The influence of American culture in Japan is obvious in almost every district of its cities. Alongside the temples and pagodas of old, modern Japan is also a world of baseball stadiums, jazz bars, and—of course—hundreds of fast food joints. This makes seeking out the best of the best burgers in Tokyo no small task!
All things Americana have been celebrated in Japan ever since the 1950s, which means that while in other Asian countries you might struggle to have your burger cravings (and high burger standards) suitably met, Japan has long since mastered the fine art of beef and bun.
Here’s our pick of the best burgers that Tokyo has to offer!
9 Best Burger Joints in Tokyo
1. Blacows (Ebisu)
2. Munch’s Burger Shack (Shibakoen)
3. Fatburger (Shibuya)
4. Umami Burger (Omotesando)
5. Eight Burger's (Shimokitazawa)
6. Chatty Chatty (Shinjuku) and Wakie Wakie (Kichijoji)
7. Arms Burger (Yoyogi)
8. Authentic Burger (Akasaka)
9. Bareburger (Jiyugaoka)
1. Blacows (Ebisu)
For a great burger with a Japanese twist, head down to Blacows in Ebisu. The name is a reference to the black cows from which the famous kuroge wagyu beef is produced. Each of their burger patties is 100% made from this premium meat, with the quality reflected in both the taste and the price.
Blacows’ burgers range from 1,300 to 1,900 yen, excluding sides and vegetable toppings. You won’t regret paying that little bit extra when you’re biting into one of the most tender and tasty burgers in Tokyo, made with some of the best meat in the world.
This place prides itself on customizability, with a decent range of toppings to mix and match. For big eaters, they offer the fully-loaded “Big Blacows Burger,” stacked with cheese, bacon, egg, avocado, and an extra patty.
Tel: 03-3477-2914
Address: 2 Chome-11-9 Ebisunishi, 渋谷区 Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0021
2. Munch’s Burger Shack (Shibakoen)
Munch's Burger Shack is the only burger joint in Tokyo to have cooked for the former president of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump—a man so fanatically crazy about burgers that he serves them up at presidential dinners.
Whatever your opinion of the man himself, we’re sure you’ll love the burger which bears his name: a Colby Jack cheeseburger at just 1,400 yen for the fries and coleslaw set. If you’re particular about the way your burgers are cooked, you’ll be happy to know that this place accommodates requests for medium-rare patties.
The space itself is super-chic, with an open kitchen and industrial design. Seating is somewhat limited, so be aware you may need to share a table or queue during peak times on the weekend.
Tel: 03-6435-3166
Address: 〒105-0014 Tokyo, Minato City, Shiba, 2 Chome−26−1 1F・2F I・SMARTビル
3. Fatburger (Shibuya)
A common complaint among the expats of Japan is that the portions at fast-food joints are significantly smaller than in Europe and America. If you find yourself complaining about this every time you’re served up a teeny-tiny Mos Burger, get yourself to Fatburger in Shibuya—an area that is an obligatory stop on any Tokyo itinerary.
This American brand is famous for its huge challenge burgers, stacked gravity-defyingly high. In Japan, the biggest item on the menu is the six-patty "US Kingburger” at a pretty reasonable 2,560 yen. For the mere mortals among us, single, double, and triple options are also available.
All the standard burger varieties are to be found here at decent prices, with fries and a drink only an extra 400 yen.
Tel: 03-6455-3200
Address: 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−23−10 7階 MAGNET by SHIBUYA
4. Umami Burger (Omotesando)
Umami (noun): one of the five basic tastes, characteristic of cooked meats and broths. If this mysterious fifth flavor category is alien to you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Only recently adopted into English, the Japanese have used this word since the early 20th century to describe the mouthwatering taste of meats and stews.
It literally translates to “essence of deliciousness,” which perfectly describes the burgers offered up by this Nihon-inspired burger joint, originally established in LA. Naturally, Umami Burger decided to open up a store in Tokyo, which offers up their fresh burger inventions for around 1,000 yen and above.
The Omotesando branch offers a range of fifteen varieties with toppings ranging from the classic cheese and bacon, to the more inventive lotus root and wasabi. A perfect place to satisfy your craving for Western comforts, without missing out on the unique local flavors of Japanese food.
Tel: 03-6452-6951
Address: 〒107-0061 東京都港区北青山3丁目15−5
5. Eight Burger's (Shimokitazawa)
Shimokita is a neighborhood best known as a hub for fashionable hipsters, coffee lovers, and theatre folk. Great burgers are just another string to the bow of this ultra-cool neighborhood.
