With over 1,200 locations across Japan—and beloved overseas as well—Yoshinoya is a gyūdon chain boasting a history that dates back to its founding in 1899. It embodies the philosophy of “delicious, affordable, fast,” offering a speedy yet budget-friendly dining experience that supports today’s busy lifestyles. In this article, we’ll explore Yoshinoya’s origins and brand philosophy, how to enjoy it in various dining scenarios, and provide a comprehensive guide to everything from its classic gyūdon to limited-time offerings and its extensive selection of bowls, set meals, and side dishes.
Contents
What Is Yoshinoya? The Appeal of Japan’s Leading Gyūdon Chain
Founding History and Brand Evolution
Established Chain Since the Meiji Era
Yoshinoya was founded in 1899 (Meiji 32) at the Nihonbashi fish market in Tokyo, then Japan’s largest fish market (uogashi). From the very beginning, the goal was to offer a simple gyūdon so that busy market workers could enjoy a quick, delicious meal.
In 1959 (Shōwa 34), when the market moved to Tsukiji, Yoshinoya relocated to the Tsukiji market as well. It became so popular that lines formed outside, and its speedy service style and gyūdon-only menu were further strengthened.
National Expansion and Overseas Advancement
Yoshinoya continued its rapid growth and now operates not only across Japan but also in many countries worldwide, including Taiwan, Malaysia, China, Singapore, the Philippines, the United States, Cambodia, and Indonesia. In every location, customers can casually enjoy authentic Japanese-style gyūdon, and overseas stores strive to reproduce the true taste and service style as faithfully as possible.
The Philosophy of “Delicious, Affordable, Fast”
The catchphrase “umai, yasui, hayai” (“delicious, affordable, fast”) has long symbolized the Yoshinoya brand. Interestingly, the word order has shifted over time. During its rapid expansion in the 1970s under founder Mizuho Matsuda, the motto was “fast, delicious, cheap.” Later it became “delicious, fast, cheap,” and today it’s “delicious, cheap, fast,” emphasizing the brand’s commitment to flavor above all.
Dining Scenarios and Customer Segments
Counter Seats Perfect for Solo Diners
Yoshinoya’s speedy, casual atmosphere makes it ideal for solo dining. Most locations offer counter seating, and the wait from order to serving is very short—perfect for those who want to grab a quick meal or eat quietly by themselves. Since many stores use counter ordering rather than ticket machines, conversations are minimal, which solo customers often find reassuring.
Popular Among Business Professionals and Students
Open from early morning until late at night, Yoshinoya is a favorite stop for business professionals and students on the go. In addition to quick service, its affordable prices and hearty portions support busy lifestyles. With breakfast sets and varied set menus available depending on the time of day, repeat visitors can enjoy different options without getting bored.
Increasing Appeal to Families and Tourists
In recent years, more locations have added table seating, making them family-friendly and popular with international tourists. Kids’ menus and mini bowls provide easy choices for children, ensuring a comfortable experience for families. Tourists also appreciate Yoshinoya as a place to enjoy authentic local flavors at reasonable prices, and it’s increasingly featured in guidebooks and on social media.
Ordering Style and Dining Flow
Ticket Machine or Counter Ordering for Smooth Service
Yoshinoya offers two ordering systems depending on the location: ticket machines and counter ordering. In stations and busy downtown areas, many stores use ticket machines at the entrance—simply purchase a ticket and hand it over for a quick order. In most other locations, counter ordering is the norm: staff take your order at your seat and you pay at the register afterward. Both systems feature English and picture menus, so first-time visitors and foreign tourists can order with ease.
Lightning-Fast Service from Seat to Table
One of Yoshinoya’s lasting appeals is its rapid service. Your steaming bowl of gyūdon arrives within minutes of ordering, so even on a busy day you won’t waste time. Efficient staff movements and streamlined operations make Yoshinoya the perfect choice when you need to eat quickly.
Enjoy In-Store, Takeout, or Delivery
Yoshinoya isn’t just for dining in—takeout is also available. Just tell the staff “For takeout, please” at the counter, and your order will be packed in a to-go container. You can also pre-order via the app or website for zero wait time. In recent years, delivery services like Uber Eats and Demae-can have been added, letting you enjoy Yoshinoya’s flavors at home or in the office.
