Isen Honten (Main Store) in Ueno: Birthplace of Katsu Sandwich in Japan!

Ueno, one of Tokyo's most prominent tourist destinations alongside landmarks like Tokyo Tower, is located in Taito Ward, famous for its zoo, art museums, lush parks, and vibrant dining district under the elevated train tracks. With excellent accessibility including Shinkansen connections, it serves as an ideal base for tourists exploring the city.

Among Tokyo's various districts, Ueno is particularly renowned for its collection of skilled restaurants and historic eateries. Notably, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurants are especially popular among both locals and tourists, with one establishment being famous as the birthplace of the katsu sandwich.

Today, we'll introduce the appealing points and recommended menu items of Isen Honten, known both as the originator of the katsu sandwich and as one of the "Ueno Big Three."

What is Isen Honten, One of Ueno's "Big Three" Famous Restaurants?

Isen Honten, established in 1930 in Ueno, is a renowned tonkatsu restaurant. The Ueno area is known for its numerous tonkatsu establishments, with Isen Honten, Ponta Honten (birthplace of cutlets), and Horaiken (famous for pork fillet cutlets) collectively known as the "Ueno Tonkatsu Big Three."

For nearly 80 years, Isen Honten has maintained its concept of serving tonkatsu so tender it can be cut with chopsticks. The restaurant's exterior maintains its original traditional Japanese architecture, which particularly captivates international visitors.

The traditional taste, passed down through generations for 80 years, is truly exceptional. When visiting Ueno, why not experience this extraordinary cuisine?

The Birthplace of Japan's Popular Gourmet "Katsu Sandwich"

Isen Honten is renowned not only for its tonkatsu but also as the birthplace of the katsu sandwich, which places the cutlet between slices of bread. The katsu sandwich was invented by the first female owner, originally created for geisha to eat without smudging their makeup.

The bread and tonkatsu are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating, allowing diners to fully appreciate the tenderness of the cutlet. The sweet sauce is also exceptional – I found myself unable to stop eating once I started, finishing it in no time.

Available for both dine-in and takeout, it's perfect for enjoying during your Shinkansen journey.

A Thorough Explanation of Why This Premier Restaurant "Isen Honten" Is So Popular and Its Special Features!

Signature Tonkatsu So Tender It Can Be Cut with Chopsticks

The key to Isen Honten's popularity as one of Ueno's premier tonkatsu restaurants lies in its signature tender cutlets that can be cut with chopsticks. Since its establishment in 1930, they have maintained cooking methods tailored to Japanese preferences, preserved unchanged to this day.

To achieve maximum tenderness, they use only the highest quality oil and source their breadcrumbs through exclusive channels. Many local families have been loyal customers for generations, captivated by this distinctive taste.

The meat is so tender that it's easy to eat regardless of age, making it perfect even for those trying tonkatsu for the first time in Japan.

Generous Portions of Tonkatsu & Katsu Sandwiches at Reasonable Prices

While high-quality tonkatsu can often be expensive, Isen Main Store offers generous portions at reasonable prices. Just as Tokyo Tower stands as a symbol of affordable sightseeing in the city, Isen represents excellent value in Japanese dining.

At Isen Main Store, pork loin set meals start from 1,600 yen, and pork tenderloin set meals from 2,100 yen. Their katsu sandwiches are also reasonably priced at 1,100 yen for 6 pieces and 1,600 yen for 9 pieces, making them wallet-friendly options.

Set meals come complete with rice, miso soup, pickles, and shredded cabbage, ensuring you'll leave feeling fully satisfied. Isen Main Store is highly recommended for those seeking a fulfilling dining experience.

Beautiful Machiya-Style Architecture in Harmony with Nature

The exterior of Isen Main Store resembles a beautiful traditional Japanese merchant house (machiya). During my visit, I noticed lovely green plants decorating the storefront, creating an atmosphere of traditional elegance. Photography enthusiasts who appreciate historic Japanese architecture will want to capture this scene.

The restaurant is located in a quiet alley off the main street in Ueno. Look for the distinctive orange signboard reading "Isen Main Store," which serves as an easily visible landmark.

The second floor features traditional tatami seating, offering visitors an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Enjoy Tonkatsu While Overlooking a Beautiful Garden from the Second Floor

From the second-floor tatami room at Isen Main Store, guests can enjoy delicious tonkatsu while overlooking a beautiful inner garden. The tatami room's interior has remained largely unchanged since the restaurant's establishment in 1930, making it perfect for those wanting to experience traditional Japanese room design.

Until around 1955, this second-floor space was frequently used for Ueno geisha dance practice sessions. The inner garden, visible through the sitting room windows, features beautiful trees that create a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.

Isen Main Store is especially recommended for those who wish to savor their tonkatsu leisurely while seated on traditional tatami mats.

Must-Try Menu Items at Isen and Their Special Appeal

Isen's Famous "Katsu Sandwich"

The katsu sandwich is a signature menu item at Isen Honten. The restaurant is famous for being the birthplace of the katsu sandwich, which was originally conceived by the first proprietress.

Isen Honten is located in Ueno, which was once a district where geishas frequented. The katsu sandwich was designed with consideration for geishas, ensuring they could eat without getting food around their mouths. The sandwich, cut slightly smaller than regular size, is renowned for being tender and easy to eat.

