Introduction
If you want to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth, you cannot miss Tonkatsu. And one of the most popular tonkatsu restaurants is Wako. Wako is loved by many for its high quality pork and traditional cooking method of tonkatsu.
Wako was founded in 1966 and now has numerous locations throughout Japan. The reason for its popularity is, first and foremost, its attention to ingredients. Wako’s tonkatsu are made from carefully selected pork, which is tender, juicy, and has an unforgettable taste. The breading, which is deep-fried using a unique method, provides a crispy texture that enhances the deliciousness of the tonkatsu.
In addition, one of Wako’s unique services is the free refills of rice, miso soup, and cabbage. This allows diners to enjoy their meals to their full satisfaction and has attracted many repeat customers. Wako also offers a limited menu each season, so you will discover new tastes every time you visit.
Wako has won many awards for its high quality food and service, and has received high ratings on review sites. When you visit, be sure to check their official website and SNS for the latest campaign and menu information.
At Tonkatsu Wako, experience Japanese Food Culture in depth and enjoy its flavors to your heart’s content.
Recommended Menu
Wako is known for its extensive menu and high quality tonkatsu. Below are some of our most recommended menus.
Special Filet Katsu Gohan
Tokusen Hirekatsu Gohan is one of Wako’s signature dishes. The tender and juicy fillet cutlets are made from carefully selected pork and deep-fried with exquisite heat. It comes with shiso brown rice salt, grated daikon radish, and miso sauce for a variety of tastes. This set is especially recommended for those who are particular about the quality of the meat.
Special Loose Katsu Gohan
Toku Loose Katsu Gohan is another popular menu item at Wako. The combination of crispy batter and juicy loin cutlet is exquisite, and the free refills of rice, miso soup, and cabbage are also attractive. It is especially suitable for those who want to enjoy a hearty lunch.
Ladies’ Set
The ladies’ set menu is a refreshingly composed set meal menu, available in two varieties: “Aoi” and “Azami”. Aoi features a variety of menu items, including a bite-sized filet cutlet, fried shrimp, cabbage menchi-katsu, fried eggplant, steamed eggplant, and dessert. Azami offers a relatively modest menu consisting of shiso and cheese rolled pork cutlet, fried shrimp, shiitake mushroom stuffed with meat, steamed eggplant, and salad. This menu is popular not only with women but also with men.
Assorted Set
The assorted set is recommended for those who want to enjoy multiple flavors. Variations such as Sazanka, Yamabuki, and Satsuki are available. In addition to the selected cutlet, the set includes menchikatsu with cheese, fried shrimp, and crab cream croquettes. Ideal for those who want to try many different types at once.
Katsu-nabe Gohan
Katsunabe Gohan is popular during the cold season. The hot pot is filled with pork cutlets topped with egg. There are several variations such as fin katsu nabe gohan, loin katsu nabe gohan, and fin prawn nabe gohan. The combination of hot nabe dishes and tonkatsu warms both body and soul.
Takeout Menu
Wako also offers an extensive take-out menu. You can enjoy the taste of Wako at home or at work with our Filet Katsu Bento, Loose Katsu Bento, Fried Shrimp Bento, and more. They are the perfect accompaniment to your busy daily life or picnic.
Drink Menu
Wako’s extensive drink menu includes draft beer, sake, non-alcoholic beer, cola, orange juice, iced coffee, and other beverages to accompany your meal.
All of Wako’s menu items are made with carefully selected ingredients and craftsmanship, and once you try them, you will never forget the taste. We encourage you to try these menu items when you visit. For the latest menu information and campaigns, we recommend checking the official website and SNS.
Experience and Enjoy
Dining at Wako is more than just a meal, it is a special experience. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Wako to its fullest.
Experience Grinding Sesame Seeds
At Wako, you can grind sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle to make your own favorite sauce. This process doubles the enjoyment of the meal. The fragrant aroma of the sesame seeds spreads and enhances the flavor of the tonkatsu along with the special sauce.
Free Refill Service
One of Wako’s attractive points is the free refills of rice, miso soup, and cabbage. The free refill service is especially appreciated by picky eaters and those seeking more volume, as it allows them to enjoy their meal until they are satisfied. Make the most of this service and enjoy plenty of rice and cabbage with your delicious tonkatsu.
Seasonal Menu
Wako also offers a limited menu that changes with the seasons. From a cherry blossom flavored menu in the spring to a refreshing chilled tonkatsu in the summer, you can enjoy the special flavors of each season. Visit each season and enjoy discovering new tastes.
Takeout and Delivery
We offer a full range of takeout and delivery services that allow you to enjoy Wako’s delicious tonkatsu at home or at work. Try Wako’s takeout menu for your busy daily life or for a picnic. A wide variety of choices are available, including filet and loin cutlet bento boxes.
Safe for children
Wako offers services with consideration for customers with children. Children’s chairs and plates are provided so that the whole family can enjoy a meal together in peace. Our extensive children’s menu is also ideal for dining out with the family.
