Maisen (Aoyama)
A beloved Aoyama tonkatsu institution serving crisp, juicy breaded pork cutlets in a converted former bathhouse.
The call
Worth it if you are traveling with kids and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
Comfort-food Tokyo at its best — golden, crunchy katsu with shredded cabbage and rice in a cheerful, accessible setting.
Our read - 02
A reliable, mid-range crowd-pleaser.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Maisen (Aoyama) works.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Maisen (Aoyama) works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Maisen (Aoyama) works.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Maisen (Aoyama) delivers.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Maisen (Aoyama) isn't cheap for what it is.
You only have one day
Maisen (Aoyama) is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
History and culture matter to you
For history & culture, Maisen (Aoyama) is hit or miss.
The plates that decide it
- Kurobuta (black pork) loin katsu set — the signature order
- Hire (fillet) katsu set — leaner, reliably good
- Katsu sando (sandwich) to take away — a great snack option
Plan it well
- Cost
- Moderate (set menus around lunch and dinner)
- Timing
- Off-peak lunch to avoid the queue
- Booking
- Largely walk-in
- Allow
- About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Accessibility
- Omotesando / Aoyama; takeaway also available
Sources and method (2)
- Serving tonkatsu since 1965; the Aoyama main branch occupies a converted former public bathhouse, with the upstairs dining room in the old changing room. trulytokyo.com ↗
- Signature is the kurobuta (black/Berkshire pork) katsu; the meat is tenderized by patting before breading and uses house-baked breadcrumbs. tinyurbankitchen.com ↗