10 Chain Restaurants in Japan that You Can Always Depend On
Picture this: you are walking around Japan and there are hundreds of restaurants every step you take. You don’t want to waste your precious stomach space eating something that you are not sure if it’s good, but you also don’t have time to search reviews for every single meal. This is a list of 10 chain restaurants in Japan that are always reliable, mouthwatering, and loved by locals. When you are tired of reading hundreds of review sites and guessing which restaurant tastes good, head to one of these chain restaurants for a guaranteed good meal.
#1 Gusto (ガスト)
Gusto curry with hamburger, shrimp tempura, chicken karaage, pork katsu, and an egg.
Gusto is a family restaurant that offers a diverse menu featuring a wide range of Western and Japanese dishes. Gusto are also known for their spacious and comfortable settings, making them suitable for families and individuals alike. The menu includes options such as pasta, pizza, rice dishes, salads, and a variety of desserts, all with a Japanese take on it. Their extremely affordable meals with hearty portions make Gusto a comfort food restaurant for locals. Recently, certain locations introduced Robot waiters, which make it a fun experience for tourists and children.
#2 Yoshinoya
Yoshinoya is a fast-food chain that specializes in serving delicious and affordable rice bowl dishes. They are best known for Gyu-don, which features thinly sliced beef simmered in flavorful soy-based broth, served on top of a bed of freshly cooked rice. The menu also offers a variety of other rice bowl options, including chicken and vegetable variations, providing a diverse dining experience for customers seeking a taste of authentic Japanese comfort food.
#3 Torikizoku
Image from Japaholic
Torikizoku (toe-ree-key-zow-koo) is a Japanese pub chain known for its casual and lively atmosphere, offering a wide variety of grilled chicken skewers at an affordable price. They are the go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking a vibrant dining experience. The menu boasts an extensive selection of yakitori, featuring skewers of succulent and flavorful chicken parts grilled to perfection, often accompanied by a range of dipping sauces. Beyond skewers, Torikizoku also offers a diverse array of izakaya-style dishes, including appetizers, fried foods, and beverages.
#4 McDonald
Now you may be wondering, “why would I go all the way to Japan to eat McDonald’s!?” McDonal’s in Japan often features unique and region-specific menu items that cater to local tastes. Some examples of those may be shrimp burger, Hawaiian loco moco burger, fried chicken with powered sauce, chocolate pie, and more. Trying these exclusive offerings can provide a novel culinary experience, offering insights into Japanese flavor preferences. Additionally, McDonald’s in Japan tends to emphasize cleanliness, efficiency, and customer service, which may be a fun cultural exploration for tourists. While McDonald’s in Japan is not the destination for an authentic Japanese culinary experience, it can offer a blend of familiarity and local twists for curious tourists.
#5 Yakiniku King
Yakiniku, a popular Japanese dining experience, translates to “grilled meat” and refers to a style of barbecue where patrons cook bite-sized pieces of meat at their own tables. Originating from Korean barbecue, yakiniku has evolved into a distinct Japanese culinary tradition. Customers can choose from a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, along with an assortment of vegetables. The meats are often marinated or seasoned with savory sauces before being grilled to perfection. Yakiniku King was voted as the #1 Yakiniku chain restaurant in various scenes in the past few years.
#6 CoCoICHIBANYA
Image from Uber Eats
Coco Ichibanya, often abbreviated as CoCoICHI, is a well known Japanese curry house chain recognized for its customizable and delicious curry dishes. The restaurant allows patrons to tailor their curry experience by selecting the spice level, type of rice, and various toppings, including meats, vegetables, and fried items. The curry sauce itself is rich and flavorful, and the meat is well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Coco Ichibanya has become a go-to destination for curry enthusiasts and those looking for a personal and satisfying dining experience.
#7 Gyoza no Ohsho
Gyoza no Ohsho, a popular Japanese chain specializing in pan-fried dumplings, has established itself as a beloved destination for those seeking a delectable and affordable dining experience. The restaurant features an extensive selection of Chinese-inspired dishes, including fried rice, noodle dishes, and various appetizers. Gyoza no Ohsho prides itself on its flavorful and expertly crafted gyoza, made with a perfect balance of thin, crispy skin and a juicy, savory filling. The welcoming and casual atmosphere, coupled with reasonable prices, makes Gyoza no Ohsho a favorite among locals and visitors alike, providing a satisfying taste of Japanese-Chinese fusion cuisine.
#8 Marukame Udon
Marukame Udon is a renowned Japanese udon noodle restaurant that has gained widespread popularity for its commitment to freshness, authenticity, and a unique self-service dining experience. The restaurant’s hallmark is its open kitchen, where skilled chefs handcraft udon noodles from scratch, showcasing the artistry behind this beloved Japanese dish. Customers can witness the noodle-making process and then choose from a variety of freshly prepared udon dishes, accompanied by a range of tempura and side options. This cafeteria-style setup allows patrons to customize their meals, fostering a casual and interactive dining environment.
#9 MOS Burger
MOS Burger is a popular Japanese fast-food chain celebrated for its unique and innovative approach to burgers. Known for its commitment to quality ingredients, MOS Burger offers a variety of burgers that incorporate fresh and locally sourced product. One of its distinguishing features is the use of a rice-based bun, providing a lighter and distinctive texture compared to traditional burger buns. The iconic MOS burger features their special meat sauce with fresh tangy tomatoes and meaty rich flavor of beef and pork. Other burgers include fried shrimp burger, veggie burger, teriyaki burger, and more. MOS Burger blends traditional Japanese flavors with international fast-food concepts, creating a unique and flavorful dining experience for customers.
#10 Sushi Ro
Image from Bang Meshi
Sushiro is one of the largest conveyor belt sushi (kaitenzushi) chains in Japan. The restaurant prides itself on the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a diverse array of sushi options that cater to a broad range of tastes. The conveyor belt system allows patrons to order on a multilingual tablet on their table, and the sushi will be delivered on a train track, without the need to speak Japanese to the waiters. Sushiro’s menu features a wide variety of nigiri, sashimi, and creative sushi rolls, appealing to both traditional and modern sushi enthusiasts. This is a great entry point to sushi if you want to try quality sushi in Japan without breaking your wallet.
