Tonchang Shinjuku Honten Restaurant Review by KCP Alum Makaila Puhrmann

Koreans or Zainichi-Kankoku-Jin are the second largest ethnic minority group in Japan after Chinese immigrants. These are Koreans whose immigration to Japan originated before 1945, or who are descendants of those immigrants, or those who have permanent residency status in Japan.

To the east of Shin-Okubo Station on the Yamanote Line, towards the underpass of the bridge, is a whole new world. Shin-Okubo is also known as Korean Town.

The K-Pop phenomenon has a number of loyal followers around Asia and it is much evident in Japan. As seen on both sides of the street on Okubo-dori, posters of Korean pop stars and actors are prominently displayed on most of the store fronts. K-Pop songs and Korean drama soundtracks blast from every corner. If your taste buds are looking for authentic Korean food, look no further than the restaurants at Shin-Okubo.

One particular restaurant is consistent in their food offerings. Tonchang, a part of a small Tokyo-based chain, was the first Korean restaurant chain specializing in “samgyeopsal” (pork belly meat) barbecue in Japan. It’s one of the popular restaurants frequented by people who know authentic Korean fare. Tonchang’s specialty is precisely samgyeopsal. Each table is equipped with its own grilling station and extractor fan. The menu has an assortment of pork meat cuts as well as a selection of other dishes. It’s a wonderful experience for anyone looking for a Korean food fix in Japan!

Here’s a review by Makaila Puhrmann, KCP Academic Year 2017 student, on Tonchang Shinjuku Honten restaurant:

“This is a great restaurant that I have been going to with friends since the beginning. Me and my friend Ethan found it about a week after we got here and I’m still going about 6 months later! I would definitely recommend it! And I would give it 5 stars ★★★★★”

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