Japanese Food Tours : 10 AMAZING Tokyo Restaurant Chains You MUST TRY!

Japanese Food Tour : 10 BEST TOKYO Restaurant Chains You MUST TRY in 2023!
Japan is famous for all of its great food and unique spots to check out. BUT, one of the most overlooked gems to check out in Japan are none other than their amazing chain restaurants! There is a reason these places have become chains, boasting amazing food choices for very reasonable prices. Today, we will be going over some of Japan's BEST chain restaurants that you will find in Tokyo ! I hope you find this interesting and check some of these out while you visit Japan!
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1) Tokyo Japan
2) Best Chain Restaurants In Tokyo
3) Japan Travel
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#japan #japanvlog #tokyo #japantravel #japan2022 #tourism #japanopen #japanopen2022
0:00 - 0:45 Intro
0:45 - 2:09 #10 Tonkatsu Wako
2:09 - 3:07 #9 Hanamaru Udon
3:07 - 4:53 #8 Ippudo
4:53 - 6:12 #7 On Yasai
6:12 - 7:42 #6 Sushi Zanmai
7:42 - 8:47 #5 Nana's Green Tea
8:47 - 9:50 #4 Ootoya
9:50 - 10:59 Tokyo's 3rd Best Chain
10:59 - 12:30 Tokyo's 2nd Best Chain
12:30 - 13:40 Honorable Mention
13:30 - 15:47 Tokyo's BEST Chain!

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

Nice informative vlog!

[@Death_Bounty]

You have me so amped up I cannot wait till May awesome video!!!

[@harblife]

I can't wait for you to make it out here! Hope you can find time to meet up!

[@swissfoodie3542]

Thanks a lot for another amazing video ! Of the places you mention, I have only been to Ippudo (which I find amazing), the Sushi place (also great) and CoCo (I have to admit that I am not a big fan, because I dont really care for japanese curries, but luckily tastes are different). Keep up the great work !

[@harblife]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video! Hahaha I don't blame you with Coco's curry. It's pretty hit or miss depending on the person. But yes you should try the rest of them! You won't regret it!

[@poupou5833]

Great video

[@glayher]

We landed in Tokyo yesterday. This is perfectly timed for us. Thanks for your videos they have been a huge part of our planning process.

[@harblife]

I am so glad it has helped you out! Let me know what spots you decided to try out!

[@roderickburns5151]

This video was presented with awesome content. God Bless!!!!

[@FollowTheSunAustralia]

Great compilation Alex and Matilde , Yakiniku Like would be perfect for me as I usually go solo , I really like to cook it myself 😊

[@harblife]

Yes Yakiniku like is great for its flexbility and solo traveler friendly vibes!

[@unebonnevie]

A great udon place! Excellent video of variety of food! Love the sushi place!

[@harblife]

Thanks for the great comment! I hope you find more great places in Tokyo as well! Let me know if you do!

[@magn2924]

Great video 🍣🍱 !

[@harblife]

Thank you!!!

[@drlink7691]

first like and comment so awsome ...keep up the good videos coming

[@harblife]

Thanks Dr.Link! Always a fan of your great support, and hope you come back to visit soon!

[@marsfuture]

Great video, thanks! :) I'll try all of them from next week onwards! :-P

[@harblife]

Great comment thank you! Let me know what your favorite spot is!

[@EmceeRelentless]

CoCos is forever in my heart even from 9 years ago. Great video! Can’t wait to try it again a few weeks from now

[@harblife]

Yes CoCo's is LIFE! You'll be reunited soon!

[@JavaPROx]

YESSSSSSSS!! ❤

[@harblife]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@f3rraztv755]

Great List! Best bars & clubs would be perfect tooo!

[@harblife]

Oh I have some ideas in mind for that video soon ;)

[@f3rraztv755]

@@harblife it must be soon because im going to Japan in May hehe

[@vickz2985]

nice video : D

[@harblife]

Nice comment! Thank you!

[@lyta6626]

I lived in Japan, and chain food is the best. So cheap and quick. It is almost like fast food but way healthier. In my area, there is different restaurant from your recommend. My fav is Karayama. So good.

[@harblife]

Totally agree with you! I actually haven't had Karayama. I'll have to look into it!