Right in the heart of the neighborhood, just a few minutes east of the station, Eight Burger’s has been serving delicious buns since 2017. With a comfortably stylish interior and outdoor seating, it’s a perfect hangout in any season.
Their lunch set comes as cheap as 700 yen and includes skinny fries, a drink, and a dish of excellent homemade coleslaw. You can’t go wrong with their cheeseburgers, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous then why not give the straightforwardly titled “F***in’ Hot Chili Cheese Burger” a go?
Tel: 03-5738-8069
Address: 〒155-0031 東京都世田谷区北沢2丁目24−9
6. Chatty Chatty (Shinjuku) and Wakie Wakie (Kichijoji)
For sheer attention to detail and craft, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Chatty Chatty—a little store located near the peaceful grounds of Shinjuku Gyoen Park. This 20-seater hidden gem is a great example of the kind of independent eateries that make Tokyo’s food scene so great—a real labor of love by the staff and owners.
Order from their menu of over 30 burgers then watch your 100% Australian beef burger being prepared right across the counter from you. What makes their burgers unique is the method used to hold the beef together: a wrapping of pork caul instead of the usual egg and breadcrumb mixture. This means the taste is all-meat!
The end result is one of the most picture-perfect burgers possible: perfectly cooked patties resting atop crisp vegetables, glistening with a generous lathering of melted cheese. Recently, they’ve opened up a second restaurant named Wakie Wakie in Kichijoji with the same great menu and shabby-chic vibe.
Chatty Chatty
Tel: 03-6457-7262
Address: 1 Chome-12-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Wakie Wakie
Tel: 0422-24-8333
Address: 〒180-0003 東京都武蔵野市吉祥寺南町2丁目2−3 オリエンタルビル 2F
7. Arms Burger (Yoyogi)
Nestled among the cafes and apartments of the chill residential area on the west side of Yoyogi Park, Arms Burger is a place that is extremely popular among locals due to its family (and dog) friendly atmosphere.
The menu draws inspiration from classic American diners, with some inventive burgers too. Standout options include the spinach-topped “Popeye Burger,” and a burger topped with honeyed mushrooms. Prices hover around the 1000 yen mark, with takeout and delivery also available.
For relaxed local vibes, Arms is not to be beaten. After finishing up lunch at your new favorite Tokyo burger shop, you should think about taking a stroll around this ultra-chill area to discover your new favorite cafe/gallery/store/bar too.
Tel: 03-3466-5970
Address: 5 Chome-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053
8. Authentic Burger (Akasaka)
With a name as bold as the taste of their meat, Authentic Burger is a long-time heavyweight on the Tokyo burger scene. The secret to their success is the mix of meat used in their patties: 80% Angus beef, 20% prime fatty wagyu.
Highlights include burgers with homemade thousand-island sauce, an outstanding chili cheeseburger, and the unexpectedly amazing broccoli cheeseburger. Prices are Tokyo-standard, starting from around 1000 yen.
Be sure to arrive before or after the lunchtime rush so you don’t have to compete for your spot against the horde of loyal regulars this place has accumulated over the years. Once you’ve tried their burgers out for yourself, you’ll understand why.
Tel: 03-3505-8584
Address: 2 Chome-18-19 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052
9. Bareburger (Jiyugaoka)
If eco-friendliness and sustainability are as important to you as freshness and flavor, the fully organic menu at Bareburger will tick all your boxes. Originating in New York, their first Tokyo restaurant was established in Jiyugaoka in 2015, boasting a fresh and bright interior, and unique menu items.
As the name suggests, this company prides itself on the quality of their ingredients rather than on fancy gimmicks. The result is one of the freshest and healthiest burgers available, for around 1,500 yen and up.
Also available are some mouthwatering veggie burgers, premium wagyu beef burgers, minced chicken burgers, customizable milkshakes, and a delectable selection of American desserts including pancakes and apple pie.
Bareburger Jiyugaoka
Tel: 03-3724-5820
Address: 2 Chome-16-10, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0035
When you find yourself craving some Western food in Tokyo, get along to one of these best burger restaurants in Tokyo, to make the most of one of the best, and most creative, burger scenes in the world. Premium local ingredients bring a Japanese touch to this classic American dish, resulting in burgers that you won’t soon forget.
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