INTRODUCTION
If you want to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth, you cannot miss the excellent tonkatsu. Among them, Marugo is a famous tonkatsu restaurant that has been loved by many people for many years. Since its establishment, Marugo has been serving delicious tonkatsu by focusing on high quality pork and unique cooking methods.
Marugo’s tonkatsu is characterized by its crispy outside and juicy inside. The pork is carefully selected, coated with a special batter, and deep-fried to perfection. In addition, Marugo offers a special homemade sauce that enhances the flavor of the pork cutlet.
Marugo is popular with locals and tourists alike, and is a must-visit place when visiting Tokyo. Stop by during your sightseeing tour to enjoy authentic tonkatsu and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Food Culture. The exquisite tonkatsu you will enjoy at Marugo will be one of the great memories of your trip to Japan.
Recommended Menu
Marugo is famous for serving excellent tonkatsu in Tokyo. Below are some of Marugo’s particularly recommended menu items.
Loose Katsu Set Meal
Marugo’s Loose Katsu Set Meal is especially recommended for first-time visitors. Using carefully selected pork, the outside is crispy and the inside is juicy. The pork is fried crispy in a special batter to maximize the flavor of the pork. The volume is also very generous and satisfying.
Hire Katsu Set Meal
The filet set meal is another popular menu item, characterized by its low fat and soft texture. It is low in fat, yet juicy and full of flavor. It is especially recommended for health-conscious diners and those who prefer a lighter taste.
Mixed Katsu Set Meal
Marugo’s mixed katsu set meal allows you to enjoy both loin katsu and fillet katsu. This luxurious menu allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds at once, making it perfect for those who have a hard time deciding which one to choose. This dish is generous in volume and highly satisfying.
Special Sauce
Marugo offers a special sauce to go with its tonkatsu. This sauce has an exquisite flavor that enhances the taste of the tonkatsu and is loved by many fans. You can adjust the flavor to your liking by adding a generous amount of sauce.
Side Menu
In addition to tonkatsu, we also offer a wide variety of side dishes. Particularly recommended are the sets that include fresh shredded cabbage, miso soup, and rice. These sides complement the delicious tonkatsu and provide a well-balanced meal.
Enjoying Marugo’s recommended menu items will further enrich your dining experience in Tokyo. We hope you will enjoy Marugo’s excellent tonkatsu, a combination of crispy batter and juicy pork.
Experience and Enjoy
A visit to Marugo is more than just a meal, it is a special experience. Here are some ways to get the most out of your visit to Marugo.
Recommendations for First-Time Visitors
For those visiting Marugo for the first time, try the “Roast Katsu Set Meal” first. This signature dish is the quintessential Marugo experience. The combination of crispy batter and juicy pork is an unforgettable taste once you try it.
Customize Your Taste
At Marugo, you can customize the taste to your liking by using the seasonings provided at the table. For example, you can add a generous drizzle of homemade special sauce or spicy hot pepper to add a tangy accent to your meal. Enjoy it with rice and cabbage for an even more satisfying experience.
Enjoy the atmosphere inside the restaurant
The interior of Marugo is characterized by a relaxed Japanese-style atmosphere. Families and friends can feel free to visit and have a pleasant time. There are also many counter seats, so you can easily enjoy your meal alone. Enjoying your meal while watching the freshly fried pork cutlets being prepared in front of you is one of the most special experiences.
Convenient Access
Marugo is conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, making it a great place to stop by between sightseeing and shopping. For example, Marugo’s Akihabara branch is located about a 5-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station. After enjoying sightseeing in Akihabara, famous for its electric town, you can enjoy a delicious tonkatsu right away. The Ueno branch is also located about a 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, making it an easy stop after visiting Ueno Park or the Ueno Zoo.
Please refer to these points to further enhance your visit at Marugo. Along with the delicious crispy and juicy tonkatsu, you will be able to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth.
Manners
When visiting Marugo, it is important to observe traditional Japanese manners. Below are some basic manners for enjoying a meal at Marugo.
Manners upon entering the restaurant
- Greetings: Greet your customers with a “konnichiwa” or “please” when you enter the restaurant. A polite greeting makes a good impression.
- Good manners: If there is a line, take your turn and wait quietly. It is important to be considerate of other customers and wait without making a fuss.
Manners while eating
- Do not make noise: In Japan, it is generally considered bad manners to make noise while eating. However, when eating tonkatsu, it is natural to enjoy the crispy sound. Try to enjoy your meal as quietly as possible.
- How to Use Dishes: Be careful how you use chopsticks. Avoid sticking your chopsticks into your food or sticking them into the top of the tableware.
Manners when paying
- Carefully hand over cash: Payments are made in cash only. Hand over the cash carefully. Avoid throwing money.
- Thank you: When you have finished paying, it is a good idea to say “Thank you for the food. It is important to show your appreciation to the waiter. Please note that only cash is accepted at Marugo, so please be prepared before your visit.
Manners when leaving the restaurant
- Clear the table: When you have finished your meal, gather up the dishes you used and tidy up your table. It is important to keep in mind that the next customer can use the table comfortably.
- QUIETLY EXIT: When leaving the restaurant, be considerate of other customers and staff and quietly exit the restaurant. It is a good idea to add a final “thank you” at the end of your visit.
