Tuck into a tasty Katsu-don (breaded pork cutlet fried with egg over rice).
Stumped for what to eat during a long day of sightseeing in Japan? Instead of settling for a quick bite at a fast-food chain, why not indulge in some true Japanese comfort food—like donburi? This versatile dish has evolved over time with a diverse array of toppings from humble staples to extravagant delights. Don’t miss out on this hearty Japanese classic, which can be found pretty much anywhere in Japan!
Types of Donburi
There’s a donburi for every taste and budget in Japan—making it the ideal go-to fare for travelers. Below is a sampling, and in case you’re wondering, the name of each dish is its principle ingredient plus the suffix “don” (short for “donburi,” which means “rice bowl”).
Gyu-don (Beef Bowl)
Gyu-don served with an egg. The red vegetable is pickled ginger!
This beloved classic consists of thin slices of beef and onions simmered in a savory, slightly sweet sauce and placed on top of fluffy steamed rice. Widely available at popular domestic chains such as Matsuya, Yoshinoya and Sukiya, gyu-don is a hearty comfort food, often costing as low as ¥500.
Ten-don (Tempura Bowl)
Ten-don makes for a filling, tasty lightly fried dish.
Another crowd favorite, ten-don (“ten” being short for tempura) features a mix of crispy tempura vegetables and shrimp served over rice and finished with a drizzle of sweet tempura sauce.
Oyako-don (Chicken and Egg Bowl)
Oyako-don is another beloved dish among locals.
Tender chicken and egg simmered in a slightly sweet dashi sauce and served on top of steaming rice is a dish that’s protein-rich, satisfying, and bursting with umami. “Oyako” means “parent and child,” which you may not want to think about too deeply!
Kaisen-don (Seafood Bowl)
Kaisen-don is a must-try for those who love sashimi!
Kaisen-don, a vibrant seafood dish of rice topped with fresh sashimi, is especially popular in coastal regions and bustling fish markets. Think of it as deconstructed sushi.
Una-don (Eel Bowl)
Una-don is a classic summer staple in Japan.
Grilled eel glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce is layered over steamed rice in this indulgent dish, traditionally enjoyed as a “stamina booster” during Japan’s sweltering summers.
Buta-don (Pork Bowl)
Buta-don makes for the perfect protein-filled dinner.
Buta-don features grilled slices of pork glazed with a caramelized soy-based sauce and served over rice—rich, savory, and deeply comforting.
Tan-don (Beef Tongue Bowl)
Tan-don is popular among meat-lovers for its chewy, meaty flavor.
Also known as gyutan-don, this rich dish features thinly sliced beef tongue that is grilled, flavored with soy sauce, and served over rice.
Local Twists on Classic Donburi
Now that you know the basics of donburi, you can delve even deeper into its variations. One of the joys of eating in Japan is discovering how each region puts its own spin on beloved classics—like donburi. Local specialties across the country draw visitors with their unique flavors and gourmet flair.
The Kaisen-don at Nijo Market is renowned throughout Japan.
Take, for example, Nijo Market in Sapporo, Hokkaido—a busy hub famed for its kaisen-don breakfast. In the early mornings, locals and tourists alike line up for bowls of rice covered with ultra-fresh sashimi straight from nearby ports. Many feature luxurious toppings like salmon roe, blue king crab, or rich, fatty tuna—genuine treasures from Hokkaido’s abundant seas.
Sauce Katsu-don draws plenty of foodies to Fukui Prefecture!
Another standout is Sauce Katsu-don from Fukui Prefecture. This regional twist on an old favorite features a tender, thinly sliced pork cutlet, lightly breaded and deep-fried, then absolutely soaked in a soy-based sauce before being served over rice. Rich, satisfying, and packed with character, it is a donburi icon in its own right.
Luxury Donburi
Uni-don boasts huge helpings of buttery, creamy sea urchin.
For those seeking a bit more refinement, donburi offers a delightful range of indulgent options. Uni-don is a prime example—a sumptuous dish of rich, creamy sea urchin over rice. Particularly prized in Hokkaido, which is known for its high-quality sea urchin, uni-don is the epitome of donburi luxury, offering a taste of the ocean’s finest delicacy.
Wagyu-don may be the king of luxury donburi!
Another standout is Wagyu-don, in which tender slices of marbled Wagyu beef are laid over steaming rice. High-end Wagyu brands, such as Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, and Omi beef, elevate this dish to a truly decadent level, providing a gourmet experience of the very best Japanese culinary craftsmanship.
So there you have it! Be sure to add some of these donburi sensations to your trip!
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About the author
Author: Jessica Ujiie
Profile: Living by the sea in Kamakura with two cats and one dog, Jessica Ujiie works as a translator and writer. Her passion for language is matched by a love of salsa dancing and exploring Japan’s lesser-known corners - always on the lookout for a new story to tell.
