When spending time in Japan, it can be easy to get carried away and spend too much money on food. But in the quest for good food, don’t overlook some of the best Japanese chain restaurants.
When in Japan, do as the Japanese do. These chain restaurants are incredibly popular with the Japanese themselves, so they shouldn’t be discounted as less than authentic cuisine.
Tenkaippin
Founded in 1968 in Kyoto, this unique ramen shop is known for its “kotteri” style. This means that the chicken-based broth is thick and almost creamy, due to the emulsification of fats while cooking. It has a rich flavor, and usually comes topped with ingredients such as bamboo shoots, green onions, and chashu, as well as the optional garlic (which I highly recommend). Comparing this shop to other ramen shops is like comparing apples and oranges, as the style of ramen is so unique. Regardless, it’s one of my very favorite ramen shops and I highly recommend trying it while in Japan.
Yayoiken
Yayoiken is generally considered to be one of the best chain restaurants in Japan due to its delicious “teishoku” style meals. This term refers to a set meal which typically consists of a main dish, miso soup, rich, and some small side dishes or pickles. The chain actually harkens all the way back to 1888, and has evolved into an affordable but delicious restaurant that inspires a feeling of home-cooked food. Most Yayoiken shops also include free rice refills, so no one leaves hungry. I recommend this shop for an affordable taste of teishoku cuisine as okaa-san, or mom, would serve it.
Yoshinoya
Yoshinoya is a fast food chain that has been serving flavorful gyudon, or beef on rice bowls, since 1899. Gyudon is a must-try dish while in Japan, as the tender beef cooked in a soy-based sauce with onions and served over freshly cooked rice is too good to miss. Though the simplicity of the dish may be what makes it so good, the restaurant serves a variety of other rice bowl dishes, toppings, and sides sich as pickles or miso soup. For a quick meal, stop into a Yoshinoya and sit alongside the Japanese businessmen and college students also enjoying a brief respite.
Ootoya
Another popular chain restaurant in Japan serving home-cooked style food, Ootoya showcases a variety of Japanese cuisine. Meals include teishoku style meals and rice bowls with tempura, grilled fish, simmered pork, and stir fried vegetables being some of the popular main dishes. The restaurant strives to provide healthy and authentic style dishes in a comfortable interior often designed to resemble a traditional Japanese house.
Torikizoku
Torikizoku is a popular izakaya chain restaurant in Japan that specializes in yakitori, or the Japanese version of chicken kebabs. They serve an extensive range of different cuts of chicken, which come seasoned and grilled, perfect to pair with a bowl of rice and a cold beer. As with any izakaya, or Japanese bar, they serve a variety of other side dishes, such as gyoza, edamame, and fried chicken. The shops are usually pretty lively, drawing a crowd of both Japanese and visitors alike to enjoy a fun evening together with some delicious food.
Ichiran
Ichiran is a popular ramen chain restaurant in Japan, founded in Fukuoka, which is known for its rich and savory tonkotsu ramen that is made even better with their signature spicy sauce. Curiously, the restaurant is also well known for the seating system, which is typically at single-style booths where you submit your order through a small window to the unseen staff. No talking or eye contact required.
Gyukaku
One of the largest yakiniku (Japanese barbeque) restaurant chains in Japan, Gyukaku offers customers a chance to enjoy grilling a wide variety of meats and other snacks at an affordable price. I recommend trying yakiniku to any meat-loving visitors, so try Gyukaku for great quality that won’t break the bank.
Akakara
If the name “red and spicy” isn’t enough to tell you what’s up here, you’ll just have to try it for yourself. Akakara specializes in spicy food, and the most popular dishes are hot pot and spicy stir fries. Don’t worry, you can adjust the spice level as needed. The restaurant is often lively and upbeat, so this chain is recommended for your spicy fix during your stay.
Saizeriya
Created in the 1960s by a Japanese chef who loved serving Italian cuisine but realized it was often too unaffordable, Saizeriya is known for its cheap but delicious Italian-style food. This chain serves up pasta, pizza, doria, hamburger steak, and a variety of appetizers, including escargot. If you’re looking for a short escape from Asian food, check out Saizeriya.
Coco’s
Coco’s is a family restaurant chain founded in 1978 in Tokyo. Family restaurants are a popular style of restaurant in Japan that serve affordable and easy-to-eat foods. Like many family restaurants, Coco’s serves things like hamburger steak, pasta, set meals, pizza, salads, and a variety of desserts. The menu is fun and can appease the whole family.
Hope this list of chain restaurants in Japan inspires you to try some new and delicious food!