are purely Japanese though. Japan’s fried chicken, karaage, gets a Taiwanese twist with spicy toppings and sauce inspired by Taiwan ramen.

Also like many other countries, the kebab has become a beloved import in Japan too.

Once you’re all meated out, there’s also desserts on offer. A balanced diet is important.

An interesting one is baked sweet potato with a scoop of ice cream on top. Sounds strange, but the potato itself is so sweet, it matches perfectly with the ice cream.

The festival is taking place at the Kinen Showa Park from 12th to 21st October 2018, the nearest train stations are Tachikawa and Tachikawa Kita. It's open 11am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 9pm at the weekend (the festival will finish at 8pm on the final day). It's free to enter the festival and each food ticket costs 700 yen (all dishes cost either one or two food tickets).

Niku Fest Website