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Ever since my visit to a low-temp Tonkatsu shop in Tokyo, I’ve made it a priority to visit at least one new store with every trip. So for this trip to Kyoto, I’m checking out Jukusei Buta Kawamura and their low-temp Tonkatsu Lunch Sets.

With a Michelin Bib Gourmand under its belt, my expectations are pretty high today. But what was the Tonkatsu like here? And is it worth the visit? Let’s get to it! How Good is Jukusei Buta Kawamura Actually?

–Menu–
–Lunch Rib Loin Cutlet Set–
–Set Contents–
–Sauces–
–Verdict–
–Getting There–

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📋 Menu 📋

Jukusei Buta Kawamura’s regular Katsu menu ranges from around ¥2,400 – 3,200, which isn’t too pricey for low-temp katsu stores. But for the best value-for-money, their lunch sets (until 3pm) are the way to go, with prices around ¥1,800 – 2,600.

Side Note: Price & portion sizes have both increased since my visit, below is the updated pricing.

Lunch Loin Cutlet Set Meal (140g) – ¥1,800
Lunch Fillet Cutlet Set Meal (140g) – ¥2,000
Lunch Rib Lion (Pork Chop) Cutlet Set (220g) – ¥2,200
Daily Lunch A or B – ¥1,900
Daily Lunch S – ¥2,600

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🍖 Lunch Rib Lion (Pork Chop) Cutlet Set (220g) – ¥2,200 🍖

I’m a Loin Tonkatsu fan, so the upgraded version of Rib Loin / Pork Chop Tonkatsu was an easy choice. (Being the most affordable cut is also a plus!)

The katsu is sliced and plated meat-side up, so the first thing you’ll notice is just how juicy this thing is!

Cooked to just slightly pink, the low-temperature frying technique allows for a more controlled cooking environment – slowly bringing the pork up to temperature, while retaining all the juice and the pork’s bright flavors.

The breadcrumbs are also slightly different compared to the normal katsu experience, with it providing a softer, airier crunch that compliments the clean flavors of the katsu.

The katsu overall is quite tender, though some parts of the white meat can be a little tough (somewhat expected, given white meat itself and the cutlet’s thickness), but most of that is easily overshadowed by its juiciness, alongside the little bits of sweet fat and the darker, more tender rib cap.

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🍱 Set Contents 🍱

Other than the katsu, this set also comes served with some rice, potato salad, shredded cabbage, and Tonjiru (pork miso soup.)

The potato salad, while not as chunky as some other stores, came with some pink peppercorns for some extra spice (and visual flair.) And the Tonjiru was especially hearty, full of deep simmered pork flavors to keep you feeling nice and warm.

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🍱 Sauces 🍱

The set itself comes with 3 different sauces: two different kinds of Tonkatsu sauce, and Karashi hot mustard – the standard selection of katsu sauces.

And if you want even more variety, you’ll find even more sauces by the table, including: shoyu, sesame, vinegar, salad dressing, salt, sansho pepper, more tonkatsu sauce, and 3 different types of rice toppings: horohoro-zuke, shibazuke, and pork tsukudani.

Salt is usually my go-to to enhance more of the pork’s natural flavors, but experiment around to find your favorite!

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You’ll also be served some tea towards the end of your meal. It’s quite nice, but I really have no idea what type of tea it is other than it being some sort of herbal tea… Great way to end the meal though!

Side Note: Their bathroom is very interestingly decorated. Strange placement, but I’m a fan of the artwork!

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⭐VERDICT⭐

So how good is Jukusei Buta Kawamura actually? It’s quite good! Low-temp tonkatsu is a completely different experience from regular tonkatsu, and if you’ve never tried one before – I highly recommend you give it a go, especially during their lunch set hours!

Compared to the other low-temp katsu stores I’ve been to? I’d say this place is among the more balanced ones – solidly good at every category I’m looking for (light crumbs, juicy/tender pork, flavor profile), but not specializing towards one direction like some other stores.

If I had to pick, I’d say the juiciness of the pork here was particularly impressive, with the other elements working together very well to create an overall great experience!

So if you’re around Kyoto and want to try out some great tasting tonkatsu, then head on over to Jukusei Buta Kawamura!

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🚗 GETTING THERE 🚗

Jukusei Buta Kawamura is located a bit outside the main Kyoto area, but is still pretty easy to get to.

From Kyoto Station: take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Yamashina Station (5 minutes), and the restaurant is a quick 3 minute walk.

From the Shijo/Kawaramachi area: take the Tozai Line from either Karasuma Oike or Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station to Yamashina Station (11-14 minutes), plus a 3 minute walk.

Jukusei Buta Kawamura

🌏 Location 🌏
57-1 Takehananishinoguchicho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, 607-8089, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6hEV1ccGyZdTrQ9h9
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
10:30 A.M. – 8 P.M. (Weekdays), 10 A.M. – 8 P.M. (Weekends), Closed on Thursdays.

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