Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, tonkatsu—breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets—is one of Japan’s iconic dishes.
Across the country, specialty shops each put their own spin on this classic, and the deliciousness of tonkatsu has also gained attention overseas.
- Ueno: “Ponta Honke," a long-time establishment preserving traditional flavors
- Kichijōji: “Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu” serves up bold local flavors of Niigata
- Shinjuku: "Suzuya Shinjukuhonten" delivers an all-new way to enjoy tonkatsu as ochazuke
- Shibuya: "Ebiyama" serves up the ultimate evolution in katsudon
- Ueno: "Tonkyu Ueno" offers authentic tonkatsu right next to the station
- Roppongi: "Butagumi Shokudou" serves tonkatsu with luxurious, branded pork
- Asakusabashi: “Tonkatsu Aoki Asakusabashi” serves simple tonkatsu that really highlights seasonings
At first glance, tonkatsu may seem simple, but it comes in a wide variety of styles.
Different regions have developed their own approaches, with local serving methods, toppings, and ways of enjoying the dish adding to the experience.
A classic example is Niigata Prefecture’s tare katsu in which the pork cutlet is soaked in a sweet-and-savory sauce rather than having sauce poured on top. This method dramatically enhances the harmony between the cutlet and rice.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo and parts of Kansai, a simpler style using just salt has become popular. This approach allows the diner to taste the pork’s natural umami, making high-quality meat essential.
More recently, creative approaches have emerged, including tonkatsu served with broth over rice in an ochazuke style, or innovative katsudon (katsu rice bowls) dishes combining tonkatsu with other fried items.
From long-established classics to modern twists, tonkatsu has become a uniquely Japanese culinary experience that travelers can enjoy across the country.
Ueno: “Ponta Honke,” a long-time establishment preserving traditional flavors
Located in Ueno, Ponta Honke was founded in 1905.
Here, diners can taste “Cutlet,” (katsuretsu in Japanese) considered the prototype of modern tonkatsu. Remarkably, both the recipe and the preparation method have remained largely unchanged since the restaurant’s founding.
Cutlet à la carte at Ponta Honke
The pork used is carefully selected by the owner, regardless of brand or origin, ensuring only high-quality meat. Tradition dictates that all sinew and excess fat are removed, leaving only lean meat.
The Cutlet is fried slowly for over ten minutes, resulting in a crisp, light exterior while maintaining an incredible juiciness that bursts with umami in every bite.
The final touch is the secret Worcestershire sauce, passed down through generations and available at the table. Its mild acidity enhances the classic yet profound flavor.
During your Ueno sightseeing, make sure to experience over a century of culinary tradition at Ponta Honke.
| Store name | ぽん多本家 Ponta Honke |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-23-3 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 03-3831-2351 |
| Hours | Tue-Sat. & days before nat’l holidays 11:00-14:00（last order 13:45）, 16:30-20:20（last order 19:45） Sun. & nat’l holidays 11:00-14:00（last order 13:45）, 16:00-20:20（last order 19:45） |
| Closed | Monday Unscheduled holidays |
| Official website | https://r.gnavi.co.jp/g608200/ |
| Language support | Menus are available with Japanese and English language only |
Kichijōji: “Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu” serves up bold local flavors of Niigata
While the standard tonkatsu is thick-cut pork coated in breadcrumbs and fried, then topped with sauce, Niigata’s tare-katsudon is entirely different. Its unique appeal is rapidly gaining fans.
Double Layer Pork Katsu-don at Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu
At Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu in Kichijoji, thinly sliced pork cutlets are briefly dipped in a secret tare (sauce) and placed atop white rice.
The freshly fried cutlets absorb the sauce, leaving the coating slightly crisp while the meat remains tender. Even in thin slices, the pork’s flavor is concentrated, providing satisfying bites.
The signature sauce is made from organic soy sauce, sugar, and a special stock, with no additives. It is replenished daily, creating a perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness, and a depth of flavor that lingers long after the meal.