Priced at 1,100 yen for 6 pieces and 1,600 yen for 9 pieces, it's quite affordable. Takeout is available, making it perfect for enjoying during your Shinkansen journey from Ueno.

"Fillet Katsu Set Meal" - So Tender You Can Cut It with Chopsticks

The fillet katsu set meal at Isen Honten is famous for being so tender you can easily cut it with chopsticks. This signature dish is prepared using the same method from when the restaurant opened 80 years ago. You'll be amazed by its tenderness from the very first bite.

Not only is it tender and easy to eat, but the bread is also crispy and aromatic. It becomes even more delicious when topped with their slightly sweet sauce. The set meal comes with rice, shredded cabbage, pickles, and pork soup (tonjiru) made with pork and vegetables simmered in miso.

The pork soup contains the same meat used in their tonkatsu. The meat's rich flavor infuses the soup, creating a distinctively deep taste. Why not try this easy-to-eat, satisfying set meal?

The Classic "Pork Loin Set Meal" - Known for Its Juiciness!

The pork loin set meal is another signature dish at Isen Honten, celebrated for its juiciness and flavor. Like their other cutlets, it maintains the characteristic tenderness that allows it to be cut with chopsticks. The loin is fattier than the fillet, making it a juicier cut.

The texture is light and tender, making it perfect even for first-time tonkatsu eaters. Like the fillet katsu, it becomes even more delicious when eaten with their special sweet sauce.

Similar to the fillet katsu set, it comes with rice, pork soup, pickles, and shredded cabbage, all for a reasonable price of 1,600 yen. If you're trying tonkatsu in Japan for the first time, this is definitely a must-try dish.

Take-out Options for Isen Honten's Tonkatsu and Katsu Sandwiches! Introducing 3 Recommended Take-out Menu Items

Katsu Sandwich (9 pieces)

Isen Honten's katsu sandwiches are available for takeout. Known as the birthplace of katsu sandwiches, this popular menu item offers tender tonkatsu at reasonable prices. The restaurant has maintained its original taste since its founding.

The perfect balance between the tonkatsu, bread, and sauce is exquisite. When I took my first bite, I finished it quickly because it was so delicious. The bread and katsu are cut into small pieces, making it perfect to enjoy in your hotel room or on the Shinkansen.

Makunouchi Bento

Isen Honten offers takeout makunouchi bento boxes that can be easily ordered by phone. A makunouchi bento is a uniquely Japanese lunch box featuring white rice and various side dishes, including tonkatsu and fried shrimp.

There are many bento options available, including pork loin katsu bento and pork fillet katsu bento. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy tonkatsu leisurely in their hotel room.

Party Platters

Isen Honten offers party platters featuring cutlets, fried foods, and other dishes arranged on large plates. The budget, quantity, and types of dishes can be customized, and orders can be placed easily by phone during business hours.

Like the bento boxes and katsu sandwiches, party platters can be ordered for up to 20 people. If you want to enjoy tonkatsu and katsu sandwiches with a large group in a party atmosphere, why not try ordering a party platter?

Isen Honten Access & Basic Information

Address: 3-40-3 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station
Business Hours: 11:30-20:10
Closed: Wednesdays (Open on holidays)
Phone: 03-3834-2901
Official Website: https://www.isen-honten.jp/

Michelin-Listed Restaurants! 3 Local Recommended Tonkatsu Restaurants to Enjoy in Ueno

Ponta Honke (Tonkatsu)

Located near JR Okachimachi Station, Ponta Honke is one of the oldest restaurants in Ueno, established in 1905. Their signature dish is tonkatsu made with carefully selected pork loin, slow-cooked at low temperature in homemade lard, resulting in exceptional meat quality and texture.

The restaurant has been recognized for maintaining its unchanging deliciousness for nearly 100 years and has been featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Not only the meat but also the exterior and overall atmosphere exude first-class quality. If you're looking for the finest tonkatsu, visiting Ponta Honke is a must.

Address: 3-23-3 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-14:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3831-2351

Tonpachitei (Tonkatsu)

Tonpachitei has been a beloved tonkatsu establishment in Ueno for over 70 years and is famous for being recognized in the Michelin Guide for nine consecutive years. They use lard for frying and cook the tonkatsu slowly at low temperature, creating a characteristic crispy texture.

They only operate during lunch hours and close when sold out, so it's recommended to visit early. The restaurant offers foreign language menus and has staff who can speak English and German, making it comfortable for international tourists to enjoy their meal.

Address: 4-3-4 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30-14:30
Closed: Mondays (open the following day if Monday is a holiday)

Horaiya (Isen Honten)

Horaiya, known as one of Ueno's "Big Three" tonkatsu restaurants, is famous for being the birthplace of "Hire-katsu" (pork tenderloin cutlet). Originally opening as a food stand next to Matsuzakaya Department Store in Ueno in 1912, they moved to their current location in 1928.

Their exquisite hire-katsu features carefully selected tenderloin with a light, crispy coating, creating an elegant taste. The high-quality meat juices slowly spread in your mouth. The piping hot hire-katsu can be enjoyed with different flavors by adding sauce or mustard.

Address: 3-28-5 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 11:30-14:30, Weekends/Holidays 11:30-14:30/17:00-20:30
Closed: Wednesdays (following day if Wednesday is a holiday)
Phone: 03-3831-5783
Official Website: http://www.ueno-horaiya.com/