[@bennykoh]

Hi Harb, been in tokyo for 5 days now. but most of my time was spent on the go to different cherry blossom places and eating takeaway food. i have tried ootoya and coco but not the rest. i will be in ikebukuro and shibuya tomorrow so hope i can find one of the other chains to have my meals in.

[@harblife]

I hope you found some great chain restaurants while in those areas! Let me know what you enjoyed there!

[@ronetteskiestante4064]

Cool! Just in time while I'm still in Tokyo!:)

[@harblife]

Excellent! Let me know what you tried out!

[@ronetteskiestante4064]

@@harblife Ichiran ? 😅😂..they were the closest to where I was staying. Coco is cool as well..I'll try the rest on my next trip😄

[@islandboy0707]

Great video. Harb what is the song playing during #8 Ippudo?

[@harblife]

Thanks! I think it's Randy Sharp - Clean Cut.

[@japanesewithkanako]

I love all of these restaurants! I'm Japanese and living in Canada and watching this is like torture for me lol😂

[@harblife]

I am sorry! Hope you can return one day for some nice chain foods!

[@SkosiKuma]

I miss CoCo’s so much, I’m heading straight there when I get to Okinawa in a few months and buying a ton of their pre-packaged curry sauces

[@harblife]

Coco's = life. I am glad you agree with me on this one!

[@shpeen8835]

I know it's more a Nagoya chain, but Tokyo has many Yamachan restaurants where they have the best chicken wings in the world: Tebasaki. In North America you can get every flavor of wings imaginable but I've never seen tebasaki wings done correctly here. Worth a video, HarbLife

[@harblife]

I'll take a look into this place. Thanks for the tip! :)

[@__greg__]

CoCos is def my comfort food whenever visiting 🍛

[@harblife]

Yessss I FULLY agree with you! IT IS my comfort food as well hahaha. Maybe I'll eat it for lunch tomorrow who knows!

[@danielletilliepoledance]

I WANT ALL OF THESE OH MY GOD 🤤

[@harblife]

They are all soo good! Guess you'll just have to try them all!

[@AM-nm1oe]

Awesome list I'm going to go to 8 out of 10

[@harblife]

Good to hear! MUCH better than Ichiran! hahaha

[@j-vlog002]

Gyu Kaku!!!!! HELL YEA!!!! You forgot to mention that they use actual charcoal.

[@harblife]

Yesssss man! You know it! Actually some I have been to are gas powered! But maybe I am just too blind by hunger to notice lmao!

[@donaldlewis567]

CoCo Curry is one of our must go-to places when we land in Tokyo the first night - it is a great simple comforting meal to hep get over jet lag. Love it there. I made the mistake of thinking I could handle level 5 spice the first time - learned my mistake! Now I order level 2 :) How do those eat levels 6-10? My other favorite place to go to is Mos Burger for a comforting bowl of corn potage soup - so good there. Love Japan so much. Won't be back for 9 more months - ugh!!

[@harblife]

I couldn't agree more! I am with you though -- I can only eat lvl 3 comfortably right now. Anything higher is just straight pain lol. I hope you have a fun time here!

[@squall1822]

The second time me and my girlfriend were in Japan we went back to CoCo almost immediately. This was probably our fifth time at a CoCo so I thought I knew enough. I enjoyed hotsauces at the time that were around 1million Scoville which is weak in the world of spicy sauces. I ordered a 10 level spicy, the girl working taking the order held up both hands with fingers and thumbs and said 10? I said yes. My girlfriend ordered a 3. Two bites into my curry, I was sweating. She asked if I was ok and luckily we had the water jug at our table. I adjusted a couple bites in to the heat. Then when I was half way through the curry my eyes had started watering, I was basically entering a crying phase at this point. I finished basically the entire water jug. At this point I was profusely sweating, and it was starting to show on my shirt. My girlfriend said her level 3 was too spicy, and I told her I was crying because I felt like I was meeting my maker! Haha we laughed about it all the time when we are there, I often wonder if they actually give me the full 10 as a foreigner. Either way, I learned a painful and delicious lesson that day!!!

[@IanTaylorTravels]

I’ve eaten at Coco’s almost every day while I’ve been in Japan. I saw in Osaka that they did a level 20 spicy which is crazy. I’m not sure if this is at every restaurant as I don’t think I saw it after I left Osaka. Anyway, I started at five, now at six and by the time I leave I’ll be at seven I think. Still have to blow my nose every other minute, but I love it!

