Tabelog ratingAjidokoro Kanou (味処 叶) is where miso katsu don was born in 1949. The shop occupies a Shōwa-era house down a back alley in Sakae. Thick pork cutlets are fried, sliced, then dunked in a thin, sweet Hatchō-style red miso sauce, with a soft-cooked egg in the centre for dipping. It has been named to the Tabelog Tonkatsu 100 four times (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021). Upstairs, guests sit on cushions around one large low table with strangers, which feels like eating in someone's grandmother's house.
Reviewers almost unanimously say the dark sauce is far milder and less salty than it looks. Several Korean visitors rank it above Yabaton and Ramuchii. The pork is praised as lean and very tender, the runny yolk as a highlight, and the negi (spring onion) topping as essential. The misoebi don (miso fried-prawn bowl) has its own fans for its large, springy prawns. Staff are repeatedly called kind.
The criticisms are mostly about the setting. The shared upstairs room is silent, and some found it awkward. A few reviewers mention occasional sinewy or dry pork, slow or forgotten side orders, a greasy, smoky room and average cleanliness. One found the cutlets too soft rather than crisp, and the rice can feel scant next to so much cutlet.
Lunch and dinner cost the same, and real spend sits above the listed band. In 2026 reviewers paid around ¥2,000 for the standard bowl (6 pieces), ¥2,150 with tofu red-miso soup and ¥2,600 for the large bowl (12 pieces). Add-ons ran to ¥150 for negi, ¥1,000 for a fried prawn and ¥200–300 for extra rice. Expect to spend roughly ¥2,000–2,600 per person at lunch or dinner. Value is fair rather than cheap: Japanese reviewers rate cost-performance as average, but most leave full and satisfied.
- Getting there: 3 minutes on foot from Sakae Station; 6 minutes from Yabacho Station or Sakaemachi Station.
- Booking: reservations are not accepted. Walk-in only. Expect 30–60 minute queues at weekend lunch and arrive before 11:00. Free barley tea is served in line, and orders are taken before you sit.
- Menu: at weekend and holiday lunch only the miso katsu don is served. English and Korean menus are available, and one staff member speaks some English.
- Payment: the listing states credit cards are not accepted. Recent reviewers reported cards and PayPay working, but bring cash. No service charge.
- Seating: 30 seats, including counter seats. Upstairs is tatami floor seating with shoes off, a steep staircase and shared tables. A private room for 10–20 people is available.
- Smoking: smoking is allowed except at lunch. Check with the restaurant for current rules.
- Parking: none; use nearby coin parking.
- Perks: following the shop on Instagram earns free extras on weekdays, such as extra cutlets, negi or miso soup. This was paused during Obon.
