Maisen (Aoyama)
A beloved Aoyama tonkatsu institution serving crisp, juicy breaded pork cutlets in a converted former bathhouse.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling with kids and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Maisen (Aoyama) worth it?
Maisen (Aoyama) deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Comfort-food Tokyo at its best — golden, crunchy katsu with shredded cabbage and rice in a cheerful, accessible setting.
- 02
A reliable, mid-range crowd-pleaser.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Maisen (Aoyama) is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Maisen (Aoyama) is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Maisen (Aoyama) is an easy yes.
Food is a reason to travel
Maisen (Aoyama) rewards a trip built around food & drink.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Maisen (Aoyama) can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Maisen (Aoyama) only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
History and culture matter to you
Maisen (Aoyama) offers some history & culture, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
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 ↗