Imakatsu Ginza 2026: Choo Sung-hoon's Chicken Katsu Review

Celebrity-Endorsed Perfection:

Tokyo's Famous Chicken Tenderloin Katsu at

Imakatsu

Ginza Branch

Imakatsu Ginza Quick Information

Operating Hours

Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Break Time 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Last order 3:30 PM, 9:30 PM

‼️Note: Times displayed at the restaurant differ from Google‼️

Closed every Sunday

Other Notes

Reservations accepted, card payments available

📍 Imakatsu Ginza: Choo Sung-hoon's Recommended Chicken Katsu in Tokyo📍

🐔Tokyo Ginza Chicken Tenderloin Katsu Restaurant

Imakatsu is highly recommended for:

✔︎Those seeking fantastic dining in Tokyo's Ginza district

✔︎Anyone interested in celebrity-endorsed Tokyo eateries (Choo Sung-hoon's pick!)

✔︎Travelers eager to try succulent chicken tenderloin katsu

Back during my Tokyo trip in 2026, I'd heard rave reviews about Imakatsu. My sister and I decided to visit the original Roppongi branch, but when we arrived, we were met with an absolutely insane queue. We asked a group that looked like they were almost in how long they'd waited, and their answer? A staggering 1 hour and 30 minutes! With a sigh, my sister and I turned away, our katsu dreams momentarily dashed.

However, I later discovered that while Roppongi is indeed the main branch, Imakatsu also has a location in Ginza! I heard that the Ginza branch's waiting times could be hit-or-miss, a total gamble. So, I decided to take my chances, and luckily, I hit the jackpot – I walked right in with no wait at all!

The interior felt less like a cozy spot for intimate conversations and more like a communal dining experience, with everyone sharing the space. That said, it wasn't uncomfortable or awkward in the slightest.

Our table was set up perfectly, just like this. That small pot-like container on the left? That's the special katsu sauce!

The chicken tenderloin katsu set arrived, featuring the star katsu, along with rice, shredded cabbage, and various side dishes.

One standout feature at Imakatsu is the generous portions they serve right from the start. But what truly impressed me was the fact that both rice and cabbage are available for free refills! In Japan, many places charge extra for additional servings, so this complimentary offer was a pleasant surprise and much appreciated.

And now, for the star of the show, the chicken tenderloin katsu! It's renowned for being incredibly tender and delicious, and after my previous experience with the massive wait at the main branch, my expectations were sky-high.

Taking my first bite, it was indeed as tender as I'd hoped! However, while it was undeniably tasty, I found myself wondering if it was truly worth waiting an hour or more for, especially after all the hype. Honestly, I'm not entirely convinced.

Nevertheless, it is a delicious dish, and given its fame from celebrity Choo Sung-hoon's YouTube channel, I'd still say it's worth trying at least once.

✔︎ Imakatsu Ginza Review: A Must-Try on Your Tokyo Adventure

After missing out on Imakatsu during my last Tokyo trip due to long waits, I finally got to experience the Ginza branch. The chicken tenderloin katsu was genuinely tender and flavorful. However, it also made me understand why pork is typically the go-to for tonkatsu. Personally, if the wait exceeds an hour, I might hesitate, but if the queue is manageable, I absolutely recommend adding Imakatsu Ginza to your Tokyo itinerary.

Cielso

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