Best Dishes at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama
Hire Katsu Sandwich
TonkatsuMaisen's signature sandwich featuring two slices of tender tonkatsu between bread. The pork is cooked to remain juicy inside while maintaining a golden, crispy exterior. Reviewers note it cuts with chopsticks, a hallmark of Maisen's technique. A handheld version of their most famous dish.
Kurobuta Hire (Black Pork Fillet) Set
TonkatsuThe signature 130g Kurobuta hire katsu at Maisen's most famous price point. The meat is so tender it cuts with chopsticks rather than requiring a knife. Comes with a bowl of rice, fresh cabbage salad, pickles, and miso soup. Kurobuta is a premium black pork breed that Maisen raises specifically. The fillet is the leanest, most delicate cut.
Kurobuta Katsudon (Rice Bowl)
TonkatsuA more casual way to enjoy Maisen's tonkatsu. The breaded cutlet is served directly over a bowl of rice, creating a quick but high-quality meal. The meat remains just as tender and juicy as the set version. At around 1,630 yen, it's one of the best values in Harajuku.
Aoyama Saika Variety Bento
TonkatsuA sampler-style bento box showcasing different tonkatsu cuts and complementary sides. Allows you to experience different pork preparations in a single meal. Priced at 2,550 yen, it offers good value for the variety.
About Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama
Maisen opened in 1965 and the flagship Aoyama branch occupies a converted bathhouse, reopened in 1983 with soaring Showa-era beamed ceilings. Famous for pork cutlets so tender and juicy they cut with chopsticks rather than knives. The menu features Kurobuta (black pork), a premium breed bred with the company's own feed. The spacious main dining room with antique Eames chairs creates a distinctive atmosphere unlike typical Tokyo restaurants.
Top 4 dishes at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama:
- Hire Katsu Sandwich – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Kurobuta Hire (Black Pork Fillet) Set – 95% recommended(Signature)
- Kurobuta Katsudon (Rice Bowl) – 88% recommended
- Aoyama Saika Variety Bento
Details
- Cuisine:
- Tonkatsu
- Price Range:
- ¥¥
- Phone:
- +81 50-3188-5802
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Lunch, Dinner
Hours
- Friday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Monday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Tuesday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Wednesday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Kurobuta hire katsu set at 3,100 yen is the classic order — meat so tender it cuts with chopsticks. Ask them to fry it to your preferred doneness if you have a preference.
Located 3 minutes from Omotesando Station (Chiyoda/Ginza/Hanzomon lines exit A2). The building is a converted public bathhouse from 1978 with soaring Showa-era beamed ceilings and antique Eames chairs. The atmosphere is as memorable as the food.
The katsudon rice bowl at 1,630 yen is excellent value if you're watching budget. Same quality pork, just a more casual presentation. Open 11am-10:30pm every day, but expect crowds especially at lunch.
Opened in 1965 and became Tokyo's most famous tonkatsu spot. The Aoyama main branch is housed in a former bathhouse — that's where the Kurobuta magic happens. Multiple branches exist but the Aoyama original is where to go.
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