Kurobuta Pork: Features, Popular Dishes, and 8 Famous Restaurants

Kurobuta: Tender and Flavorful Japanese Pork

Japan boasts a variety of local gourmet foods, and one of the recommended delicacies is Kurobuta.

Kurobuta refers to Japanese brand pork, known for its tenderness and rich flavor, making it extremely popular.

This article highlights typical dishes made with Kurobuta and introduces recommended restaurants in the Kagoshima, Tokyo, and Osaka areas where you can savor this delicious pork.

Kurobuta Cuisine in Japan

What is Kurobuta?
Popular Kurobuta Dishes
3 Restaurants in Kagoshima for Kurobuta Cuisine
3 Restaurants in Tokyo for Kurobuta Cuisine
2 Restaurants in Osaka for Kurobuta Cuisine

What Is Kurobuta?

Kurobuta refers to a breed of pig known as Berkshire. The Berkshire breed was introduced to Japan during the Meiji era, and it is called Kurobuta because it is black except for its snout, feet, and tail tip.

The reason Kurobuta is special is that it produces fewer piglets than other breeds and grows more slowly. Kurobuta has fine, tender meat fibers and less gamey taste, making it delicious to enjoy. In Japan, "Kagoshima Kurobuta," raised in the rich nature of Kagoshima, is particularly famous.

Popular Kurobuta Dishes

Kurobuta is used in a variety of dishes, just like regular pork. Here are some recommended Kurobuta dishes.

Tonkatsu

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Among the various Kurobuta dishes, one of the most popular is "tonkatsu," which features thick cuts of pork coated in a light batter and deep-fried.

You can enjoy both the crispy coating and the juicy pork, fully savoring the rich flavor of Kurobuta. There are many specialty shops that focus exclusively on Kurobuta tonkatsu.

Shabu-Shabu

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If you want to enjoy the true flavor of Kurobuta, shabu-shabu is also recommended.

Thinly sliced belly or loin meat is briefly dipped in broth before eating. This simple cooking method enhances the natural taste of the ingredients, making Kurobuta's deliciousness stand out, which is why it is so popular.

The way it is served can vary by restaurant, such as dipping it in raw egg or drizzling a sauce over it, adding to the enjoyment of the meal.

Braised Pork Belly (Kakuni)

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Braised pork belly (kakuni) made with Kurobuta belly is also popular. The tender, juicy Kurobuta falls apart in your mouth, releasing its rich flavor.

In Kagoshima, bone-in rib meat is typically used.

The True Taste! 3 Restaurants in Kagoshima to Enjoy Kurobuta Cuisine

If you want to experience Kurobuta at its best, Kagoshima Prefecture is highly recommended. Here are some recommended restaurants where you can savor Kurobuta in this renowned area.

1. Kurobuta Ryori Ajimori: Kurobuta Croquettes and Shigure-ni

Picture courtesy of Hot Pepper Gourmet

At Kurobuta Ryori Ajimori, Kurobuta dishes are served, featuring tonkatsu and Kurobuta shabu-shabu for lunch, and a special Kurobuta shabu-shabu course for dinner.

The restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including table seats, Western-style private rooms, Japanese-style private rooms, and banquet halls, making it suitable for various occasions. Takeout is also available for dishes like Kurobuta shigure-ni and Kurobuta croquettes.

Kurobuta Ryori Ajimori
Address: 13-21 Sennichicho, Kagoshima City
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Closed: Wednesday
Official Website: https://adimori.com/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000113902/

2. Kurobuta Hyakukan: Roasted Pork You Must Try

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Kurobuta Hyakukan is a Satsuma cuisine restaurant that serves Kurobuta dishes as well as fish dishes delivered fresh from the market.

In addition to roasted pork, they offer a menu featuring Kurobuta shabu salad and Kurobuta loin cutlet, among other dishes.

The spacious interior includes table seats, counter seating, and sunken kotatsu seating, creating a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind.

Kurobuta Hyakukan
Address: 2-20-9 Nishida, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM / 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Official Website: https://juraku.me/restaurant/hyakkan/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000833487/

3. Juan Arata Branch: Kurobuta and Carefully Selected Ingredients

Juan Arata Branch is a specialty restaurant that focuses on the Rokuhaku Kurobuta pork from Watanabe Berkshire Farm.

