If You're Lost, Just Eat This – 10 Chain Restaurants That Conquered Japan

Visiting Japan and wondering “Where the heck should I eat?” You’re not alone.
So here's a lifeline from the RAW JAPAN editorial team: a brutally curated list of actually delicious chain restaurants you can find anywhere in Japan.
Ramen, set meals, udon, curry, Italian—genre be damned, these are our no-regret picks.
When in doubt, hit one of these.
1. Tenkaippin|The Soup That’s Not Soup
One look and you’ll blurt out, “Wait, what?!” That thick. This soup is so dense, your spoon literally stands upright in it.
Made by slow-cooking chicken bones and vegetables, their signature “kotteri” broth isn’t something you drink—it’s something you eat.
Think you're just having a normal bowl of ramen? Think again. The first time might feel heavy, but by your second visit, you’re already back at the door like a zombie.
For serious kotteri addicts, order the kotteri MAX.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Kotteri Ramen (Regular) – ¥940
🔗 Tenkaippin Official Site
📍Store Locator
2. Hidakaya|The After-Hours Safe Zone
If you're wandering Tokyo or Saitama late at night and see a wild-looking calligraphy sign glowing in the dark—it’s probably Hidakaya.
Serving ramen, stir-fried veggies and more for about a coin or two, this place is a local go-to.
Some locations even stay open 24 hours, making it a post-last-train savior.
If you’re looking for a restaurant where locals actually eat, this is it.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Ramen + Gyoza + Fried Rice Set – ¥690
🔗 Hidakaya Official Site
📍Store Locator
3. Yoshinoya|Fast, Cheap, and Way Too Good
A chain with over 120 years of history? That’s Yoshinoya.
Thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in sweet-savory sauce, piled onto a mountain of rice.
One massive bite and you’ll be filled with a strange, happy warmth.
Find it at airports, stations, near your hotel—everywhere.
Best part? You’ll be in and out in five minutes.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Extra Meat Gyudon (Regular) – ¥655
🔗 Yoshinoya Official Site
📍Store Locator
4. Tenya|Tempura Royalty, Budget Edition
Tempura was once a fancy dish—until Tenya brought it to the masses.
Shrimp, squid, pumpkin, eggplant—it’s basically a greatest hits of fried food on rice.
And it hits your table in under 3 minutes.
Watch the salarymen silently munching at the counter, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into real, unfiltered Japan.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: All-Star Tendon (Miso Soup Included) – ¥830
🔗 Tenya Official Site
📍Store Locator
5. Saizeriya|Italian Food That’s Cheaper Than Italy
A creamy baked doria for ¥300, pasta for ¥400, and wine for just ¥100.
This isn’t a joke. Saizeriya is Japan’s most affordable Italian joint, and somehow it still tastes great.
It’s a meeting place for students, moms, office workers, and budget-conscious foodies.
If you want to soak up true Japanese local vibes, skip the tourist traps—just head to Saize.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Margherita Pizza w/ Buffalo Mozzarella – ¥400
🔗 Saizeriya Official Site
📍Store Locator
6. Marugame Seimen|The Udon Buffet Experience
Pick up your tray. Order your udon. Choose your tempura. Add toppings. Pay.
It’s not a meal—it’s an interactive udon playground.
Hand-pulled Sanuki noodles with chewy bite, plus Kansai-style light broth.
Also? The tempura here is sneakily amazing.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Mentaiko Kamatama Udon (Regular) – ¥620
🔗 Marugame Official Site
📍Store Locator
7. Ringer Hut|“Chanpon” Means Get Your Veggies In
Nagasaki’s signature noodle dish looks rich, but it’s actually loaded with veggies and comes in a light, salty broth.
Thick noodles, generous portions, under ¥700.
It’s a godsend after days of heavy eating.
And please, don’t leave without trying the Sara Udon—crispy noodles, thick savory sauce, total addiction.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Nagasaki Sara Udon (Regular) – ¥860
🔗 Ringer Hut Official Site
📍Store Locator
8. CoCo Ichibanya|Find Your “Main Character” Curry
Curry isn’t just curry here.
At CoCo Ichi, you build your own: dozens of toppings, spice levels from sweet to “why would you do this?” hot, and rice sizes from snack to monster.
Create your own combo, or challenge yourself to the 20-spice heat limit.
They even let you order toppings only for takeout. Respect.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Lightly Crisped Chicken Curry – ¥994
🔗 CoCo Ichi Official Site
📍Store Locator
9. Bikkuri Donkey|Everything Here Is… Extra
Log cabin vibes, comically oversized menus, and hamburger steaks so big they hang off the plate.
This is not a casual lunch—it’s a meat-themed adventure.
Sweet sauce, dome-shaped rice, piles of veggies—and don’t sleep on the side salad. That thing’s legendary.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Curry Hamburg Steak Dish (200g) – ¥1,260
🔗 Bikkuri Donkey Official Site
📍Store Locator
10. Ootoya|The Home-Cooked Meal You Needed
Grilled fish, miso soup, simmered veggies, rice—it’s like stepping into a Japanese mom’s kitchen.
Every meal is hand-prepped on-site, not frozen or nuked.
If you’re craving something soothing and gentle, this is your spot.
Pro tip: the “Chicken & Veggies in Black Vinegar Sauce” might be better than any fine dining dish you’ll have in Japan.
RAW JAPAN Recommends: Chicken & Veggies in Black Vinegar Set – ¥1,150
🔗 Ootoya Official Site
📍Store Locator
RAW JAPAN’s Takeaway
Sure, fine dining is cool. But the everyday flavors of Japan? That’s where the magic happens.
Chain restaurants reveal what locals actually eat—and they do it fast, cheap, and seriously good.
When your legs are tired and your wallet's hurting, these spots will be there for you.
Your next delicious memory might be just around the corner.
※This article is independently curated by the RAW JAPAN editorial team and is not sponsored or affiliated with any listed restaurant.
※Prices listed are based on info at the time of writing. For latest updates, check each store's official site.
※Images are for illustrative purposes. Actual menu and plating may vary.
※Photo sources: iStock / Wikimedia Commons / Official Sites