The Best Burger Joints In Tokyo

Tokyo is the world’s most populous metropolitan area and a vibrant, kaleidoscopic mecca of history, culture, and, of course, some of the best cuisine in the world. The city boasts a large number of authentic restaurants serving top-notch Asian dishes and tasty international fare. If you’re in the mood for a delicious burger when in the heart of Japan, you’ve come to the right place, as Tokyo is also home to an array of top fast food joints serving mouthwatering versions of the American classic – here are some of the best.

1. Arms

Restaurant, American

Very unassuming, Arms Burger is a classic American-style burger hangout that sits unassumingly behind Yoyogi Park, just a few steps away from Tokyo’s favourite take-away coffee joint Little Nap. Cosy, laid-back and very family-friendly, this place really chooses substance over style, which is where it finds its timeless, rustic charm. Unlike newer American-style burger restaurants, Arms is all about serving up the comfort classics without the flash. A local cult favourite, this place gets pretty busy on the weekends, but during the week it’s easy to nab a sunny spot by the floor-to-ceiling open windows.

2. The Great Burger

Restaurant, American

Sitting in one of Tokyo’s most fashionable pockets, The Great Burger is definitely heavily focussed on impressions, but it’s not just a show. On the weekend, a line snakes out the door, suggesting they’re doing something right. Once you get inside, you’ll realise the burgers are worth the hype. Perfectly toasted sesame buns, juicy patties and perfectly melted cheese, these guys have nailed the classics, but for something a little more contemporary, you can always consider the avocado, mango, or asparagus burger.

3. Blacows

Restaurant, American

Blacows is interestingly named after the black cows that they use for their 100% waygu beef patties. Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Ebisu, the interior of this establishment features a rustic medieval European décor that creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. The beef patties are perfectly marinated, and are sandwiched between soft, crisp rolls and served with a side of salty, delicious potato wedges.

5. Authentic

Restaurant, American

If you’re going to call yourself ‘Authentic’, then you had better be pretty darn confident in your burger-making abilities, and luckily this Minato burger staple lives up to their own created hype. If you’re looking to mix highbrow and lowbrow charm, Authentic’s patties are 80% red meat and 20% prized, fatty wagyu beef, offering the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for super old-school classics, though, it’s probably best to look elsewhere; this joint’s most famous show-burger is a broccoli cheese combination.

6. Burger Mania

Restaurant, American

Burger Mania is an extremely popular fast food chain with locations scattered throughout the city. They’re the masters of recreating classic-style burgers in a uniquely artisanal style. From smoked salmon and relish, to avocado and asparagus, nothing is off limits here. If the choices look a little overwhelming, try the fried chicken and bacon option served with creamy mayonnaise and salad of your choosing. The homemade chips served with an innovative gorgonzola and balsamic glaze has to be tasted to be believed.

7. Freshness Burger Tomigaya

Restaurant, American

Freshness Burger is by no means some secret underground Tokyo burger player. In fact, in Japan it’s about as (if not more) ubiquitous than McDonalds. However, visiting Freshness Burger Tomigaya is a very special experience. Opened in 1992, this is the very first Freshness Burger shop, and it remains relatively untouched. Keeping it classic and simple is their agenda, and it’s proven over the past two decades to be incredibly successful. The meat here is griddled until it is crisp and laid on a floury roll before it is laden with a runny egg and fresh vegetables – a true masterpiece in the art of burger making.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.