[@christinefoulkes3582]

Hi, can you recommend a quality restaurant in the area around the Hotel Southern Century in Shinjuku. My Japanese is limited so english menu would be good. I’ve watched several of your videos but our friends are in Japan for the first time so I would like a good venue. Not michelin star but good Japanese food.

[@harblife]

Really just any of the spots I mentioned in the video. They are all walking distance from Shinjuku Station. You could check out Shin Okubo which also has a ton of options!

[@Vin_Dre]

We love Nanas!

[@harblife]

It's so good!!

[@fishingphill]

Great vid. Can I ask a simple question. When you go to these restaurants do you wait at the door until you're down to a table or do you just walk in and go to a table? Cheers 👍🇦🇺🇦🇺 by the way, I loved having Hotto motto last time we were there.

[@RoarShikana]

I was in Japan two weeks ago (I miss it already) and everywhere I went it was wait by the door for the staff to show you to a seat

[@roro2k]

Most places they'll seat you, especially if it's the lunch or dinner rush. Some places will allow to sit wherever you want.

[@fishingphill]

Thanks for the info, 6 days to go 👍🇦🇺🎉

[@harblife]

Some you go and wait to be seated. Others, you can just walk in. It depends, but you will easily find out which one it is when you get to the entrance!

[@southcoastinventors6583]

I have often said myself man I wish more places had all you can eat cabbage because not only do you get the crunch but also the bland taste of cellulose fiber. Serious question do those spicy levels at CoCo actually mean anything or is more like mild to spicy ketchup level ? Great restaurant recommendations as usually.

[@AM-nm1oe]

At coco it's literally a multiple of the chili paste spicy that they put in so 2 is 2x, 3 is 3x etc. 2 was too much for me

[@harblife]

the spice levels definitely have meaning. you can get all the way to level 10, but 10 is like you're eating lava... so be careful! haha

[@Syrilian]

So Gyu Gaku has restaurants in the U.S. as well. I used to eat there all the time for lunch in Dallas. I recognized the name and was like "wait a minute"

[@harblife]

Yes I have heard it's in the states too, but it isn't the same. I think it's much more expensive in America from what I've heard

[@Syrilian]

@@harblife very much so. I think I saw the all you can eat around $30 in Japan. In the states, it's around $100

[@Peso255]

Should call this video "Top 10 Reasons to Skip Ichiran" 😂

[@Justinjale]

I passed by one, saw the line, then happily ate at another ramen place with no wait and a signature style

[@roro2k]

Right?! Quite possibly the most overrated and over-hyped ever.

[@bluearmy7690]

100%

[@harblife]

Truuuthhhhh. Peso speaks the truth!

[@sisterblissuk9253]

That chonky psyduck on your windowsill ❤

[@harblife]

Hahaha Yess! That is actually Mathilde's ! She is a BIG Psyduck fan!

[@AyaV18]

Holy crap, some of these were shocking, like the 2 hour all you can eat buffet place. One of those meals alone could feed me and 2 other friends easily.

[@harblife]

Hahahaha yes they are amazing though! Really good spots to just starve yourself for and gorge on! lol!

[@morpholochic8167]

Are you Guatemalan, how long have you been living in japan? I am planning to visit Japan in 2024, so I am desperately trying to do as much research as I can.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

i tried coco in kyoto and it was so much cartilage in the meal i had so much trouble eating it xD for all i know i ordered something wrong but for now i have major concerns gonig back there

[@harblife]

Just get the cutlets and you'll be fine. I hate cartilage as well, so you must have ordered something weird lol!

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

@@harblife Dont think CoCo really have any "weird" pieces, think i just was unlucky with the cut, though to be fair, they do love cartilage in Asia in general xD

[@embracethejuander5033]

Hello. Cam you recommend great restaurants for a party of 8?

[@roro2k]

It's best to call ahead any place to see if they can accommodate large groups.

[@harblife]

Party of 8 is pretty big. You will have a hard time finding a spot that can accommodate that amount of people without having to wait for a long time.

[@embracethejuander5033]

@@harblife ah ok, thank you

[@epicsage16]

It was a mistake for me to watch this video while hungry lol

[@harblife]

Sorry. I really like food hahaha :(

[@epicsage16]

@@harblife Same, it’s one of the things I’m most excited about for going to Japan.

