Japan's Top 10 Restaurant Chains in 2024

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Japan's popular restaurant chains such as Ichiran for ramen or CoCo Ichibanya for curry rice offer tasty, casual dishes at reasonable prices. Read on to learn the best Japanese restaurant chains, their menus, and price range.

Written by

Mari

Tokyo, Japan

Editorial assistant at MATCHA since 2022. I'm from Tokyo, and I often go to parks on weekends to see nature and dogs.

I have loved international exchange since I was a child, and during my university years I studied abroad in San Jose, USA. Now, I'm really enjoying discovering new things by seeing Japan from the perspective of a tourist visiting Japan.

Hobbies: Walking, coffee, art, movies, traveling

Favorite places: Shibuya, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Isshiki Beach, Aso in Kumamoto

Discover Japan's Top 10 Restaurant Chains

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In Japan, there are countless restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food at cheap prices. These include conveyor belt sushi, ramen, and gyudon beef bowls―often referred to as Japanese soul food.

This article introduces our Japan's best 10 restaurant chains. At all these eateries, you can fill up on tasty food at highly reasonable prices!

These restaurants are typically found in large cities throughout Japan. We have also included each restaurant chain's logo and a photo of the shop's exterior to help you find them during your trip.

Japan's Top 10 Restaurant Chains

1. Ichiran: Japan's Famous Ramen Noodle Shop
2. Kura Sushi: Great-Tasting Food at Reasonable Prices
3. Ootoya: Try Their Delicious Home-Style Cooking
4. Yoshinoya: Japanese Soul Food for Under 500 Yen
5. Kushikatsu Tanaka: Starting at Just 70 Yen per Skewer!
6. Katsuya: Try Their Famous Pork Cutlet!
7. Isomaru Suisan: Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Sake
8. Mo-Mo-Paradise: Enjoy All You Can Eat Shabu-Shabu
9. CoCo Ichibanya: Excellent Curry Rice
10. Saizeriya: Tasty Italian Dishes for Less Than 500 Yen!

1. Ichiran: Japan's Famous Ramen Noodle Shop

Ichiran is a famous ramen restaurant chain known for its excellent tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth).

Their dishes combine rich, fragrant broth with freshly-made special noodles. One taste will guarantee an unforgettable experience!

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES

Ichiran is not only attractive for its good taste but also for a unique experience that's not found at other shops.

Upon entering, you're greeted by a rather unusual sight―rows of solo dining booths coined "Ramen Focus Booths." Seats are separated by partitions. This way, customers can focus on the ramen flavor and the overall dining experience.

Customers can also specify how they want their noodles cooked and which toppings they want by filling out the customized order form―another of the shop's unique services.

Ichiran has over 80 locations and tends to be found in large cities throughout the country.

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▶︎ Check Ichiran's official website
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2. Kura Sushi: Great-Tasting Food at Reasonable Prices

Guests at Kura Sushi can expect great-tasting sushi at reasonable prices. This famous restaurant is one of several conveyor belt sushi shop chains in Japan.

In addition to sushi with fresh toppings, the restaurant has a varied menu that includes ramen, udon, and cake. Those who love or dislike sushi can still enjoy dining together.

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Kura Sushi has over 500 locations throughout Japan. However, if you have plans to visit Tokyo or Osaka, we recommend visiting a Kura Sushi Global Flagship location.

There are only five of these restaurants nationwide, where customers are treated to a uniquely festive atmosphere.

For example, visitors can enjoy such activities as ring toss and target shooting at the Kura Sushi Global Flagship shop in Tokyo's Asakusa area.

▶︎ Check the official website of Kura Sushi
▶︎ Check Ichiran's official website
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3. Ootoya: Try Their Delicious Home-Style Cooking

Ootoya is a restaurant with over 300 locations nationwide. This restaurant chain serves up home-style Japanese cooking in a casual atmosphere.

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The extensive menu offers many familiar Japanese items, including grilled fish, chicken katsu (cutlet), and soba noodles. Customers will be happy to know that most menu items come with photos. This makes choosing what to order much easier!

Ordering a meat or fish entree on its own is no problem. But when you're feeling really hungry, we suggest going for the teishoku set menu (*), which includes rice, miso soup, and other items.

*The set meal can change depending on the menu.

▶︎ Check Ootoya's official website (Japanese)

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Click here for their official Instagram account (Japanese)!

4. Yoshinoya: Japanese Soul Food for Under 500 Yen!

Gyudon (beef bowl) consists of a warm bowl of rice topped with a sweet and salty mix of beef and onions. This mixture has been slowly simmered in a soy sauce broth with other tasty ingredients.

At Yoshinoya, customers can enjoy gyudon at less than 500 yen per bowl. This popular gyudon chain operates over 1,000 locations throughout Japan.

