Bordering on Ginza, Akebono is located on the underground floor (B1F) of the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, an iconic building facing JR Yurakucho Station. Alternatively, the restaurant is within a 5-minute walking distance from Tokyo Metro Ginza 1-Chome Station. Spread out on the lower floor is a rich variety of restaurants and shops with a retro ambiance. It won’t be hard to imagine that you are back in the Showa era (1926-1989).
Akebono started its business in 1962 on the east side of the JR Yurakucho Station. The original location was in a black-market area called Sushiya Yokocho (or Sushi Yoko), an alley with tiny bars and sushi stalls. Sushi Yoko was a popular gathering place for nearby office workers. As the buildings started to deteriorate, the surroundings of JR Yurakucho Station underwent major re-development, and the area was gradually cleaned up. Akebono moved to its current location, a few years after the completion of the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building in 1965.
Akebono’s L-shaped counter overlooks the kitchen, where the two Nakamura brothers displaying their masterful cooking techniques, prepare all dishes directly in front of the customers. More than half the customers select Katsudon (deep-fried pork cutlet bowl), the restaurant’s signature dish. Another classic dish is the Tonkatsu Teishoku (pork cutlet set meal). Pork cutlets are fried one by one in front of you. The use of pure lard results in a healthier, crispy, and fragrant dish.
The Service Teishoku (set meal), another popular menu item, is served with a mountain of shredded cabbage and four types of fried dishes: bite-size pork fillet, fried shrimp, fried horse mackerel and creamy crab croquette. Alternatively, one can choose a three-dish set consisting of bite-size pork fillet, fried shrimp, and either the fried horse mackerel or the creamy crab croquette. Other traditional fried dishes are also available.
Koshihikari rice, cooked in a traditional Hagama rice cooker, is a distinctive feature of the restaurant. This famous Japanese rice, when served with pork cutlet flavored in sweet and spicy dashi, makes for an indescribably perfect match. Miso soup and oshinko (a type of pickle) will be provided with your meal.
Tonkatsu Akebono is one of the best-kept secrets of Tokyo foodies. Non-Japanese speaking customers will have no problem ordering as an English menu is available.
お昼時は大行列だが、並んでも食べるべきカツ丼は絶品。ダシのあまみと肉の旨味が見事に調和された大満足の味が楽しめる。店員さんもテキパキしており、カウンターのみの小さな店だが何の不満もない。 Quote from Google Map Review