Experiencing Japanese Food Culture
Dining at Wako is the perfect opportunity to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth. Along with the taste of traditional tonkatsu, you will experience the attentive service and hospitality. Whether it is your first time or you have visited many times, new discoveries and impressions await you.
To maximize your dining experience at Wako, please refer to these pointers. For the latest menu and campaign information, we recommend checking the official website and SNS.
Manners
In order to enjoy your meal at Wako even more, it is important to understand Japanese dining etiquette. Below are some good manners to know when visiting Wako.
Manners when taking a seat
Once you enter a Wako restaurant, follow the waiter’s directions and take your seat. Especially during busy hours, you are expected to cooperate for smooth guidance. In some Japanese-style restaurants, you may need to remove your shoes, so follow the instructions at the entrance.
Manners when ordering
After carefully looking at the menu and deciding what to order, politely inform the waiter of your order. Using basic phrases such as “onegaishimasu” and “arigato(thank you)” in Japanese will help you communicate better. If you are not sure what to order, you can also ask the waiter for a recommendation.
Manners while eating
Be careful how you use chopsticks. Stabbing food with chopsticks or sticking chopsticks into a bowl is considered bad manners. When sharing food, use the tips of your chopsticks and take the food carefully. It is also important to express gratitude by saying “Itadakimasu” (Thank you for the food) when the food is brought to you.
Grinding sesame seeds
At Wako, you can experience grating sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle to make sauce. Grating sesame seeds in a mortar enhances the aroma and allows you to enjoy tonkatsu with your own special sauce. Enjoying this process is one of the attractions of dining at Wako.
Manners for refills
At Wako, refills of rice, miso soup, and cabbage are free. When you wish to have another serving of rice, politely ask the waiter for another bowl of rice. Make the most of this service and enjoy your delicious tonkatsu to the fullest.
After-meal manners
When you finish your meal, express your gratitude by saying “Gochisoso-sama desu” (thank you for the meal). This phrase is very important in Japanese dining etiquette. You can also show your courtesy to the waiter by cleaning the table and packing up the dishes you used.
Manners for Take-out
When using take-out, it is best to call or order online in advance. When picking up your food at the store, be courteous to the waiter and express your appreciation.
By observing these manners, your dining experience at Wako will be more enjoyable and you will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Food Culture. By keeping these points in mind before you visit, you will be able to enjoy a pleasant and memorable dining experience. For the latest information and campaigns, please check the official website and SNS.
Stores
Wako has numerous stores throughout Japan, each offering unique menus and services. Below are some of the major stores that are especially worth visiting.
Wako Aoyama Honten
- Address: 4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 (last order 21:30)
- Features: Wako’s flagship restaurant with a spacious interior and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy popular menu items such as special filleted pork cutlet rice.
Wako Shinjuku Takashimaya
- Address: Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store 12th floor, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (last order 22:00)
- Features: Easy access from Shinjuku Station, making it a convenient location to stop by between shopping trips. Lunch sets are especially popular.
Wako Ginza Main Store
- Address: 4-10-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 (last order 21:30)
- Features: Located in the heart of Ginza, this restaurant is popular among tourists. In addition to Wako’s regular menu, you can also enjoy seasonal menus.
Wako Osaka Umeda Branch
- Address: Osaka Station City, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (last order 22:00)
- Features: Located in a major shopping area of Osaka, you can enjoy a delicious tonkatsu while shopping. The “Aged Sangen Pork Loin Katsu” is especially popular.
Wako Kyoto Station Building Branch
- Address: Kyoto Station Building, 31-1 Higashishiokoji Kamadono-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 (last order 21:30)
- Features: Directly connected to Kyoto Station, making it the perfect place to stop by during your sightseeing tour. You can also enjoy a limited menu using local ingredients.
Wako Fukuoka Tenjin Branch
- Address: Solaria Stage, 2-11-3 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
- Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 (last order 21:30)
- Features: Located in the heart of Tenjin, this restaurant is a casual stopover during a break from shopping or sightseeing. The “Filet Katsu and Fried Shrimp Set” is especially popular.
Wako Sapporo Stellar Place
- Address: Sapporo Stellar Place, Kita Gojo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00 (last order 21:30)
- Features: Easy access directly connected to Sapporo Station, where you can enjoy delicious tonkatsu on your way to shopping or sightseeing. Hokkaido limited menu is also available.
Wako Nagoya Meitetsu Department Store
- Address: Meitetsu Department Store Main Store, 1-2-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
- Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 (last order 21:30)
- Features: Directly connected to Nagoya Station, making it ideal for lunch and dinner. The “special filet cutlet rice” is especially popular.
News & Promotions
- Limited Menu: The limited menu changes seasonally, offering a new discovery and a special experience each time you visit.
- Campaign Information: Periodic stamp campaigns and special limited-time discounts can be found on the official website and SNS.
Each Wako restaurant has a different regional charm, and every restaurant is worth a visit. Check out the latest information and campaigns to help you plan your next dining experience.