In addition to gyudon, the restaurant offers deep-fried chicken karaage and pork dishes.

From MOS Burger To Yoshinoya! Japanese Fast Food

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At Yoshinoya and other gyudon restaurants, the food arrives at your table immediately after placing your order.

We recommend dropping in here for a quick, delicious meal during a break in your busy sightseeing schedule!

▶︎ Check Yoshinoya's official website

5. Kushikatsu Tanaka: Starting at Just 70 Yen per Skewer!

Kushikatsu is one example of Osaka's traditional B-rank gourmet cuisine. This consists of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients on a skewer, then coated with a batter and deep-fried.

Kushikatsu Tanaka is a famous shop offering freshly-made deep-fried kushikatsu starting from 70 yen per skewer.

The coating has a crispy texture, the ingredients are juicy and tender, and the special sauce is sublime. Try this once, and you'll get hooked on the delicious flavor!

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Kushikatsu Tanaka has a wide variety of menu items. In addition to popular ingredients such as pork, shrimp, and onion, they also have unusual variations such as "Cookies and Cream" containing an actual cookie.

Customers can order by the skewer. So, by all means, choose as many of your favorite ingredients as you want!

Their 300-plus locations tend to be located near major train stations throughout Japan.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES

▶︎ Check the official website of Kushikatsu Tanaka
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6. Katsuya: Try Their Famous Tonkatsu!

In recent years, tonkatsu and katsu curry have become popular outside Japan. These dishes feature a meat fillet coated with a breadcrumb mixture and then deep-fried. The dish is known as tonkatsu when pork is used. With chicken, it's called chicken katsu.

A great place to enjoy tonkatsu is at Katsuya. This popular restaurant chain has about 400 shops in Japan.

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Katsuya is known for its extensive and varied tonkatsu menu.

First, there's katsudon, consisting of a pork cutlet served on a bed of rice. Then there's katsu curry with a pork cutlet served alongside curry rice. There's also the roast katsu teishoku meal, which includes a separate bowl of rice and miso soup.

Please choose your favorite eating style and sample some of these tasty entrees!

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
▶︎ Check Katsuya's official website (Japanese)
Make a Reservation with AutoReserve

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7. Isomaru Suisan: Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Sake!

Customers can enjoy fresh seafood dishes with sake at Isomaru Suisan. This restaurant is perfect for those looking to get their fill of Japan's bounty from the sea.

This is a very popular restaurant. When visiting one of their locations in Tokyo or Osaka, we recommend making a reservation on Klook, a reservation site for Japanese experiences. This will make it easier to enjoy your dining experience at Isomaru Suisan.

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At Isomaru Suisan, they stock a variety of fresh marine products. You can savor an assorted sashimi plate, sushi, and other fresh seafood items—all at great prices.

Customers can also grill their own shellfish, freshly taken from the water tank, right at their table.

At select shop locations, a special lunch menu includes a kaisen donburi (seafood rice bowl) and a sashimi teishoku set meal.

Isomaru Suisan has about 100 locations, typically found in large cities nationwide.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES

▶︎Check the official website of Isomaru Suisan (Japanese)
Make a Reservation with AutoReserve

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8. Mo-Mo-Paradise: Enjoy All You Can Eat Shabu-Shabu

Mo-Mo-Paradise is a shabu-shabu specialty restaurant. With shabu-shabu, thin slices of meat and vegetables are dipped in a hot pot of seasoned broth, then dipped into a sauce before being eaten.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES

The shop offers a 120-minute all-you-can-eat meat and vegetable course menu, with additional orders permitted. Customers can choose between Japanese pork or domestic beef (kuroge wagyu beef hybrid).

Mo-Mo-Paradise has two locations in Tokyo's Shinjuku area: the Kabukicho Main Shop (Japanese google) and Shinjuku-Higashiguchi Shop (Japanese google).

The famous shabu-shabu restaurant Shabuyo also has locations in many parts of Japan.

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▶︎ Check the official website of Mo-Mo-Paradise (Japanese)
Make a Reservation with AutoReserve

9. CoCo Ichibanya for Curry Rice: Choose the Perfect Spice Level!

CoCo Ichibanya is a beloved curry shop chain with about 1,200 locations.

India is famous as the birthplace of curry sauce. But the curry served at many Japanese curry houses, including CoCo Ichibanya, is recognized for its smooth, rich flavor.

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CoCo Ichibanya has a large and varied curry menu. For example, they have Chicken Katsu Curry topped with a chicken cutlet and Yasai Curry with plenty of vegetables. There's also Ebi Nikomi Curry containing simmered seafood.

Customers can choose how much rice they want (150 to 900 grams). They also select their desired spice level, ranging from a mild flavor suitable for children ("amakuchi") to the spiciest―15 times hotter than the normal level!

