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As we approach the end of 2025, it’s time to once again highlight some of the best restaurants I’ve visited this year!

While Quality and Flavor remain just as vital, the deciding factor for this year’s list is “Value-for-Money.” From budget-friendly Lunch Sets, to premium culinary experiences, time to find out which restaurants were truly worth the visit. Let’s get to it! Here are my Top 5 Favorite Restaurant Picks in Japan for 2025!

–Kitchen Otoko no Bangohan, Onna no Hirugohan–
–Ganso Akanoren Setchan Ramen–
–Tonkatsu Tonta–
–Curry Honpo–
–Fukuchan Ramen–
–Gyoza Hohei–

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🍱 Kitchen Otoko no Bangohan, Onna no Hirugohan (Set Meals / Tokyo) 🍱

Starting with a place that truly exceeded expectations: the interestingly named Kitchen Otoko no Bangohan, Onna no Hirugohan // Men’s Lunch, Women’s Dinner Kitchen.

This unassuming shop features a whole list of Japanese home-style comfort food that’s nothing short of fantastic!

Their signature Stamina Yaro Donburi Extreme features a massive bowl of pork Shoga Yaki, Tonkatsu, and an Onsen Egg, all for just ¥1,080.

For a budget-friendly meal that leaves you with a desire to come back for more, this place is definitely it!

⭐Recommended Items⭐
🍱 Stamina Yaro Donburi Extreme (Ginger) – ¥1,080 🍱
🍱 Chicken Katsudon – ¥800 🍱

🌟 Full Review: Coming Soon! 🌟

Kitchen Otoko no Bangohan, Onna no Hirugohan
🌏 Location 🌏
Japan, 〒176-0006 Tokyo, Nerima City, Sakaecho, 37−13 山中ビル 1F
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jetzPwZVxuxdfbZQ7
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
11 A.M. – 10:30 P.M.

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🍜 Ganso Akanoren Setchan Ramen (Ramen / Fukuoka) 🍜

Continuing off the theme of Value-For-Money, Akanoren takes this year’s 2nd spot.

At an incredibly affordable ¥780, Akanoren’s Ramen Set Meal – featuring Tonkotsu Ramen, Chahan fried rice, and Gyoza – is hard to beat!

And don’t let their pricing fool you, Akanoren’s Tonkotsu Ramen is impressively well-crafted, and easily the best I’ve had in Fukuoka.

So if you’re in Fukuoka and want an amazing bowl of ramen (plus two great side dishes) with some incredible value-for-money, then Akanoren is the way to go!

⭐Recommended Items⭐
🍜 Ramen – ¥580 🍜
🍜 Ramen Set Meal – ¥780 🍜

🌟 Full Review: Coming Soon! 🌟

Ganso Akanoren Setchan Ramen
🌏 Location 🌏
Japan, 〒810-0041 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Daimyo, 2 Chome−6−4 プラスゲート天神 1Ｆ
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9kHsJHhENoRfXnDv9
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
11 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. (Closed on Tuesday)

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🍖 Tonkatsu Tonta (Tonkatsu / Tokyo) 🍖

Taking the premium spot this year is Tonkatsu Tonta and their Low-Temp Tonkatsu.

Having tried several Low-Temp katsu stores this year, Tonta’s was easily the standout.

The pork was exceptionally fresh and bright-tasting, the breadcrumbs incredibly light, and the fat beautifully melted from the longer cooking time.

And if you can get the rarer Rib End cut for some extra marbling and flavor, you’re in for a real treat!

Tonkatsu Tonta is only open for a few days each week, but if you’re around Tokyo – this is one to plan your itinerary around!

⭐Recommended Items⭐
🍖 Toku Rosu (Special Loin) Katsu Set Meal – ¥2,600 🍖

🌟 Full Review: Coming Soon! 🌟

Tonkatsu Tonta
🌏 Location 🌏
3 Chome-17-8 Takada, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0033, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/p6NkYysyCFDSxYag7
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)

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🍛 Curry Honpo (Curry Rice / Fukuoka) 🍛

What started out as a friend’s recommendation for a quick last-meal at Fukuoka, Curry Honpo turned out to be one of the bigger surprises on this list!

Their old-style Baked Curry is full of deep, savory flavors – one that’s much more intensely spiced than your standard Japanese curry.

Topped with a baked egg, melty cheese, pull-apart beef cubes, and served on a hot plate, the end result is a very unique experience that’s sure to leave an impression!

⭐Recommended Items⭐
🍛 Old Baked Curry – ¥1,150 🍛

🌟 Full Review: Coming Soon! 🌟

Curry Honpo
🌏 Location 🌏
6-135 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xvwfMK3E4AqVs1o6
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
11 A.M. to 4 P.M. (Last Order 3:30 P.M. // Closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays)
💻 Website 💻
https://www.curry-honpo.com/englishpage.html

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🍜 Fukuchan Ramen (Ramen / Fukuoka) 🍜

I tried my best to avoid duplicate cuisines in today’s list, but Fukuchan’s Tonkotsu Ramen is too hard to ignore! 

While being just as budget-friendly as Akanoren, Fukuchan’s ramen offers relatively stronger and richer flavors – giving the ramen a deep rustic charm, yet maintains a clean finish without too much of the typical pork bone funk of Tonkotsu.

Portion sizes are also generous, with the Chashu Ramen providing some great value-for-money!

Getting here requires a bit of travelling, and possibly some waiting in line. But if your schedule permits, do give Fukuchan a go!

⭐Recommended Items⭐
🍜 Ramen – ¥750 🍜
🍜 Chashu Ramen – ¥950 🍜

🌟 Full Review: Coming Soon! 🌟

Fukuchan Ramen
🌏 Location 🌏
2 Chome-24-2 Taguma, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0174, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PCJ3qe6v9o5Avrow8
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
(Monday) 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. // (Wednesday – Sunday) 11 A.M. to 8 P.M. // Closed on Tuesday

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🥟 Gyoza Hohei (Gyoza / Kyoto) 🥟

Full Review: Gyoza Hohei

While not a full-course meal like the other entries, at Honorable Mentions is Gyoza Hohei – a gyoza specialty shop in Kyoto’s Gion district.

Specializing in only two fillings, Garlic & Leeks and Ginger, the gyozas here are pretty simple, but done with an incredible amount of finesse and technique.

Soft, steamed wrappers with lightly crisp bottoms and very flavorful fillings. Perfect for a light meal in the afternoon, or a quick late-night bite to wrap up the day.

⭐Recommended Items⭐
🧄 Garlic & Leek Gyoza (8pcs.) – ¥600
🥟 Ginger Gyoza (8 pieces) – ¥600

Gyoza Hohei
🌏 Location 🌏
373-3 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0084, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tFBYXuFnZh6Cw1P98
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
5 P.M. to 12 A.M. (Closed on Sundays)
💻 Website 💻
https://kcvn700.gorp.jp/

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Top 5 Restaurant Picks – 2023 Edition

Full Review: Top 5 Restaurant Picks in Japan (2023)

Need more Top Restaurant Picks? Check out my 2023 review for more of my recommendations!

Now that you’ve seen my list, what are some of your favorite restaurants to visit in Japan? Let me know, and I might stop by to have a go at it next time!

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