Reservations and queue management
Wako is a very popular restaurant and lines often form, especially on weekends and holidays. In order to enjoy your meal comfortably, it is important to know how to make reservations and how to deal with lines. Below are some of the ways to do so.
How to make reservations
- Reservations by phone: Many Wako restaurants accept reservations by phone. Making reservations in advance, especially at the most popular locations, can greatly reduce waiting time. We recommend that you confirm the date and time of your planned visit and make your reservation well in advance.
- Online Reservations: Some stores also accept online reservations. Reservations can be easily made through the official website or affiliated reservation sites, and availability can be checked in real time. This is a convenient service for tourists.
Measures to Prevent Lines
- Aim for off-peak hours: You can reduce waiting time by avoiding busy times. We recommend slightly off-peak lunch hours on weekdays and early dinner hours. 2.
- Take-out: If you are short on time or the restaurant is full, take-out is another option. You can enjoy Wako’s delicious tonkatsu in the comfort of your own home or lodging.
- Check the menu in advance: Checking the menu in advance will make ordering on site easier. It is a good idea to check the latest menu on the official website and SNS.
Recommended time of day
- Before lunch time on weekdays: The restaurant is often relatively empty around 11:00 on weekdays. If you visit during this time, you are more likely to be able to enter the restaurant smoothly.
- Just after dinner time: Avoid the dinner time crowds and visit around 6:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m., and you can expect a shorter wait time.
Other Measures
- Check the cancellation policy: When making a reservation, it is important to check the cancellation policy. Choose a restaurant that is flexible to accommodate sudden schedule changes.
- Visiting with a group: If you are visiting with a large group, contacting the restaurant in advance may make it easier to secure a seat. Early reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
By utilizing these measures, you can enjoy your meal at Wako without stress. The latest reservation status and crowd information can be found on the official website and SNS, so please check before visiting.
Reviews and Ratings
Wako is highly rated by many customers for its high quality tonkatsu and excellent service. Below are some reviews and evaluations from actual customers.
Taste and Quality
- Tasty Tonkatsu: Wako’s Tonkatsu has the perfect balance of crispy batter and juicy pork, and many users rave about The Best Pork Cutlet they have ever had. The special filet and the special loin cutlets are especially popular.
Service
- Quality of customer service: Many reviews praise the kind and courteous service provided by the waitstaff. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality every time you visit.
- Ambiance: Many customers appreciate the clean and relaxing atmosphere of Wako’s restaurants, where they can relax and enjoy their meal.
Cost Performance
- Pricing and Satisfaction: Many customers find Wako’s food to be reasonably priced for the quality of the food. The lunch menu, in particular, is highly rated for its reasonable price and high level of satisfaction.
- Free Refill Service: Many users also appreciate the free refills of rice, miso soup, and cabbage.
Convenience
- Accessibility: Many Wako restaurants are located near major transportation hubs and are highly regarded for their accessibility. Stores in Shinjuku, Ginza, and Umeda are especially conveniently located.
- Convenience of online reservations: Some locations offer online reservations, which is also rated highly as convenient, especially for tourists.
Overall Rating.
- Reviews: Highly rated on many review sites, the restaurants receive high marks for taste, service, and value for money. Many users report a dining experience that “exceeds their expectations,” and many are repeat customers.
- Customer Testimonials: Throughout their dining experience at Wako, many customers have praised its high quality tonkatsu and heartwarming service.
We encourage you to take a look at these ratings and experience dining at Wako. For the most up-to-date reviews and detailed ratings, we recommend checking out our review sites and official website.
Summary
Wako is the perfect place to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth. Its high quality tonkatsu and excellent service have made it a favorite among many customers. Below is a summary of Wako’s attractions.
Versatile Menu
Wako’s menu offers an extensive selection of dishes, including special filet and special loin cutlets. Each dish is prepared with carefully selected ingredients and skillful preparation. Seasonal specials are also available, so you can enjoy a new taste sensation each time you visit.
Excellent Service
Wako’s waitstaff provides courteous and friendly service. The restaurant has a clean and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal. Many customers also appreciate the free refills of rice, miso soup, and cabbage.
Cost Performance
Despite the high quality of Wako’s food, it is reasonably priced. The lunch menu, in particular, has a reputation for high cost performance and extremely high satisfaction. Our special set menus and grab bags are also popular.
Easy access
Wako has numerous locations throughout Japan, many of which are close to major transportation hubs. Conveniently located stores in Shinjuku, Ginza, and Umeda are ideal for stopping by while sightseeing or shopping.
Highly Rated Reviews
Highly rated on many review sites, our restaurants receive high marks for taste, service, and cost performance. Many patrons report a dining experience that “exceeds their expectations,” and many are repeat customers.
Dining at Wako is an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment of Japanese Food Culture. We encourage you to visit Wako on your next trip to Japan or dining out. For the latest information and promotions, please check our official website and SNS.