They offer a variety of Kurobuta dishes, including shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and tonkatsu. The interior features a tea-based design, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Juan Arata Branch
Address: 1-62-13 Arata, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM / Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Official Website: https://www.jf-group.co.jp/brand/juan/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000592804/

3 Restaurants in Tokyo to Enjoy Kurobuta Cuisine: Tonkatsu, Shabu-Shabu, and More

In the bustling city of Tokyo, there are many dining establishments offering Kurobuta dishes such as tonkatsu and shabu-shabu. Here are three recommended restaurants among them.

1. Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi: Outstanding Taste and Atmosphere

Located in Shinbashi, Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi is a specialty restaurant that opened in 2021, focusing on Kurobuta tonkatsu.

You can enjoy a variety of Kurobuta tonkatsu, including Abel Kurobuta and Camellia Kurobuta from Izu Oshima.

With only four counter seats and two tables for four, it's a small restaurant, so it's recommended to make a reservation before you go.

Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi
Address: B1F Le Gracier BLDG. 13, 3-8-5 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:10 AM – 3:00 PM / Evening hours vary
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonkatsu_horiichi/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ003645380/

2. Ichiniisan Ginza Branch: Popular for Kurobuta Shabu-Shabu

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Ichiniisan Ginza Branch is a specialty restaurant in Tokyo that focuses on Kagoshima Kurobuta. You can enjoy a variety of Kurobuta dishes, including the original soba dipping sauce-style Kurobuta shabu-shabu, steamed shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki.

They also offer Okinawa's Agu Kurobuta. Located within the historic shopping mall Ginza Inz, it’s a convenient stop while shopping.

Ichiniisan Ginza Branch
Address: B1F Ginza Inz, 3-1 Ginza Nishi, Chuo City, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Lunch until 3:30 PM)
Closed: New Year’s Day
Official Website: https://ichiniisan.jp/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000865353/

3. Kurobuta Shabu-Shabu Shimazu: Specialty Restaurant with Private Rooms

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Located in Shinjuku, Kurobuta Shabu-Shabu Shimazu is a specialty restaurant that offers completely private rooms for Kurobuta shabu-shabu.

You can enjoy generously selected Kurobuta and branded beef shabu-shabu. The high-quality Kurobuta shabu-shabu is characterized by being served with a secret soba dipping sauce.

There are also all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink courses, making it perfect for parties. Private rooms can be reserved for as few as two people.

Kurobuta Shabu-Shabu Shimazu
Address: B1F Ando Building, 4-3-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Last Order 10:30 PM)
Official Website: https://g454101.gorp.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1593130167382015/

2 Restaurants in Osaka to Enjoy Kurobuta Cuisine

In the food capital of Osaka, you can also find restaurants where you can savor Kurobuta. While enjoying Osaka's local cuisine, make sure to visit the places that offer Kurobuta dishes as well.

1. Karen Osaka Shinsaibashi Branch: A Diverse Menu

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Karen Osaka Shinsaibashi Branch is a directly managed restaurant by JA Kagoshima Economic Federation. It is popular for its Kurobuta shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and steamed dishes.

In addition, you can enjoy a variety of menus featuring Kagoshima Kurobuta steaks and cutlets.

Karen Osaka Shinsaibashi Branch
Address: B1F Prime Square Shinsaibashi, 2-7-18 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo City, Osaka
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order 2:00 PM) / 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Last Order 10:00 PM)
Closed: Third Sunday of each month, New Year’s holidays
Official Website: https://www.karen-ja.or.jp/karen/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000704386/

2. Bunbi Fukushima Branch: Exquisite Brand Pork

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Bunbi Fukushima Branch is a pork specialty restaurant offering carefully selected pork by certified pork sommeliers. You can enjoy delicious brand pork from across Japan, including Kurobuta.

They have more than ten types of brand pork available at all times, and you can compare different varieties with the "Tasting Pork Set."

One of their signature dishes, samgyeopsal, is grilled well to render out the fat, allowing you to savor the lighter flavor of the pork.

Bunbi Fukushima Branch
Address: 5-14-8 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka City, Osaka
Business Hours: Monday to Saturday 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Last Order 2:30 AM) / Sunday and Holidays 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Last Order 11:30 PM)
Official Website: https://www.ton-bi.jp/files/food.html
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ001208078/

Enjoy Authentic Kurobuta Cuisine in Japan

Kurobuta is a specialty of Kagoshima Prefecture, so if you visit Kagoshima, be sure to taste the authentic Kurobuta dishes. Additionally, there are many restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka where you can enjoy Kurobuta.

Please refer to the information covered in this article and order some delicious Kurobuta dishes during your visit!