By observing these manners, you will be able to enjoy your meal at Marugo more comfortably. Please enjoy your delicious tonkatsu while respecting Japanese culture and etiquette.
Access
Marugo is located in the heart of Tokyo, making access very convenient. Below are the main modes of transportation and access.
Access by train
- From JR Akihabara Station: Marugo is about a 5-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station. Exit at the Denki-gai Exit, proceed south on Showa-dori Avenue, and cross the intersection. Akihabara is famous for its electric town and is a great place to stop by while sightseeing.
- From Suehirocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line: Suehirocho Station is about a 10-minute walk. Exit the station and walk toward Akihabara, then walk north on Showa-dori.
- From Iwamoto-cho Station on the Toei Subway Shinjuku Line: From Iwamoto-cho Station it is approximately a 10 minute walk. take Exit A4 and walk north on Showa-dori to reach Marugo.
Access by bus
- From Akihabara Ekimae bus stop: Take the Toei bus or community bus to Akihabara Ekimae and get off at Akihabara Ekimae, then walk about 5 minutes to Marugo. From the bus stop, proceed south on Showa-dori Street.
Access by car
- Parking: Marugo does not have a dedicated parking lot, but there are many coin-operated parking lots in the area. When visiting by car, please use the nearby parking lots.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
- Akihabara Electric Town: Near Marugo is Akihabara Electric Town, where you can find the latest electronics and anime-related products.
- Kanda Myojin: This historic shrine is a popular spot for tourists. It is about a 15-minute walk from Marugo.
Use this information to make your visit to Marugo easier and more fulfilling. You will be able to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth while enjoying delicious Tonkatsu.
Hours of Operation and Regular Closing Days
Information about Marugo’s business hours and regular closing days is as follows.
Business Hours.
- Lunch time: 11:30 – 15:00 (last order 14:00)
- Dinner time: 17:00 – 21:00 (last order 20:00)
Closed
- Every Monday
- The 1st Tuesday of every month
- The 2nd Tuesday of every month
- The 3rd Tuesday of every month
Notes.
When visiting, it is recommended to check the hours of operation and regular closing days in advance. Opening hours may change, especially on holidays and special events.
Please use this information to plan your visit. We hope you enjoy your meal at Marugo, which serves delicious tonkatsu to the fullest.
Reservations and queue management
Due to its popularity, Marugo often has a long line, especially during lunch time and on weekends. Below are some tips for reservations and queuing to ensure a smooth visit.
Reservations
- No Reservations: Marugo does not accept reservations, so you will need to wait in line when you visit the restaurant. Therefore, it is important to have a good queue policy.
Measures to avoid queues
- Visit Early: Avoid peak lunch and dinner hours, and visit just after the restaurant opens or between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. to avoid waiting in line. Off-peak hours on weekdays are especially good times to visit. 2.
- Check the line status: Check the line status when passing by Marugo or check social networking sites for updates before visiting to avoid crowds.
- Visit in a small group: It is easier to be seated in a small group than a large group. Especially when visiting with one or two people, the waiting time is often shorter.
- Utilizing Waiting Time: When waiting in line, make the most of your waiting time by using your smartphone to look up tourist information or check out nearby attractions. Also, use the waiting time to check out Marugo’s menu so that ordering goes smoothly.
Other Measures
- Appropriate Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing for a comfortable wait, especially in extreme temperatures such as summer and winter. Measures to protect yourself from the heat and cold will help make your waiting time more comfortable.
- Use of nearby facilities: If you have a long wait, one way to pass the time is to go to a nearby café or shopping mall. Be sure to return before your turn approaches.
Use these queue countermeasures to make your dining experience at Marugo more comfortable and enjoyable. Enjoy the delicious tonkatsu that only a popular restaurant can offer, and make the most of your waiting time.
Reviews and Ratings
Marugo Tonkatsu is a well-known restaurant that has received a lot of high praise for its taste and quality. Here are some reviews from customers who have actually visited the restaurant.
Points of high evaluation
- Meat quality and cooking method: Marugo’s tonkatsu is made from Yamagata sangenbuta pork, which is highly regarded by many for its meat quality and careful cooking method. The “loin katsu set meal” and “special fillet katsu set meal” are especially popular, and are highly praised for their tenderness and juiciness.
- Special sauce: The homemade special sauce is also well received by many. The sauce enhances the flavor of the tonkatsu, and many customers say that it is best served with a generous amount of sauce.
- Waiting time and line: If you visit on a weekday after 1:00 p.m., you will usually be able to enter the restaurant within 15 minutes, but sometimes there is still a line even 10 minutes before the last order. Many customers have commented that the food is so delicious that it is no wonder there is a line.
Critiques and Improvements.
- Price Range: Marugo’s tonkatsu is a bit on the pricey side due to its quality. Some people feel that the price is a little high for lunchtime, but many agree that it is well worth it.
- Crowded: As a popular restaurant, expect crowds, especially during lunch time and on weekends. It is wise to get there early or stagger your visit.
General Comments
Throughout the reviews, Tonkatsu Marugo receives very high marks as “the best tonkatsu restaurant in Akihabara. The quality of the meat, the care with which it is prepared, and the deliciousness of the special sauce are what attract many people to this restaurant. The slightly higher price tag is understandable considering the delicious taste and satisfaction.
We invite you to experience the authentic tonkatsu at Marugo and experience its reputation for excellence.
