Tonkatsu Taro, the birthplace of Niigata’s sauce katsudon. Even though I’d just finished breakfast, I still wanted to try it—thankfully they have a mini bowl option.
Two sauce-coated pork cutlets laid right on top of white rice. That’s it, super simple.
It doesn’t look especially pretty, but that’s kind of the point with Niigata sauce katsudon.
The sweetness of the sauce clings to the cutlet with a bit of chew, and with Niigata rice it tastes plain and comforting in the best way. When it started to feel a little rich halfway through, adding a bit of yellow mustard or pickled daikon totally changed the flavor.
No wonder it’s a beloved local spot—by the time I finished, there was already a long line out front!
Tonkatsu Taro | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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SOU-SOU Isemomen
SOU-SOU is a textile design brand born in Kyoto. Focusing on lifestyle items that fit modern Japanese life, the brand focuses on using traditional materials and methods while upholding the concept of “creating a new kind of Japanese culture”. Inside you’ll find a wide range of items including jikatabi, kimono, Japanese sweets and furniture.
If you like SOU・SOU, this is a hard place to skip when you’re in Kyoto. Tucked into the Shinkyogoku alleyways not far from Nishiki Market, there are several SOU・SOU shops clustered together, each with a different theme. You can find everything from clothing and kids’ wear to all kinds of lifestyle goods. If you’re already a SOU・SOU fan, it’s seriously easy to go overboard shopping here!
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ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka
ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka is part of a specialty coffee chain with other locations in Okusawa, Yakumo, and Nakameguro. The café sources beans directly from farmers in regions like Colombia and Ethiopia, roasting them in-house to create the exceptional coffee that has earned it a strong following. Opened in April 2022 along Jiyugaoka Green Road, this location stands out for its warm, natural wooden décor and the calm, sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly suits Jiyugaoka.
ONIBUS COFFEE has solid reviews online, so it’s a café many people add to their Jiyugaoka plans. When I actually visited, it was even more popular than I expected, and finding a seat wasn’t easy. In the end, I got a coffee to go and enjoyed it slowly along the nearby Kuhonbutsu River Green Road, which was a nice way to take in Jiyugaoka’s relaxed atmosphere.
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AEON MALL Makuhari New City
This mall consists of 4 sections: Grand, Family, Active, and Pet, with a total floor area of around 402,000 square meters and about 350 specialty stores and an AEON STYLE supermarket. You can enjoy everything from shopping to entertainment.
Since I often stay in Chiba Prefecture, AEON MALL Makuhari New City has become one of the shopping spots I plan to visit every time I’m in the Kanto area. You can get there right from JR Makuharitoyosuna Station, and the mall is huge. It has everything from clothing and household goods to dining, so you can take care of most needs in one trip.
That said, because the mall is so spread out, walking through the whole place really tests your stamina. Plus, with Costco right next door, I often end up spending the entire day here without even realizing it. -
