Even now, living in London, there are a few places in Japan I simply must visit every single time I fly back home to Tokyo. Tsurumi in Yokohama is my old neighborhood—a place brimming with fond memories from my younger days.
Among all the local spots, Tonkatsu Murai (とんかつ むra井) is a deeply comforting sanctuary for me. Operated directly by the famous Kamakura Ham, this local institution has been my go-to tonkatsu joint for over 15 years.
No matter what you order here, it is hit after hit. Here is why this heartwarming spot remains one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Japan.
Read more: 【Tsurumi, Yokohama】Tonkatsu Murai(とんかつ むら井): A Nostalgic Haven I’ve Loved for Over 15 Years📌 Quick Info & Short Verdict
| Feature | Details |
| 📍 Location | Tsurumi, Yokohama (Kanagawa) |
| 🍴 Genre | Tonkatsu & Deep-Fried Dishes (Kamakura Ham Direct) |
| 💰 Price Range | ¥1,500 – ¥2,800 per person |
| 🌟 Overall Rating | ★5.0 / 5.0 (A personal all-time favorite!) |
| 👑 Personal Must-Tries | Premium Salt Menchi-katsu, Cream Croquette, Katsu Sandwich |
| 🎁 Takeout | Available (Their Katsu Sandwich makes a perfect snack) |
📍Open [Tonkatsu Murai] in Google map
Short Verdict:
A local masterpiece backed by Kamakura Ham’s superior meat craftsmanship. Famous for their juicy Premium Salt Menchi-katsu and silky Cream Croquette, everything on the menu is top-tier. A true hidden gem worth making a detour for.
🗣 English Support & Practical Notes
While Tonkatsu Murai is a warm and highly welcoming local spot, there are a few practical details to keep in mind if you don’t speak Japanese:
- Menu & Language: There is no English menu, and the staff speak very little English. The physical menu is text-only without photos.
- Ordering Process: Don’t let this discourage you! Unlike complex izakaya menus with dozens of small dishes or spots that ask you unexpected customization questions, Murai’s menu is straightforward set meals (Teisyoku).
- Pro Tip: Simply decide what you want in advance—such as showing a screenshot of the Premium Salt Menchi-katsu Set (極上塩メンチ定食) or Cream Croquette (クリームコロッケ) from this post—and point to it when ordering. It is completely smooth and stress-free!
🍱 My All-Time Favorite Orders
While their menu offers a rich selection—ranging from premium Shonai pork loin to fried oysters, prawns, and horse mackerel—here are the dishes I order religiously every time I return.
1. 【My Absolute Favorite】Premium Salt Menchi-katsu & Cream Croquette Set
- Price: Premium Salt Menchi Set ¥1,760 + Single Cream Croquette
If you visit Murai for the first time, you must try the Premium Salt Menchi-katsu (極上塩メンチ).
Because the shop is operated directly by Kamakura Ham, the quality and savory depth of the minced pork are unmatched. Just a pinch of mineral salt brings out an explosion of rich, juicy flavor without needing heavy sauce.
Pair it with their Cream Croquette, another hidden star of the menu. Crisp on the outside with a velvety, rich white béchamel sauce on the inside, it is pure comfort food.
2. High-Quality Shonai Pork Loin Cutlet Set
- Price: Shonai Pork Loin Set ¥2,420 / Standard Loin Set ¥2,000
For classic tonkatsu lovers, their Shonai Pork Loin Cutlet is a masterclass in deep frying.
Fried to a gorgeous golden crisp, the premium Shonai pork offers a delicate sweetness in its fat and incredible tenderness in every bite. It feels surprisingly light despite being so rich and satisfying.
🥪 Takeout Specialty: The Katsu Sandwich
Don’t forget to check out their takeout menu before you leave! Their Katsu Sandwich (カツサンド) is a beloved takeaway option.
Featuring a thick, tender pork cutlet soaked in a savory-sweet sauce and sandwiched between soft white bread, it makes an incredible afternoon snack or a comforting meal on the train ride home.
💭 Final Thoughts: A Comforting Homecoming Ritual
Whenever I land in Japan after a long flight from London, making the journey out to Tsurumi feels like a grounding homecoming ritual. Deciding between a steaming bowl of ramen at Tsurumi-ya or a fried feast at Tonkatsu Murai is a tradition I cherish deeply.
Tonkatsu Murai embodies everything I love about local Japanese dining: unpretentious warmth, exceptional craftsmanship, and flavors that never fail to bring a smile to your face.
If you want to experience authentic, top-tier tonkatsu loved by locals for decades, take the train to Tsurumi—you won’t regret it!
