Tonkatsu Hajime Nihonbashi

If you’re looking for an authentic, perfectly executed tonkatsu experience, Tonkatsu Hajime is a must-visit. The pork cutlet here is fried to absolute perfection, crispy, golden panko crust on the outside, and unbelievably tender and juicy meat on the inside. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care put into every detail, from the freshly shredded cabbage to the flavorful miso soup that comes alongside. What makes Hajime special is not just the food, but also the atmosphere. The restaurant feels intimate and welcoming, with staff who are attentive without being intrusive. It’s clear they take pride in what they serve. Whether you go for the classic rosu katsu (loin) or the leaner hire katsu (fillet), you can’t go wrong. Pair it with their house sauce and a bowl of rice, and you’ve got comfort food elevated to another level. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend for anyone who loves Japanese food, or simply wants to taste tonkatsu done right.

One of my favorite meals on my Japan trip. We did not plan on going here, just happened to see it on the map when we were in the area. Our wait was about 45 minutes but the staff was very kind. It was raining and they offered umbrellas. The price is really good for what you get. I ordered the Rib Eye Katsudon Set Meal and it came with so much for only $20 USD/ ¥2508. They also accept card payment. Overall the restaurant was clean, warm/cozy environment, and the food was amazing (and crispy). I would 100% recommend to future visitors.

A nice tonkatsu place where you can get a variety of cuts and options to satisfy any hunger. I came for the thickly sliced tonkatsu don, which I would definitely recommend. I went in the evening, so the choicer meats were already sold out, so I went with the ribeye option. It was thick and juicy and had a great flavor, with just a few chewy bites as to be expected. The egg was cooked perfectly with a nice balance of firm and runny. Service was good once inside, but the guy outside was a bit rude and refused to give a menu while my friend was around the corner. Other than that, prepare to wait.

The best Tonkatsu I have had yet, the meat was super tender and crispy, the rice was perfectly cooked, the egg was salty and flavorful. Ir you are in Japan and want a Tonkatsu you need to come here. The wasabi salt was some of the best ai have had and it gave another level to the taste. Really recomend it

You can enjoy a thick-cut, deep-fried pork loin here at a reasonable price—¥1,680 or ¥2080 for a thicker cut as of 2025. I ordered ¥2080. Personally, I prefer the fillet bowl over the loin, but unfortunately, the fillet is only available as part of a set meal, which is a bit disappointing. The pork loin, in my experience, was dry, not very tender, and lacked the richness of oil that typically adds flavor.

Suffering from heatstroke, I knew I had to get some food down, and this place did not disappoint. I’d seen it all over social media and was hoping it wasn’t just another overhyped spot — thankfully, it lived up to the reputation. The meal was definitely on the fatty side, but with tonkatsu that’s expected, and here it worked perfectly. I ordered the recommended thick cut from the waiter (who gave fantastic service — super attentive and welcoming), and it was absolutely the right call. The cutlet itself was outstanding — thick, juicy, and almost wagyu-like in texture. Each bite was buttery soft with no stringy or chewy bits. The rice was cooked perfectly and paired beautifully with the meat, while the egg complemented the whole dish and tied it all together. This isn’t your average tonkatsu — it’s their specialty, and it shows. Heavy, rich, and indulgent, but so worth it.

Food is really not bad as the pork cutlet is not oily n clean. Flavour wise is also good and not as salty as what I usually ate. The queue is rather long as they usually will start cooking when the guests dining in is almost finishing. The cutler is then rested and serve when you sit down immediately. Only suggestion is I would like the loin to be more tender.

We waiting one hour to get in and came at around 1-2pm. The waiter took our order when we got closer to the door, so by the time we entered and sat down, our food was served a couple minutes later. Amazing food and well worth trying. If you love thick-cut pork, you will adore this place. Their hot tea (which they serve to you automatically) is amazing as well. Their pork tonkatsu comes with a side cabbage salad, pickles, and an amazing soup. 10/10 would recommend to everyone.