Tonkatsu Akira (Shibuya) — Salmon Rare Katsu Review

12/02/2025

Hello — there! On this occasion, I visited the much discussed tonkatsu specialty restaurant in Shibuya, Tonkatsu Akira. Supervised by a Michelin-trained chef, the establishment is renowned for its carefully sourced brand pork, such as Abel Kurobuta, and its creative salmon dishes. I tried the SNS-famous Salmon Rare Katsu set, and here is my comprehensive tasting report. If you are on the hunt for top-notch tonkatsu in Shibuya, this spot is absolutely worth your attention!

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What Makes Tonkatsu Akira Special

The restaurant operates with four key commitments

Abel Kurobuta

A premium pork boasting a tender, succulent texture and sweet, flavorful fat.

Double-Fried in Rice Oil

This technique ensures the dish is light on the palate — a crisp coating giving way to a juicy interior.

House-Made Condiments

Enjoy a range of distinctive seasonings, from a Kagoshima sweet soy-based sauce to Okinawan salt-based wine salt.

All-You-Can-Eat Raw Egg

An excellent accompaniment for mixing with rice (tamago-kake-gohan) or as a dipping sauce — plenty of ways to enjoy it.

If you appreciate fried food but worry about it feeling too heavy afterwards, this venue might be precisely what you are looking for.

Practical Information

• Information: Monte Dogenzaka 1F, 2-20-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Closest Station: Shibuya
• Information: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit)
• Information: 11:00–22:00
• Reservations: Not accepted

Atmosphere: A Stylish, Café-Like Setting

The interior features a soft, natural-modern design. Wooden tables and subtle indirect lighting create a calm, café-like ambience. There is counter seating available, making it easy to pop in alone — it’s little wonder the restaurant is popular with women and international visitors.

Menu Highlights

Here are some of the standout offerings:

• Abel Kurobuta Loin Set: The signature dish — notable for its rich fat and deep pork flavor.
• Fillet (Hire) Set: Lean and exceptionally tender — a popular choice for those who prefer less fat.
• Salmon Rare Katsu Set: A new sensation! Melt-in-your-mouth, rare salmon encased in a satisfyingly crunchy crumb.
• Aji Fry Set (Horse Mackerel): Fluffy horse mackerel served fried — a delight for regular patrons.

Try a uniquely Japanese experience.

Tasting Report: The Salmon Rare Katsu Set

I opted for the Salmon Rare Katsu Set. Visually, it was stunning — the vibrant salmon color was wrapped in a perfectly crisp batter. The set was served with red miso soup and pickles.

The salmon was generously thick and, despite being rare, it was mild and incredibly palatable. The coating was thin and crunchy, so the whole dish felt light — I maintained my appetite right to the end.

Customise with Condiments

Tonkatsu Akira provides a number of condiments to ‘change the flavor’ (or flavor change as they call it), allowing you to sample a variety of tastes: the house-made Kagoshima soy sauce, Okinawa wine salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of wasabi for a refreshing kick.

Rice refills are available — I strongly recommend trying the rice as tamago-kake-gohan (rice with a raw egg) after you have finished your katsu.

Wait Times & Crowd Management

I visited for lunch around 1 pm on a weekend. The wait was roughly 10 minutes. They seat small groups together in batches, so the time you arrive can definitely affect your wait.

How to Order

While queuing, you are given a QR code to scan and place your order on your mobile phone. This system is highly efficient, ensuring there is virtually no delay once you are seated.

Best Times to Visit

For shorter queues, try weekdays between 11:00–12:00 or during the late afternoon, 16:00–17:00. Weekends get busy, so arriving earlier is always a better bet.

Verdict

If you are after delicious tonkatsu in Shibuya, Tonkatsu Akira comes highly recommended. Their Abel Kurobuta and salmon dishes are thoughtfully prepared and delicious, and the array of condiments and the modern QR ordering process make for a very pleasant experience. It’s perfect for a Shibuya lunch or a great foodie stop while sightseeing!

Keep discovering Tokyo.