Introduction
If you want to experience Japanese food culture, you cannot miss Botejyu, which originated in Osaka, Japan. Founded in 1946, Botejyu is known for its okonomiyaki and has spread its delicious taste all over the world while maintaining the traditional taste of the dish. Today, Botejyu has many locations both in Japan and abroad, with outlets in Kansai International Airport and Narita International Airport, both of which are easily accessible to travelers.
Botejyu’s okonomiyaki features a fluffy batter, filled with ingredients such as cabbage, pork and seafood, and finished with a special sauce and mayonnaise. Its flavor is loved not only by locals but also by many tourists. At some restaurants, you can even try your hand at cooking your own okonomiyaki, making it an enjoyable experience as well as a meal.
In addition, Botejyu sometimes offers a limited menu each season, so you can find new flavors every time you visit. In particular, the wide variety of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and modern-yaki dishes offered at Botejyu ensures that no matter how many times you visit, you will never get bored.
Many Botejyu restaurants are located in central Osaka, making it convenient to stop by between sightseeing and shopping. Experience Japanese food culture to the fullest at Botejyu, where you can enjoy authentic okonomiyaki while feeling the Osaka atmosphere. The delicious taste and warm hospitality will surely leave you with wonderful memories.
Recommended Menu
Original Pork Ball
Botejyu’s signature dish, “Ganso Pontama” is a favorite of many fans. Made with cabbage, pork, and our special sauce and mayonnaise, this okonomiyaki has a simple yet profound flavor.
Mochi Cheese㏌Tomodama
Mochi Cheese㏌Tontama is an okonomiyaki filled with mochi and cheese. The soft texture of the mochi and the richness of the melted cheese are a perfect match, making this a luxurious dish. This menu item is also very popular with children.
Deluxe Tsukimiyaki
Deluxe Tsukimiyaki is a luxurious okonomiyaki with seafood (squid, shrimp, scallops, etc.) and pork. It is finished with an egg topping for a mellow flavor. This dish offers the full flavor of seafood.
Hatsusho Pork Modern
The “Origin Pork Modern” is a modern okonomiyaki that originated in Osaka, the birthplace of Botejyu. Combining thick yakisoba noodles with okonomiyaki and topped with a special sauce, this dish is both filling and satisfying.
Premium Roast Beef Bowl
Premium Roast Beef Bowl” is a luxurious bowl of rice topped with Kobe beef. The tender roast beef and the special sauce intertwine perfectly, making it a dish that will make your rice go faster. The egg on top further enhances the mild flavor.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is one of Botejyu’s most popular menu items. The takoyaki is characterized by its crispy outside and thick inside, and the special sauce and mayonnaise are a perfect match. It can be enjoyed with aonori (green laver) or katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) to taste.
These are all special delicacies that can only be enjoyed at Botejyu. We hope you will enjoy authentic okonomiyaki at Botejyu when you visit Osaka or elsewhere in Japan.
How to Experience and Enjoy
How to enjoy the restaurant
When visiting Botejyu, we recommend that you first fully enjoy your meal inside the restaurant. You can watch the okonomiyaki being cooked right in front of you in the open kitchen, and the savory aroma and the sound of the okonomiyaki cooking will whet your appetite. Especially at the counter, you can enjoy the sight and smell of the skilled chefs as they grill the okonomiyaki right in front of you.
Enjoying a Variety of Variations
Botejyu offers a wide variety of okonomiyaki. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, modern okonomiyaki, and even seasonal specials are just a few of the many new flavors you will find each time you visit. Each menu item is made with the finest ingredients and finished with a special sauce, so you will never get tired of it no matter how many times you visit.
Enjoy by take-out
During busy sightseeing schedules or when the restaurant is crowded, you can still enjoy the flavors of Botejyu. One way to enjoy Botejyu is to take advantage of the take-out service and enjoy a leisurely meal in a nearby park or at your accommodation. Served in a special package, you can enjoy delicious okonomiyaki at home or on vacation.
Experience Grilling Your Own Okonomiyaki
At some Botejyu restaurants, you can experience cooking your own okonomiyaki. Using a teppan set up on the table, you can make your own okonomiyaki while adjusting the degree of cooking to your own preference. You can enjoy this experience with your family and friends, and it will be a special memory for you.