Menu Introduction
Gyūdon (Beef Bowl)
Beef Bowl (Gyūdon)
More mellow, more flavorful. The same genuine taste you love.
Available for takeout and delivery.
Regular ¥453 (tax incl. ¥498)
Takeout available
Meat-Loaded Beef Bowl
A decadent topping created for those who want even more meat!
Regular ¥655 (tax incl. ¥720)
Takeout available
Green Onion-Loaded Beef Bowl
The Tsukiji store’s special “Negi-Daku” order is back, featuring sweet, crisp green onions.
Regular ¥601 (tax incl. ¥660)
Takeout available
Spicy Chili Oil & Green Onion Beef Bowl
White onions mixed with fiery chili oil perfectly complement the beef—guaranteed to make you reach for more rice!
Regular ¥601 (tax incl. ¥660)
Takeout available
Green Onion & Egg Beef Bowl
The ultimate combo of crisp green onions and a soft egg atop gyūdon!
Regular ¥601 (tax incl. ¥660)
Takeout available
Cheese Beef Bowl
Four kinds of cheese melt together to pair perfectly with gyūdon!
Regular ¥601 (tax incl. ¥660)
Takeout available
Kimchi Beef Bowl
Yoshinoya’s special kimchi pairs perfectly with gyūdon!
Regular ¥601 (tax incl. ¥660)
Takeout available
Yoshinoya’s Rice Bowls
Beef & Stamina Mixed Noodles
Yoshinoya’s first noodle dish! Tender beef simmered in special sauce with green onions, tempura bits, and egg, all perfectly entwined with slippery noodles. Enjoy the punch of extra-garlic sauce on the side.
¥698 (tax incl. ¥767)
Takeout available · Limited time
Barley & Tororo Beef Bowl
Gyūdon topped with sticky grated yam and okra over barley-mixed rice for a unique texture combo!
Regular ¥626 (tax incl. ¥688)
Takeout available · Limited time
Negi-Shio Pork Bowl
Pork topped with special scallion-salt sauce for a refreshing yet hearty summer meal!
Regular ¥531 (tax incl. ¥584)
Takeout available
Pork Bowl
A revival of the beloved Pork Bowl with its nostalgic, comforting flavor. Available for takeout and delivery.
Regular ¥423 (tax incl. ¥465)
Takeout available
Cheese Pork Bowl
Four cheeses melt together to perfectly complement the Pork Bowl.
Regular ¥571 (tax incl. ¥627)
Takeout available
Kimchi Pork Bowl
A revival Pork Bowl topped with Yoshinoya’s special kimchi for the perfect flavor pairing!
Regular ¥571 (tax incl. ¥627)
Takeout available
Negi-Shio Beef Rib Bowl
Generous onions with special scallion-salt sauce over tender beef ribs.
Regular ¥653 (tax incl. ¥718)
Takeout available
Beef Rib Bowl
Thick-cut beef ribs grilled in a soy-based special sauce.
Regular ¥653 (tax incl. ¥718)
Takeout available
Kimchi Beef Rib Bowl
Thick-cut beef ribs in special sauce paired with kimchi for a bold taste.
Regular ¥801 (tax incl. ¥880)
Takeout available
Cheese Beef Rib Bowl
Thick-cut beef ribs in special sauce topped with melting cheese.
Regular ¥801 (tax incl. ¥880)
Takeout available
Stamina Super Large Bowl
Yoshinoya’s biggest volume ever! Beef, beef ribs, and chicken in garlic-infused sauce with chili oil crunch, plus extra rice included.
Super Large ¥1,006 (tax incl. ¥1,106)
Takeout available
Honey Mustard Karaage Bowl
Juicy chicken in garlic and rich honey mustard sauce—an addictive flavor bowl!
Regular ¥663 (tax incl. ¥729)
Takeout available · Select locations
Spicy Green Onion Karaage Bowl
Generous green onions and spicy bean paste in a sweet-savory soy sauce—perfect with rice.
Regular ¥663 (tax incl. ¥729)
Takeout available · Select locations
Karaage Bowl
Juicy, voluminous fried chicken marinated in Yoshinoya’s special sauce.
Regular ¥563 (tax incl. ¥619)
Takeout available · Select locations
Beef & Karaage Bowl
Enjoy both gyūdon and karaage in one bowl with Yoshinoya’s special sauce.