Equally important is the rice. Koshihikari rice from Niigata is cooked slightly firmer, allowing the sauce to soak in while maintaining the rice’s texture, making it a perfect match with the cutlet.
Though located in Tokyo, Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu allows diners to enjoy the authentic flavors of Niigata. The Kichijoji branch is ideal for a stop during a stroll in nearby Inokashira Park.
| Store name | 新潟カツ丼 タレカツ 吉祥寺北口店 Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu Kichijoji North Branch |
|---|---|
| Address | Shiraishi Building 1F–2F, 1-13-2 Kichijōji Honchō, Musashino-shi, Tokyo |
| Phone number | 0422-27-2790 |
| Hours | 11:00 AM–10:30 PM（last order 10:00 PM） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Official website | https://www.tarekatsu.jp/ |
| Language support | Menus are available with Japanese and English language only |
Shinjuku: “Suzuya Shinjukuhonten” delivers an all-new way to enjoy tonkatsu as ochazuke
The idea of tonkatsu with ochazuke—pouring hot tea over rice and tonkatsu—may sound surprising, but at “Suzuya Shinjukuhonten”, this unique dish has become a favorite.
Here, you can enjoy tonkatsu in a new way—finishing what might seem like a heavy dish with a refreshing ochazuke.
Tonkatsu Chazuke at Suzuya Shinjukuhonten
The restaurant’s signature “Tonkatsu Chazuke” is served sizzling on an iron plate, topped with a generous portion of shredded cabbage and nori seaweed.
Another highlight is being able to choose from four different sauces.
Options include the “Classic Soy Sauce,” the spicy “Karashi Soy Sauce,” the bold “Garlic Ginger Soy Sauce,” or the fiery “Tōgarashi Chili Pepper Soy Sauce”—all perfectly matched to tonkatsu.
(from left to right) Karashi Soy Sauce, Garlic Ginger Soy Sauce, Togarashi Chili Pepper Soy Sauce, Classic Soy Sauce
The way you eat it is just as unique.
Start by enjoying the tonkatsu on its own, then try it together with the cabbage and the nori seaweed.
When you’re down to about three slices, it’s time for the chazuke.
Place the tonkatsu and cabbage on top of the rice, pour the steaming hot tea over them, and it’s ready to enjoy.
The slightly bitter notes of the tea cut through the richness of the meat, transforming it into a refreshing yet juicy new kind of dish.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or want to finish on a light and refreshing note, this Tonkatsu Chazuke satisfies both cravings in one dish.
If you’d like to discover a new side to tonkatsu, this restaurant is a must-visit.
| Store name | すずや 新宿本店 Suzuya Shinjukuhonten |
|---|---|
| Address | SUZUYA Building 5F, 1-23-15 Kabukichō, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 03-3209-4480 |
| Hours | 11:00-23:00（last order 22:30） |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Official website | https://www.toncya-suzuya.co.jp/index.html |
| Language support | Menus are available with Japanese and English language only |
Shibuya: “Ebiyama” serves up the ultimate evolution in katsudon
One of the most visually striking dishes at “Ebiyama” is their signature “Ebiyama Special Bowl.”
True to its name, this bowl comes topped with four towering jumbo ebi furai (breaded and deep-fried shrimp) and a generous portion of tonkatsu, stacked high like a mountain. Needless to say, the lid doesn’t come close to closing.
Ebiyama Special Bowl at Ebiyama
The fried shrimp are coated in fresh breadcrumbs, giving them a crisp exterior and a plump, juicy bite. This contrast in textures makes them surprisingly light and enjoyable, despite their impressive size.
The tonkatsu, meanwhile, is juicy and flavorful, with pork fat gently seeping into the meat—a dish worthy of being the star on its own.
Adding the final flourish is a perfectly soft-boiled egg, melting into the bowl with irresistible richness.
The key lies in a thoughtful step: before pouring the beaten egg into the pan, coarsely ground black pepper is lightly fried in oil to release its aroma. This ensures every bite carries a rich, fragrant flavor.
As you keep eating, you’ll eventually reach what can only be described as the bowl’s hidden treasure.
