Katsukura Shinjuku

Katsukura, originating in Kyoto and now operating a location on the 14th floor of Shinjuku's Takashimaya Times Square, is a well-regarded tonkatsu specialist serving premium pork cutlets fried in a light, sesame-scented panko crust until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining juicy within. The restaurant's most distinctive touch is an interactive ritual at the start of the meal: each guest is given a suribachi mortar and a small handful of sesame seeds to grind by hand, releasing their aroma before mixing the ground sesame with tonkatsu sauce to create a personalised dipping sauce, a small but memorable element that sets the meal apart from ordinary tonkatsu shops. The menu centres on rosu (loin) tonkatsu, prized for its marbling and rich flavour, and hire (fillet) tonkatsu, leaner and more delicate, letting diners choose based on preference. Every set comes with free refills on rice, shredded cabbage, and miso soup, making the meal considerably filling and good value relative to the quality of the pork used. The dining room, positioned on the 14th floor, offers views over the surrounding Shinjuku skyline, adding a pleasant visual element to what is otherwise a straightforward, unpretentious casual meal. There is no wine or sake pairing programme; the focus remains firmly on the pork and the sesame ritual that precedes it. No reservations are required for typical visits, though the restaurant can be busy during standard lunch and dinner hours given its popularity and department-store location.