Regular ¥663 (tax incl. ¥729)
Takeout available · Select locations
Extra Garlic Karaage Super Large Bowl
Six large karaage pieces with fried garlic, grated garlic, and chopped garlic in an ultra-garlic sauce, plus extra rice!
¥1,056 (tax incl. ¥1,161)
Takeout available · Select locations
Yangnyeom Karaage Bowl
Thick karaage in a sweet-spicy gochujang soy-garlic sauce—perfect with rice!
Regular ¥663 (tax incl. ¥729)
Takeout available · Select locations
Tartar Nanban Karaage Bowl
Yoshinoya’s special karaage topped with rich tartar sauce for a delightful fusion.
Regular ¥663 (tax incl. ¥729)
Takeout available · Select locations
Set Meals
Gyūtan & Gyūsara Set Meal
A set of thick-cut beef tongue and gyūsara (beef plate). Satisfyingly hearty—add the provided sauce to taste!
4 slices ¥1,098 (tax incl. ¥1,207)
Takeout available · Limited time
Gyūtan & Mugitoro Set Meal
A set of thick-cut beef tongue with barley rice topped by sticky grated yam and okra. Dip in sauce to enjoy!
4 slices ¥1,098 (tax incl. ¥1,207)
Takeout available · Limited time
Mugitoro & Gyūsara Set Meal
Gyūsara served with barley rice, grated yam, and okra for a delightful texture combination!
¥726 (tax incl. ¥798)
Takeout available · Limited time
Beef Rib Set Meal
Thick-cut beef ribs grilled in a soy-based special sauce—perfect with rice!
¥768 (tax incl. ¥844)
Takeout available
Double Set (Gyūsara & Beef Rib)
A hearty combo of gyūsara and hot beef ribs in one satisfying meal!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,064)
Takeout available
Double Set (Gyūsara & Negi-Shio Pork)
Gyūsara paired with pork in special scallion-salt sauce for a flavorful combo!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,064)
Takeout available
Double Set (Gyūsara & Negi-Shio Beef Rib)
Gyūsara with beef ribs in scallion-salt sauce for a robust, savory meal!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,064)
Takeout available
Double Bento (Gyūsara & Negi-Shio Pork)
A convenient bento featuring gyūsara and pork in scallion-salt sauce!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,045)
Takeout only
Double Bento (Gyūsara & Negi-Shio Beef Rib)
Enjoy gyūsara with scallion-salt beef ribs in one convenient bento!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,045)
Takeout only
Double Bento (Gyūsara & Beef Rib)
Hearty soy-sauce–grilled beef ribs and gyūsara in one bento!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,045)
Takeout only
Saba & Gyūsara Set Meal
Enjoy grilled salted mackerel and gyūsara together—a perfect breakfast choice!
¥768 (tax incl. ¥844)
Takeout available
Gyūsara Set Meal
Gyūdon topping alone as a set: gyūsara with rice, egg, and miso soup for better value!
¥718 (tax incl. ¥789)
Takeout available
Beef & Grilled Salmon Set Meal
A delightful combo of beef and grilled fish—ideal for breakfast!
¥768 (tax incl. ¥844)
Takeout available
Negi-Shio Pork Set Meal
Pork in special scallion-salt sauce served with rice—a refreshing yet filling meal.
¥768 (tax incl. ¥844)
Takeout available
Negi-Shio Beef Rib Set Meal
Beef ribs in scallion-salt sauce served with rice—a satisfying savory experience.
¥768 (tax incl. ¥844)
Takeout available
Honey Mustard Karaage Set Meal
Garlic and rich honey mustard coat crispy chicken—addictive flavor!
¥868 (tax incl. ¥954)
Select locations only
Spicy Green Onion Karaage Set Meal
Green onions and spicy bean paste in sweet-savory soy sauce—perfect with rice.
¥868 (tax incl. ¥954)
Select locations only
Karaage Set Meal
Juicy, voluminous fried chicken marinated in Yoshinoya’s special sauce.
¥768 (tax incl. ¥844)
Select locations only
Yangnyeom Karaage Set Meal
Thick chicken in sweet-spicy gochujang soy-garlic sauce—rice’s best friend!
¥868 (tax incl. ¥954)
Select locations only
Tartar Nanban Karaage Set Meal
Yoshinoya’s signature karaage topped with creamy tartar sauce for a delightful fusion.