At the very bottom awaits a layer of rice soaked with savory sauce, infused with the concentrated flavors of the tonkatsu and fried shrimp—a true moment of savory bliss.
The sweet and savory flavors meld with the richness of pork fat, delivering such deep satisfaction it almost feels indulgent.
With its sheer volume, bold taste, enticing aroma, and dynamic textures, the Ebiyama Special Bowl stands as a true icon of the next-generation of katsudon.
If you’re in Shibuya and craving a hearty meal, this is one challenging bowl of katsu worth taking on.
| Store name | 海老山 Ebiyama |
|---|---|
| Address | Dai-Ni Ikeda Building 1F, 2-23-6 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 03-6427-6092 |
| Hours | 11:00-15:00, 17:00-20:00 |
| Closed | New Year’s holidays |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/ebiyama_2022/ |
| Language support | Menus are available with Japanese and English language only; ticket vending machine with Japanese and English language |
Ueno: “Tonkyu Ueno” offers authentic tonkatsu right next to the station
For travelers looking to enjoy high-quality tonkatsu in the city with ease, “Tonkyu Ueno” in the atre Ueno shopping complex, directly connected to JR Ueno Station, is ideal.
Not only is it conveniently located, but it also offers high-quality tonkatsu at reasonable prices—earning support from a wide range of diners, from tourists to businesspeople.
Pork loin cutlet set meal (Kurobuta) 120 g (4.2 oz) at Tonkyu Ueno
One of the biggest highlights of the restaurant is that diners can choose between two types of premium pork for their cutlet.
The first option is Daiginjō, known for its exquisite balance of savory lean meat and the natural sweetness of its fat. The second is the highly prized Kurobuta (black pork), a rare heritage breed with limited production worldwide.
Among the two, the recommended choice is the Kurobuta. Its tender texture, rich umami, and subtle sweetness set it apart from ordinary pork.
An assortment of condiments
Another highlight that enhances the flavor of the meat is the wide selection of seasonings.
With the tonkatsu set meal, a fragrant golden sesame is served in a small mortar, allowing you to grind it yourself to taste.
This pairs beautifully with the house-made sauce, a tomato-based blend of vegetables and fruits. Its fruity, mild acidity adds a mellow depth that elevates the tonkatsu.
On the table, you’ll also find rock salt and mustard, letting you enjoy a variety of flavor profiles from a single plate. Each diner can savor tonkatsu in their own style.
With direct station access, exceptional quality, and a depth of flavor, Tonkatsu Tonkyu truly stands out.
And with prices this reasonable, there’s no reason not to stop by!
| Store name | とん久 上野 Tonkyu Ueno |
|---|---|
| Address | atré Ueno EAST 2F, 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 03-5826-5778 |
| Hours | 11:00-22:30（last order 21:30） |
| Closed | No holidays excluding atré Ueno holidays |
| Official website | https://kichiri.jp/tonkyu/ |
| Language support | Menus are available with Japanese, English, and Chinese language only |
Roppongi: “Butagumi Shokudou” serves tonkatsu with luxurious, branded pork
With a mission to serve the “ultimate tonkatsu,” “Butagumi Shokudou” in Roppongi is a renowned spot that explores the full potential of pork.
Here, the restaurant sources branded pork from different regions of Japan, which changes daily—so each visit offers a new and unique tasting experience.
The menu is divided into three tiers: “Standard,” “Premium,” or “Super Premium” (“Special” in Japanese), each featuring several varieties of branded pork.
The Premium tier is especially popular, allowing diners to select not only the pork brand but also the specific cut.
Each tonkatsu is made with thick cuts of pork, coated in coarse breadcrumbs, then fried in a special blend of sesame oil and other oils for about ten minutes with meticulous care.
After frying, the cutlets are left to cook gently in residual heat, locking in the pork’s savory flavor and natural juices.
With precise temperature control, the result is a cutlet that is crisp and light on the outside, yet moist and tender within—an exquisite balance.
Tonkatsu at Butagumi Shokudou
To help guests fully enjoy their carefully crafted tonkatsu, Butagumi Shokudo introduces its three golden rules of dining.