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES

▶︎ Check the official website of CoCo Ichibanya
Make a Reservation with AutoReserve

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10. Saizeriya: Tasty Italian Dishes for Less Than 500 Yen!

Saizeriya is a restaurant chain specializing in Italian cuisine. You can enjoy reasonably-priced pasta, pizza, and salad dishes.

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Many of the main dishes cost 500 yen or less. The restaurant offers an extensive menu, so children and adults can enjoy a delicious meal here.

A 1500 ml bottle of wine is only 1,100 yen, making Saizeriya a great place to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with dinner.

To learn more about their extensive menu, please check the official website.

Saizeriya has over 1,000 locations in Japan, which tend to be near major train stations. Please note that some prefectures in the Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa regions don't have shop locations.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
Make a Reservation with AutoReserve
▶︎ Check Saizeria's official website

FAQ

What is Japan's top 1 food?

One of Japan's most famous and beloved foods is sushi. Sushi is a dish that typically consists of vinegared rice, various types of seafood like raw fish or cooked shrimp, and sometimes vegetables, all wrapped in seaweed. Sushi is not only popular in Japan but has also gained international acclaim for its freshness, flavors, and artful presentation. It's considered a culinary delicacy and is enjoyed by people around the world.

Where is the best eating place in Japan?

Japan offers a diverse culinary landscape with notable dining destinations such as Tokyo, known for its varied dining experiences from Michelin-starred venues to street stalls, while Kyoto entices with traditional kaiseki cuisine and tea houses. Osaka's vibrant street food scene in Dotonbori, Hokkaido's fresh seafood specialties, and Kobe's renowned Kobe beef elevate Japan's gastronomic appeal. Each region presents unique culinary delights, catering to a range of tastes and preferences, making Japan a paradise for food enthusiasts seeking everything from historic traditions to innovative street foods and premium dining experiences.

Are there Michelin stars in Japan?

Yes, Japan is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, including numerous restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide has a strong presence in Japan, particularly in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other regions. Tokyo, in particular, has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. These stars are a mark of culinary excellence and are awarded to restaurants based on the quality of their food, service, and overall dining experience. Japan's diverse gastronomic landscape, ranging from sushi and kaiseki to ramen and tempura, has made it a global hub for food lovers and Michelin inspectors alike.

What is the famous restaurant in Tokyo?

Tokyo boasts a plethora of famous and acclaimed restaurants, catering to a wide range of culinary tastes. One of the most iconic and renowned restaurants in Tokyo is Sukiyabashi Jiro, a small sushi restaurant located in the upscale district of Ginza. Sukiyabashi Jiro is run by the world-famous sushi chef Jiro Ono, who has been awarded three Michelin stars. The restaurant gained widespread international fame after being featured in the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi." Known for its exquisite sushi made with the freshest ingredients and the chef's masterful skills, dining at Sukiyabashi Jiro is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many food enthusiasts.

What is the most popular type of restaurant in Japan?

One of the most popular types of restaurants in Japan is the izakaya. Izakayas are traditional Japanese pubs or casual dining establishments where people gather to enjoy drinks and a variety of small, flavorful dishes. These places offer a relaxed and social atmosphere where friends, colleagues, and families come together to unwind and enjoy an array of dishes like yakitori (grilled skewers), sushi, sashimi, tempura, and many other Japanese favorites. Izakayas are ubiquitous throughout Japan and are favored for their affordable prices, wide selection of food and drinks, and a cozy ambiance that encourages socializing and sharing meals.

What is Tokyo's signature food?

Tokyo's culinary scene is incredibly diverse, offering a wide variety of traditional and modern dishes. One signature food associated with Tokyo is "Monjayaki." Monjayaki is a type of savory pancake or Japanese crepe that originates from the Tsukishima area of Tokyo. It is made with a batter of flour, water, and various ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, meat, and cheese, all mixed together on a hot iron griddle. Unlike okonomiyaki, another popular Japanese savory pancake, monjayaki has a runnier consistency and is often eaten directly from the grill using tiny spatulas. It's a favorite comfort food in Tokyo and is enjoyed for its interactive cooking process and flavorful combinations.

Enjoy Delicious Food in Japan to Your Heart's Content!

We introduced our ten recommended restaurant chains in Japan, where visitors can sample tasty cuisine at great prices.

When visiting here, do stop by one of these popular restaurants and enjoy a reasonably-priced, delicious meal.

Read also

Main image by Pixta

Written by

Mari

Tokyo, Japan

Editorial assistant at MATCHA since 2022. I'm from Tokyo, and I often go to parks on weekends to see nature and dogs.

Hobbies: Walking, coffee, art, movies, traveling

Favorite places: Shibuya, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Isshiki Beach, Aso in Kumamoto

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