¥868 (tax incl. ¥954)
Select locations only
Double Set (Gyūsara & Karaage)
Hearty karaage and gyūsara in one value-packed set!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,064)
Select locations only
Double Bento (Gyūsara & Karaage)
Gyūsara and juicy karaage in one bento—perfect for takeout!
¥968 (tax incl. ¥1,045)
Takeout only · Select locations
Sides (Plate Menu & Salads)
Beef Plate (Gyūsara)
Enjoy the same delicious taste of gyūdon as a side dish or a beer snack!
Regular ¥404 (tax incl. ¥444)
Takeout available
Beef Plate Family Pack
Newly launched family pack of gyūsara, cooked in Yoshinoya’s special sauce—perfect for original home recipes!
3 servings ¥956 (tax incl. ¥1,051)
Takeout available
Cheese Beef Salad
High-protein, low-carb salad loaded with cheese, beef, chicken, broccoli, and a soft-boiled egg.
¥638 (tax incl. ¥701)
Takeout available
Kimchi Beef Salad
High-protein, low-carb salad with kimchi, beef, chicken, broccoli, and a soft-boiled egg.
¥638 (tax incl. ¥701)
Takeout available
Beef Rib Plate
Enjoy large cuts of beef ribs tossed in soy-based special sauce—same portion as the large rib bowl.
¥576 (tax incl. ¥633)
Takeout available
Negi-Shio Beef Rib Plate
Beef ribs topped with special scallion-salt sauce—perfect as a side or snack.
¥576 (tax incl. ¥633)
Takeout available
Negi-Shio Pork Plate
Pork in special scallion-salt sauce—great as a side or beer snack. Same portion as the large pork bowl.
¥546 (tax incl. ¥600)
Takeout available
Pork Plate
Yoshinoya’s signature pork in special sauce—perfect as a side dish or beer snack.
Regular ¥396 (tax incl. ¥435)
Takeout available
Eel Plate
Large, premium eel grilled in Yoshinoya’s special sauce—enjoy at home!
Single portion ¥1,048 (tax incl. ¥1,152)
Takeout available
Curry
Meat-Loaded Beef Spicy Curry
Authentic spice curry designed to pair perfectly with gyūdon ingredients—ideal for meat lovers!
¥693 (tax incl. ¥762)
Takeout available
Beef Spicy Curry
Full-flavored spice curry crafted to complement gyūdon ingredients.
¥593 (tax incl. ¥652)
Takeout available
Karaage Spicy Curry
Juicy fried chicken marinated in Yoshinoya’s special sauce meets robust curry—an unbeatable combo!
¥643 (tax incl. ¥707)
Takeout available · Select locations
Beef Rib Spicy Curry
Crisp grilled beef ribs in a soy-based special sauce, perfectly balanced with spicy curry.
¥693 (tax incl. ¥762)
Takeout available
Cheese Spicy Curry
Spice-infused curry mellowed by melted cheese for a perfectly balanced flavor.
¥601 (tax incl. ¥660)
Takeout available
Double Beef & Rib Spicy Curry
A hearty blend of gyūdon beef and beef ribs in Yoshinoya’s secret sauce—meat lovers’ dream!
¥843 (tax incl. ¥927)
Takeout available
Spicy Curry
A bold curry featuring 27 spices including black pepper and cardamom for a refreshing kick.
¥453 (tax incl. ¥498)
Takeout available
Eel
Unajū
Featuring larger cuts of eel grilled to perfection in our signature sauce!
Single portion ¥1,138 (tax incl. ¥1,251)
Takeout available
Unajū & Beef Side Dish Set
Grilled premium eel in our special sauce, served with a beef side dish, miso soup, and pickles.
Single portion ¥1,426 (tax incl. ¥1,568)
Takeout available
Breakfast
Salted Mackerel & Beef Side Dish Set
Served with rice, miso soup, gyūsara, salted mackerel, and a mini salad.
¥606 (tax incl. ¥666)
Special Salted Mackerel Breakfast Set
Grilled salted mackerel, natto, and egg for a well-balanced morning meal.
¥573 (tax incl. ¥630)
Morning Gyūdon Set
Gyūdon and miso soup plus choice of egg, soft-boiled egg, mini salad, natto, or pickles.
¥472 (tax incl. ¥519)
Double Ham & Egg & Beef Side Dish Set
Rice and miso soup with double ham & egg, gyūsara, and mini salad.