[@bubbythebrow153]

Gyu-Kaku here in the states is ridiculously priced

[@spun_01]

You could make this a 5 part series if you wanted to. Yayoiken. Saizeriya. Bikkuri Donkey. Gindaco. Matsuya gyudon and tonkatsu. The options over there for quick and easy dining are incredible.

[@roro2k]

I absolutely love Yayoiken! It was my go-to on my last trip.

[@harblife]

Good idea. Maybe I could do another fast food video hmmm....

[@Justinjale]

To anyone looking for more even more chains, I also like Yoshinoya and Tenya.

[@harblife]

Yep! Maybe I'll make another chain video if this one does well enough hmmmm

[@1peruvianguy]

🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@harblife]

Yeeeeeet

[@MrNgMichael]

I hate that we have some of the chain locations here in California, but they're subpar vs the Japanese ones. Yoshinoya - Menu is way different and not as tasty as the Japanese ones. Coco Ichibanya - Menu selection is only half the selections and not as tasty as the Japanese ones. Gyu Kaku - A lot more expensive, menu isn't as big. Ippudo - Expensive + broth isn't as rich. Marugame Seimen/Marugame Udon is the only chain that I've had that's comparable. They actually import Japanese wheat flour to make their udon. I guess price is the main difference.

[@harblife]

I know what you mean. I have tried them in Cali, and they are not nearly as good. The Coco's in San Diego was VERY below average in my opinion. Hopefully they can nail it down, but I am not holding my breath haha.

[@bluearmy7690]

Nice but feel hungry now

[@harblife]

I am sorry! Hope you found some good food after watching this!

[@bluearmy7690]

Thank you so much for this video! Every single one was good food.

[@subzippo]

Helpful information, but its hard to hear over the blaring background music.

[@harblife]

Sorry! I'll try to tone the music down a bit in the future. Thanks for the feedback!

[@mr62020]

no hate but i think your bg music is too loud :( i cant hear you much

[@harblife]

Sorry ! I turned it up a little too loud for this video I think. I have turned down the music in future videos though 👌. Hope it isn't too distracting !

[@roquejo]

I am regular at Sushi Zanmai, I just ordered Otoro and Kama Toro in Sushi Zanmai last April 4 and nothing else, taking advantage of the weak yen. Ippudo and Coco Ichibanya are two restaurants I eat regularly here back home outside Japan as they have several branches here as these 2 are my long time favorites here... For objective reasons, Ichiran has to be featured or even mentioned, even if it is not in the top of your list, as it is the biggest ramen chain in Japan, and there is a reason why they are.. And those who like their ramen spicy, are fans of Ichiran as they are known for their chili pepper...and because their ramen is light.. it is what many local Japanese eat very late at night after a drinking session at Izekayas as most are open for 24 hours just like Sushi Zanmai.. Ippudo and other ramen chains are just too heavy and rich to be eaten late at night. Even at 11pm, I still have to wait in line and the place is full of local Japanese diners.

[@harblife]

Sushi Zanmai is Mathilde's favorite lol. We go there at least once a week.

[@masterterrorman]

How wrong you are Tenkaippin is the biggest ramen chain in Japan having over 30 stores in the country.

[@roquejo]

@@masterterrorman pretending to be smart? Ichiran has over 80 branches worldwide, in Japan alone, it has more than 65 stores... next time do your research first

[@masterterrorman]

@@roquejo "as it is the biggest ramen chain in Japan" In would imply specifically in Japan so try that again

[@masterterrorman]

@@roquejo Lol that edit still doesnt make it bigger there are 233 tenkaippin stores worldwide

[@xddesho]

bro I know this is a karen comment but try to add the locations in your info or more section ^_^

[@MrNgMichael]

These are chain restaurants, so there are numerous ones around Japanese Metro areas. It's like asking for the location of an Applebees, which doesn't really matter.

[@harblife]

What the other commenter said, there are ton of locations, so it wouldn't be useful for me to post them all. Just type in the name and you will find a lot of them!

[@xddesho]

ahh sou kaaa.. got you guys

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Gawd that loud background music is HORRIBLY annoying ! 🔥😠

[@harblife]

Sorry 🥺