Tonkatsu Wako Takumian:

Tokyo’s Best Tonkatsu at Isetan Shinjuku

〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−14−1 伊勢丹新宿店内 ７Ｆ

April 18, 2025

Located on the top floor of Isetan Shinjuku, Tonkatsu Wako Takumian offers what might just be the best tonkatsu in Tokyo.

You may already be familiar with its parent company, Wako, which operates over 250 locations across Japan. The regular Tonkatsu Wako restaurants are widely loved—even among locals—for their convenience, quality, and consistent flavor. But Takumian is something special. There’s only one Takumian, and it’s here at Isetan Shinjuku. If you're after a more refined take on tonkatsu and are willing to spend a little extra time, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.

What sets Takumian apart is the quality of its domestic pork, especially the Kagoshima Black Pork, raised on sweet potato-enriched feed for a richer flavor. The tonkatsu is coated in freshly ground breadcrumbs that fry up light and crispy—never greasy or heavy. While you wait (because everything is made fresh to order), you'll be served a small assortment of pickled vegetables and finely shredded cabbage that are so flavorful they could be a meal on their own. Just be careful not to fill up before the main dish arrives!

Tips for Dining at Takumian Isetan + Things to Do in Shinjuku

If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that Isetan opens at 10 AM, while Takumian opens at 11 AM. Arriving early means you can grab a seat in the waiting area, which fills up quickly. Unlike many popular Tokyo eateries, there’s a designated row of chairs for diners waiting to be seated—no need to stand in line. Right behind the chairs is a detailed showcase of the dishes in plastic form, which is handy for choosing your order before you're even seated.

After your meal, you’ll already be perfectly positioned to explore Isetan’s other floors, or continue your day in Shinjuku. Head to Beams Japan, take a walk through Shinjuku Gyoen, or browse the tech heaven that is Yodobashi Camera. It's the ideal, satisfying meal to start off a full day in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts. Takumian is also open until 10 PM, making it a great dinner option as well, though wait times can be long and unpredictable. Unless you're planning to eat later, your best bet is still to go right at opening.