¥606 (tax incl. ¥666)
Grilled Fish & Beef Side Dish Set
Rice and miso soup with stewed beef, grilled salmon, and mini salad.
¥606 (tax incl. ¥666)
Double Ham & Egg & Natto Set
Rice and miso soup with ham & egg, natto, and mini salad.
¥516 (tax incl. ¥567)
Ham & Egg & Beef Side Dish Set
Rice and miso soup with stewed beef, ham & egg, and mini salad.
¥516 (tax incl. ¥567)
Ham & Egg & Natto Set
Rice and miso soup with ham & egg, natto, and mini salad.
¥426 (tax incl. ¥468)
Natto & Beef Side Dish Set
Rice and miso soup with stewed beef, natto, and mini salad.
¥426 (tax incl. ¥468)
Special Breakfast Set
Grilled fish, natto, and egg for a nutritionally balanced meal.
¥573 (tax incl. ¥630)
Grilled Fish Breakfast Set
Enjoy crispy skin and tender salmon—perfectly grilled.
¥482 (tax incl. ¥530)
Natto Breakfast Set
Yoshinoya’s classic morning meal with natto and rice.
¥391 (tax incl. ¥430)
Kids’ Set Menu
Mini Beef Bowl Set
Classic gyūdon with kid-favorite sausages, plus a drink, jelly, and a toy!
¥398 (tax incl. ¥437)
Takeout available · Select locations
Mini Curry Set
Vegetable-rich curry cut into easy-to-eat pieces with sausages, plus a drink, jelly, and a toy!
¥398 (tax incl. ¥437)
Takeout available · Select locations
Sides & Drinks
Cold Soup
¥228 (tax incl. ¥250)
Takeout available
Grated Yam
¥208 (tax incl. ¥228)
Takeout available
Salad Set
¥198 (tax incl. ¥217)
Takeout available
Potato Salad Set
¥228 (tax incl. ¥250)
Takeout available
Pickles Set
¥198 (tax incl. ¥217)
Takeout available
Kimchi Set
¥198 (tax incl. ¥217)
Takeout available
Karaage Set
¥198 (tax incl. ¥217)
Takeout available (select locations)
Meat-Loaded (Beef Plate)
¥202 (tax incl. ¥222)
Takeout available
Green Onion-Loaded
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available
Egg
¥108 (tax incl. ¥118)
Takeout available
Soft-Boiled Egg
¥108 (tax incl. ¥118)
Takeout available
Green Onion & Egg
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available
Quattro Cheese
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available
Pickles
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available
Kimchi
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available
Green Onion & Chili Oil
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available
Single Karaage Piece
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available (select locations)
Pork Soup
¥228 (tax incl. ¥250)
Takeout available
Clam Soup
¥208 (tax incl. ¥228)
Takeout available
Miso Soup (Aosa)
¥88 (tax incl. ¥96)
Takeout available
Fresh Vegetable Salad
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available
Potato Salad
¥178 (tax incl. ¥195)
Takeout available
Salted Mackerel (Single)
¥228 (tax incl. ¥250)
Salmon (Single)
¥228 (tax incl. ¥250)
Rice
¥198 (tax incl. ¥217)
Takeout available
Seaweed
¥78 (tax incl. ¥85)
Natto
¥118 (tax incl. ¥129)
Takeout available
Drink Bar
¥148 (tax incl. ¥162)
Takeout available (select locations)
Draft Beer (Mug)
¥402 (tax incl. ¥442)
Select locations only
Draft Beer (Glass)
¥242 (tax incl. ¥266)
Select locations only
Cold Sake
¥362 (tax incl. ¥398)
Select locations only
Let’s Visit Yoshinoya!
Yoshinoya still cherishes its founding vision of “delivering quick, delicious meals to busy market workers” while offering a diverse menu both in Japan and abroad. From counter seating ideal for solo diners to the speedy service beloved by students and professionals, and kid-friendly sets for families, there’s something for every occasion. Don’t miss the classic gyūdon or its meat-loaded, green-onion-loaded, and cheese-topped variations, plus limited-time noodle dishes, spicy curries, set meals, and sides. With takeout and delivery available, you can enjoy Yoshinoya’s flavors at home or in the office. Use this guide to find your new favorite bowl!
