As inbound tourism to Japan continues to surge, Japanese cuisine has once again become a major attraction. Japanese information website Netorabo recently released the results of its “Best Tonkatsu Chain” survey, with the long-established brand Tonkatsu Wako taking first place.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – As inbound tourism to Japan continues to grow, Japanese cuisine remains one of the biggest attractions for international travelers. Japanese information website Netorabo recently released the results of its “Best Tonkatsu Chain” survey, with veteran brand Tonkatsu Wako taking the top spot.
With more overseas visitors traveling to Japan, food experiences have become a key part of many itineraries alongside sightseeing and shopping. Among Japan’s popular dishes, tonkatsu—crispy breaded pork cutlets served with rich sauce—continues to enjoy strong popularity among both domestic and international consumers.
According to the survey, Tonkatsu Wako ranked first with 11.9% of the vote. Founded in 1958, Wako is known for its high-quality tonkatsu set meals. In addition to operating in department stores, train station complexes, shopping centers, and office buildings across Japan, the chain has expanded overseas to China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Coming in second with 9.5% of the vote was Katsuya, a chain known for offering affordable tonkatsu dishes and quick service. As of June 2026, Katsuya operates more than 500 locations nationwide. The company utilizes automated frying systems to maintain consistent quality and speed, while its pork cutlet rice bowls, chicken cutlet bowls, and set meals remain customer favorites.
Third place went to Tonkatsu Maisen, which received 9.4% of the vote. Maisen is famous for its exceptionally tender pork cutlets, often promoted as being soft enough to cut with chopsticks. Its signature Hire Katsu Sandwich has become a popular souvenir among travelers. Originally developed to provide a convenient meal for performers of the Takarazuka Revue during intermissions, the sandwich is now widely sold at train stations, airports, and department stores.
| 排名 | 品牌 | 得票率 |
|---|---|---|
 1 |
とんかつ和幸 | 11.9% |
 2 |
かつや | 9.5% |
 3 |
とんかつ まい泉 | 9.4% |
| 4 | とんかつ新宿さぼてん | 7.4% |
| 5 | 矢場とん | 7.1% |
| 6 | 松のや | 5.2% |
| 7 | 平田牧場 | 4.3% |
| 8 | とんかつ KYK | 4.2% |
| 9 | かつ庵 | 3.8% |
| 9 | とんかつ 神楽坂 さくら | 3.8% |
Results of Netorabo’s “Best Tonkatsu Chain” survey. (Chart via MERXWIRE)
When asked about the rankings, a man in his 40s from Tokyo said, “Wako offers consistently high quality and is great for family dining. But on workdays, I often choose Katsuya because it’s faster and more affordable.”
A Taiwanese traveler in her 30s said tonkatsu has become a must-eat dish whenever she visits Japan. “I almost always eat tonkatsu when I come to Japan. Maisen is my favorite because the meat is very tender, and the katsu sandwich is easy to take back to the hotel as a late-night snack.”
She added that compared with tonkatsu restaurants in Taiwan, Japanese establishments place greater emphasis on the quality of rice and shredded cabbage. “The overall set meal feels more complete and offers a uniquely Japanese dining experience,” she said.
Notably, the top three brands have expanded beyond Japan and now operate in overseas markets including China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Many have partnered with local restaurant groups to establish locations in major city centers and shopping malls, attracting both local customers and travelers familiar with the brands from their visits to Japan.
As Japanese food culture gains greater international recognition, tonkatsu is evolving from a traditional comfort food into one of the most recognizable symbols of Japan’s culinary identity.
According to the Consumer Aesthetics and Cultural Tourism Society Japan, the growing popularity of tonkatsu among international visitors reflects a broader shift from simple dining consumption to experience-driven food tourism.
The organization identifies three key factors behind tonkatsu’s appeal. First is its visual and sensory experience, including the crisp texture, cutting sound, and carefully arranged presentation. Second is what it calls Japan’s “understandable flavor structure”—the standardized combination of rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and pork cutlet, which helps overseas visitors easily understand and appreciate the meal. Third is the storytelling element behind the brands, such as Maisen’s theater-inspired sandwich or the craftsmanship emphasized by many tonkatsu chains.
The association further noted that as Japan’s restaurant industry recovers and inbound tourism continues to expand, competition among tonkatsu chains is increasingly based not only on price, but also on their ability to package food as a cultural experience. Turning a meal into part of the travel journey is expected to become a key factor in the international growth of Japanese restaurant brands.
Media Contacts:
Consumer Aesthetics and Cultural Tourism Society Japan
PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com
SOURCE: Consumer Aesthetics and Cultural Tourism Society Japan