Enjoying the Seasonal Menu
Botejyu sometimes offers a limited menu each season. From okonomiyaki made with seasonal vegetables in the spring to a light and refreshing menu in the summer, you can enjoy the flavors of each season. Each time you visit, you will discover something new, making you want to come back again and again.
Enjoy the Local Atmosphere
Botejyu is loved by the locals, and you can feel the warmth of the atmosphere when you visit. The restaurant is decorated with messages and photos from customers who have visited, giving visitors a taste of local culture. When visiting as a tourist, you will have a more in-depth experience by interacting with the locals while enjoying your meal.
Share on social media
Another way to enjoy your meal is to take photos of your meal and share them on social media. Botejyu’s okonomiyaki is beautiful to look at, and sharing it on Instagram or Facebook is a great way to communicate with your friends and followers. You can also discover new menus and ways to enjoy them by looking at other people’s posts.
The okonomiyaki experience at Botejyu is much more than a meal; it is a wonderful visual, olfactory, and tactile experience. Try different ways to enjoy the food and create unforgettable memories.
Manners
Manners in the Restaurant
When enjoying a meal at Botejyu, please observe the following manners to ensure that you and other customers have a pleasant time. Conduct quiet conversation in the restaurant and try not to disturb others. It is especially important to be considerate of each other when sitting at the counter or at a table. Also, when leaving your seat, organize your belongings so that the next customer can use the restaurant comfortably.
Take-out manners
When using take-out, you should also be considerate of your surroundings. When eating your take-out okonomiyaki, follow the rules for public places and accommodations, and be sure to dispose of your trash in designated areas. Also, enjoy your meal while taking care not to disturb others.
Manners while waiting
As Botejyu is a popular restaurant, lines can form. It is important to maintain an appropriate distance from other customers and to keep your turn while waiting. If using a smartphone, keep the volume low or use earphones and be considerate of those around you. It is important to be considerate of each other, especially during busy times.
Basic Manners at Meals
It is also important to respect Japanese food culture and observe basic dining etiquette. When using chopsticks, there are manners unique to Japan, such as not stabbing the food and lifting the bowl. It is also common to say “Gochisoso-sama desu” (“Thank you for the food”) after finishing eating to show your appreciation.
Manners for taking pictures
When taking pictures of your meal, do not use a flash and be careful not to disturb other customers or staff. When your food is brought to you, be sure to finish taking pictures quickly and enjoy your food before it gets cold.
Consideration for waitstaff
Be courteous to waitstaff when ordering and paying. Also, if the waiter seems busy, it is important to be considerate and wait a little longer. It is not customary to tip in Japan, so please keep this in mind as well.
By observing these manners, your dining experience at Botejyu will be more pleasant and enjoyable. Please enjoy your delicious okonomiyaki to the fullest while respecting Japanese food culture.
Shops
Osaka Botejyu Main Restaurant
- Location: 3-7-20 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka
- Access: 2 minute walk from Namba Station (Exit 11) on Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, 1 minute walk from Osaka Namba Station on Kintetsu Namba Line
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00-23:30, Sunday 11:00-23:00
- Features: The main restaurant where you can enjoy the traditional taste of the restaurant in its original location.
Shinjuku Subnade Store
- Location: Subnade 1, 1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5 minute walk from Shinjuku Station
- Hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Features: Conveniently located in the heart of Shinjuku, a great place to stop by between sightseeing and shopping.
Shibuya Dogenzaka
- Location: 2-6-17 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3 minute walk from Shibuya Station
- Hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Features: Located in the bustling Shibuya area, popular with young people and tourists.
Kansai International Airport Branch
- Location: 1 Senshu-Kukou-kita 1, Izumisano-shi, Osaka, Japan Kansai International Airport
- Access: Inside Kansai International Airport
- Business hours: 7:00-22:00
- Features: Conveniently located inside the airport before and after your trip.
