While the burger itself is often referred to as a Western type of food, there are many different burger chains in Japan – and we are not just talking about the usual McDonald’s and Burger King.
In fact, Japan has several of its own burger chains. From MOS Burger and Lotteria, all the way to Freshness Burger. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating burgers during your next vacation to Japan.
In this guide, we shall take a look at some of the best Japanese burger chains. You might just be surprised at some of the types of burgers you can eat, too!
Does Japan Have Its Own Burger Chains?
While you might refer to the likes of McDonald’s and In-n-Out when it comes to burger chains, Japan has its own special kind.
These Japanese burger chains are worth visiting. This is especially true if you are after quirky types of burgers.
From using shrimp and soy to flat fish and teriyaki – you will find some wonderfully flavored burgers that are truly unique to Japan.
There are even burger chains that offer alcohol too, with one being Freshness Burger. If you would like a beer after 4 pm with your burger and fries, then you are in luck!
Are There Western Burger Chains In Japan?
If you still want to visit a Western burger chain in Japan, then you will be happy to know that they exist. In fact, you will be able to find the likes of Burger King, Wendy’s, and McDonald’s, among a few more.
Even if you venture into American burger chains only, you may find some specialty burgers. This means you will still get to taste Japanese fast food in an American establishment.
McDonald’s is often referred to as Makku in Japan. They sell the food that you would expect, but often with a Japanese twist. One example is the Teriyaki McBurger which has the regular beef burger topped with delicious teriyaki sauce.
You may also find the Ebi Filet-o, which is a patty made using prawns.
5 Of The Best Japanese Burger Chains
Here are 5 of the best Japanese burger chains to eat in during your next visit to Japan:
1. DomDom Burger
In the 1970s, DomDom Burger emerged as the first-ever burger chain in Japan. Its popularity did not grow as fast as other fast food chains that came after.
Despite this, DomDom Burger’s introduction to Japan meant that more burger chains followed. Even so, you will notice that there is a lot of Western influence when it comes to DomDom Burger.
Probably not a surprise, as the inception of this burger chain came from Western influence in the first place.
The ‘Dom Burger’ is a take on the ‘Whopper’ from Burger King. It uses a sesame seed bun filled with salad, cheese, and beef.
However, DomDom Burger has been through a makeover due to losing popularity with Japanese customers. So much so, you will find some very unique burgers here.
One includes the popular flat fish burger. It involves having a completely deep-fried fish stuck in between two buns with coleslaw.
You will also find that the sides are interesting too, with food such as bean paste buns, buttered corn, and the vegan alternative, burdock stick.
2. MOS Burger
MOS Burger is one of the biggest Japanese burger chains. Here you will find the popular Rice Burger which uses rice instead of the usual bun. It is often served with either beef or chicken.
There are also Soy Burger and Shrimp Burger options, as well as vegan staples.
You will also find that you can order value-for-money meals too, as MOS Burger offers cheaper food than most of the others.
This includes buying a burger with a side and drink for around 10 dollars in total.
There are also plenty of interesting drink choices too. For example, melon soda, Yuzu ginger ale, and pear milkshake.
The only downside is the breakfast menu – but hey, there are plenty of other options nearby.
3. Lotteria
Despite being launched in the early 1970s in Tokyo by a Korean man named Shin Kyuk-ho, the experience at Lotteria is Western-influenced. This large burger chain has been opened in various other Asian countries too.
You can eat regular Cheeseburgers with bacon or chicken. However, you will find Asian flavors too, such as soy, shrimp, and even egg burgers.
Lotteria is an affordable burger chain and has the option of including soup, French Fries, or other simple things as your side dish. You can also drink bubble tea, as well as hot chocolate, tea, and coffee.
If you need a simple set meal for just under 5 dollars, then Lotteria is the place to go!
4. Freshness Burger
Freshness Burger has been around since 1992. Their approach to the burger scene has been upmarket compared to others, with a promise to give a unique experience to eating burgers.
One of the best burgers at Freshness is the avocado and cheeseburger. It is simple yet flavorful. There is also the Soy Burger too which also utilizes avocado.
If you want something less traditional, then you can choose the Teriyaki Burger or a limited edition burger. These have ranged from Spam Burger, all the way to a Peanut Butter Burger.
To really make the most of the limited edition burgers, you will need to visit the restaurant chain yourself. They also have a bar that sells beer, spirits, and wine from 4 pm.
5. First Kitchen
Lastly, there is First Kitchen. This burger chain is said to be one of the best when it comes to having a unique burger experience.
You will spot First Kitchen a mile away due to its bright orange signage. Having been around for over 44 years in Japan, the fast food restaurant is owned by the Japan branch of Wendy’s.
However, you will find that there are not just burgers here. You can eat fried chicken, pasta, and pizza, among many more items. They have ‘flavor potato’ French Fries that people love to eat.
However, it is the uniquely Japanese Shrimp Burgers that people enjoy eating here. Also the deep-fried cheeseburgers, as well as the Tatsuta sauce chicken burgers.
You can also buy beer with your burger. If it isn’t quite the time yet, order a bubble tea instead! What you will not find is Cola. The only soda they have is lemonade.
Final Thoughts
While the burger chain is known as an American invention, Japan has many of its own kinds. While you could venture to a McDonald’s in Japan, you could also find somewhere to eat like MOS Burger or DomDom’s.
Experiencing a Japanese burger chain is different from the Western world. The food includes unique flavors and ingredients.
There are also many more options when it comes to beverages too – and this is not including the alcohol selection!
So, the next time you plan your vacation to Japan, why not try some of the best Japanese burger chains above?
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