First, try it plain. Take a piece with the cut side facing up, and you’ll taste the pure flavor of the pork itself.
Next, sprinkle on some of the rock salt provided at the table. Its natural sweetness and richness really bring out the pork’s depth of flavor.
Finally, dip each bite lightly into the restaurant’s original sauce, served in a small dish. This way, you can savor the sauce without losing the crisp texture of the coating.
And don’t underestimate the restaurant’s original sauce.
Carefully crafted with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, it complements the tonkatsu perfectly without overpowering the star of the dish.
At Butagumi Shokudou, you can take in a luxurious experience tasting brand-name pork from all across Japan. The restaurant is introducing a new culture of enjoying tonkatsu through side-by-side comparisons.
At Butagumi Shokudou, you can take in a luxurious experience tasting brand-name pork from all across Japan. The restaurant is introducing a new culture of enjoying tonkatsu through side-by-side comparisons.
If you’re in Roppongi and in the mood for a slightly indulgent lunch or dinner, this is a spot worth visiting.
| Store name |
とんかつ 豚組食堂 Butagumi Shokudou |
|---|---|
| Address |
Metro Hat / Hollywood Plaza, Roppongi Hills B2F, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 03-3408-6751 |
| Hours | 11:00-16:00（last order 15:15）, 17:30-22:00（last order 21:30） |
| Closed | No holidays excluding Roppongi Hills holidays |
| Official website | https://www.butagumi.com/shokudo/index.html |
| Language support | Menus are available with Japanese and English language only |
Asakusabashi: “Tonkatsu Aoki Asakusabashi” serves simple tonkatsu that really highlights seasonings
About a 10-minute walk from Akihabara Station, “Tonkatsu Aoki Asakusabashi” is a renowned spot among tonkatsu enthusiasts, known as a prime destination for enjoying tonkatsu with just salt.
Every dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from the choice of pork and seasonings to the frying oil.
Top Loin Katsu Set at Tonkatsu Aoki Asakusabashi
The pork used is Hayashi SPF Pork, prized for its perfect balance of sweet fat and savory lean meat. To bring out the full flavor of this high-quality pork, the frying oil is 100% pure Japanese lard.
Using pure lard enhances the pork’s richness while keeping the dish light and not overly greasy.
The breading is made from coarse fresh breadcrumbs, giving each bite a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
The freshly fried tonkatsu comes out crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. With thick cuts, each serving is highly satisfying.
The standout feature of this restaurant is its signature style: enjoying tonkatsu simply with salt.
“ナマック岩塩,” Kala Namak Rock Salt (left)”ヒマラヤピンク,” Himalayan Pink (middle) “ヒマラヤホワイト,” Himalayan White (right)
Classic sauces and karashi (spicy Japanese mustard) are also available, but the must-try is the restaurant’s recommended “Kala Namak Rock Salt.”
It has a mild richness with a unique aroma reminiscent of boiled eggs, perfectly enhancing the sweetness and savory flavor of the pork.
At Tonkatsu Aoki Asakusabashi, you can experience the surprising depth of flavor that comes from enjoying the tonkatsu simply with salt, without relying on sauce.
| Store name | とんかつ檍 浅草橋店 Tonkatsu Aoki Asakusabashi |
|---|---|
| Address | CS Tower Building 107, 5-20-8 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 03-5820-1011 |
| Hours | Tues-Sat 11:0015:00, 17:00-20:00 Sun. 11:00-15:00 |
| Closed | Monday |
| Official website | https://tonkatsu-aoki.com/ |
| Language support | A ticket vending machine system is available with Japanese language only; English menus are available separately |
“Tonkatsu” may be just one word, but the ways to enjoy it vary greatly from restaurant to restaurant
From the classic style with sauce, to the simple salt-seasoned version, and even creative dishes like ochazuke or specialty rice bowls, Japanese tonkatsu continues to evolve with unique twists.
Exploring these restaurants in one day may not even be enough to fully enjoy them all!
※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of September 2025.