Central Japan International Airport Centrair Branch
- Location: 1-1 Centrair, Tokoname-shi, Aichi, Japan Inside Central Japan International Airport
- Access: Inside Central Japan International Airport
- Business hours: 7:00 – 21:00
- Features: Located in Centrair Airport, convenient for tourists and business travelers.
Kyoto Station Bldg.
- Location: Kyoto Station Building, Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Access: Directly connected to Kyoto Station
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Features: Located in the Kyoto Station Building, you can enjoy authentic okonomiyaki while taking a break from sightseeing.
You can enjoy Botejyu’s traditional okonomiyaki at these locations. Each restaurant has a different atmosphere and features, allowing you to experience the diversity of okonomiyaki. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Reservations and queue management
Reservations
Most Botejyu restaurants do not accept reservations, but there are some restaurants that accept reservations in advance. It is a good idea to contact the restaurant in advance to check the availability of reservations, especially for large groups or special events. Online reservations are also available at some locations, so please check the official website.
Measures to Prevent Lines
Botejyu is a very popular restaurant and lines often form, especially on weekends and during lunch hours. The following tips will help you take measures to avoid queues.
Visit early in the day
The easiest way to avoid lines is to visit early, just after the restaurant opens or before lunch time. The restaurant is often relatively empty, especially during the daytime and in the evening on weekdays.
Weekdays
Weekends and holidays are crowded with tourists, but weekdays are relatively empty. In particular, Monday through Thursday are the best times to avoid lines during the daytime.
Using take-out
If you want to avoid the lines, one option is to use take-out. With take-out, you can shorten the wait time in the restaurant and enjoy your okonomiyaki at your leisure in a nearby park or at your accommodation.
Using off-peak hours
Avoiding peak lunch and dinner hours can reduce waiting time. For example, the restaurant is often relatively empty between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Check real-time information
It is also effective to check information on crowds and wait times in advance on official websites and social media. By checking real-time information, you can visit at the best time.
How to spend a comfortable waiting time
If queues are unavoidable, you can make the most of your waiting time by visiting nearby attractions and cafes. Since there are many sightseeing spots in the vicinity of each location in Osaka and Tokyo, you can adjust your time while enjoying sightseeing.
Please use these measures to ensure an enjoyable dining experience at Botejyu. By planning your visit, you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable and delicious okonomiyaki experience.
Reviews and Ratings
Botejyu is a popular restaurant that has received many high praise for its great taste and service. Below are some of Botejyu’s attractions as seen through reviews on word-of-mouth sites and social networking sites.
Evaluation on Taste
According to many reviews, Botejyu’s okonomiyaki is characterized by its “exquisite texture, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The “Original Tonkotama” and “Mochi Cheese㏌ Tonkotama” are especially popular, with customers praising the “filling and satisfying” and “exquisite and addictive special sauce”.
Evaluation of Service
Botejyu’s staff has a reputation for being friendly and approachable. Many customers have commented on how courteous they are to tourists and how kind they are with children. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is also warm and welcoming, giving visitors a sense of security.
Evaluation of Lines and Wait Times
Because Botejyu is extremely popular, lines often form, especially on weekends and during lunch hours. However, some reviewers say that if you aim for off-peak hours on weekdays, you can enter the restaurant relatively smoothly. There are also many positive comments such as, “Even if you have to wait a long time, you can kill time at nearby tourist spots or cafes, which is another way to enjoy the restaurant.
Overall Evaluation
Overall, Botejyu receives high marks for its taste, service and atmosphere. This restaurant is loved by locals as well as tourists and is definitely worth a stop when visiting Osaka or Tokyo. Your okonomiyaki experience at Botejyu will surely enrich your trip.
We hope you enjoy your okonomiyaki experience at Botejyu based on these evaluations. You are sure to have a satisfying meal and wonderful memories.
Summary
Botejyu is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Japanese okonomiyaki, and since its establishment in 1946, it has been loved by many people both in Japan and abroad for its delicious taste and service. Each restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere along with a diverse menu, making it a comfortable place for tourists and locals alike.
An okonomiyaki experience at Botejyu is much more than a meal; it is a special memory. If you are visiting Osaka or Tokyo, stop by and enjoy an authentic okonomiyaki experience. Experience Japanese food culture and make it part of your wonderful trip.
