Premium tonkatsu chain from Kyoto with outstanding breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets. The Kurobuta (black pig) loin cutlet is tender and juicy, served with unlimited cabbage, rice, and miso soup.
Katsukura is a premium tonkatsu restaurant chain originating in Kyoto that brings a refined approach to one of Japan's most beloved home-cooking traditions. The Yokohama branch is located in the MARK IS Minato Mirai shopping complex in Nishi-ku, making it convenient for visitors to the waterfront precinct seeking a quality sit-down meal that transcends the standard chain experience. Tonkatsu — pork cutlet breaded in panko and deep-fried — may appear simple, but at Katsukura's level the quality of pork, the preparation of the coating, the temperature and purity of the frying oil, and the accompanying condiments are all treated with serious attention. The signature item is the Kurobuta (Berkshire black pig) loin cutlet: a variety prized in Japan for its fine marbling, sweet pork flavour, and remarkably tender texture. The pork is pounded to an even thickness, coated in fine panko breadcrumbs, and fried to a deep golden brown with a crust that shatters cleanly and an interior that remains juicy rather than compressed. The restaurant provides fresh cabbage for shredding at the table using an individual mini-grater — a touchpoint of interactivity that has become a brand signature. Unlimited cabbage refills, rice, and miso soup come with all main sets. Dipping sauce options include a sweet Worcestershire-style tonkatsu sauce, a more complex house preparation, and ground sesame mixed at the table with the provided mortar — one of the more pleasurable ritual elements of the Katsukura experience. A hire (tenderloin) cutlet is available as a leaner, softer alternative to the richer loin.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Not required; queues at peak times
Location
MARK IS Minato Mirai, Yokohama
35.4596, 139.6340 View on map
Highlights
- Premium Kurobuta pork
- Unlimited cabbage refills
- Minato Mirai shopping center
Tips for visiting
- The ground sesame station (mortar and pestle at the table) is part of the Katsukura experience — grind fresh sesame and mix with house sauce for the most complex dipping flavour.
- Kurobuta loin is the flagship order; hire (tenderloin) is leaner and more tender if the richer fatty pork is not preferred.
- Unlimited cabbage refills are included — use them generously to balance the richness of the fried cutlet.
- Lunchtime queues at MARK IS peak between 12:00 and 13:30; arrive before noon or after 13:30 for the shortest wait.
- A Minato Mirai shopping visit pairs naturally with a Katsukura lunch — the mall location makes it easy to combine.
Accessibility
Located inside MARK IS Minato Mirai mall with full lift access to all floors. The restaurant entrance is step-free from the mall corridor. Table seating with chairs is available throughout; the layout accommodates wheelchair users. The mall's overall accessibility standard is high.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kurobuta pork and why is it better than regular pork?
Kurobuta (black pig, a Japanese Berkshire breed) is a heritage pork variety prized in Japan for its distinctive marbling, sweetness, and tenderness relative to commercial pork breeds. The fat distributes evenly through the muscle, resulting in a juicier cutlet with a more complex flavour.
Is Katsukura suitable for children?
Yes — tonkatsu is universally popular with children in Japan, and Katsukura offers children's set menus at most branches. The interactive cabbage-shredding station also tends to engage younger diners.
Does the restaurant take reservations?
Reservations are not taken at the Yokohama branch; it operates on a walk-in basis. Queue tickets are issued near the entrance, and waits during peak lunch hours can range from 10 to 40 minutes.
Is there a vegetarian option?
The menu is predominantly pork-based. Vegetable side dishes and some set meals with vegetable croquette may be available, but Katsukura is not suited to vegetarian dining as a primary option.