When visiting Japan, you might think first of sushi, ramen, or tempura. But did you know that Japan has its own burger culture? Japanese burger chains offer unique flavors, seasonal items, and clever twists on the American classic. Just keep in mind — compared to burgers in the U.S. or Europe, Japanese burgers are generally smaller in size, and set meals often include a drink and fries, but not always large portions.

Here are four made-in-Japan burger chains worth trying.

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1. MOS BURGER（モスバーガー）

Founded: 1972, Tokyo
Burger price: ¥400–¥700
Set price: +¥400–¥500 for fries and a drink
Portion size: Small to medium
Where to find: Nationwide, including airports and major train stations

🍔 Why It’s Special:

MOS Burger is known for its “made-to-order” philosophy — burgers are only assembled after you order. Their most famous item, the MOS Burger, features a beef patty topped with rich meat sauce, tomato, and lettuce. They also serve rice burgers, with grilled rice patties replacing the buns.

🧡 Try it if:

You want a distinctly Japanese burger experience — warm, flavorful, and made with care.

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2. Lotteria（ロッテリア）

Founded: 1972, Tokyo
Burger price: ¥350–¥700
Set price: Around ¥700–¥900 with drink and fries
Portion size: Medium
Where to find: Major cities and suburban malls; also in South Korea and parts of Southeast Asia

🍔 Why It’s Special:

Lotteria offers playful, creative burgers. Their famous Ebi Burger (shrimp patty) is a Japanese fast-food classic. They also offer “cheese fondue burgers” with dipping cheese, and regularly introduce seasonal specials.

🧡 Try it if:

You like trying fun, fast, and quirky versions of fast food with a Japanese twist.

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3. Dom Dom Burger（ドムドムバーガー）

Founded: 1970 — Japan’s first-ever burger chain
Burger price: ¥300–¥600
Set price: Around ¥700–¥850
Portion size: Small to medium
Where to find: Limited locations, mostly in suburban areas across Honshu

🍔 Why It’s Special:

Dom Dom Burger is retro and quirky — think local vibes, creative menus, and nostalgic design. It’s beloved for offbeat creations like the Okonomiyaki Burger, inspired by Japan’s famous savory pancake. The experience is as memorable as the food.

🧡 Try it if:

You’re into discovering lesser-known spots and want a taste of vintage Japanese fast food culture.

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4. Freshness Burger（フレッシュネスバーガー）

Founded: 1992, Tokyo
Burger price: ¥600–¥1,000
Set price: +¥400–¥500 for fries and a drink
Portion size: Medium, with larger premium options
Where to find: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities — often in trendy neighborhoods

🍔 Why It’s Special:

Freshness Burger blends a gourmet café atmosphere with fast food. The focus is on fresh vegetables, quality domestic beef, and natural ingredients. You’ll also find low-carb options, vegetarian-friendly burgers, and seasonal items.

🧡 Try it if:

You want a healthier, café-style burger in a relaxed setting.

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🍟 Set Menu & Portion Size Tips

Chain	Set Menu Includes	Portion Size Compared to U.S./EU
MOS Burger	Fries & drink (+¥400)	Smaller
Lotteria	Fries & drink (+¥400–500)	Medium
Dom Dom Burger	Often fries & drink set	Smaller
Freshness Burger	Fries & drink (+¥400)	Medium, sometimes larger

• No “Super Size” options: Japanese fast food tends to be modest in volume.
• Fries are thin and lightly salted, and drinks are often smaller than what you may expect in the West.
• Some chains offer onion rings, chicken, or desserts as part of combo upgrades.

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Summary Table

Chain	Founded	Famous For	Style	Burger Price
MOS Burger	1972	Rice burgers, made-to-order	Warm, Japanese-style	¥400–¥700
Lotteria	1972	Shrimp burger, fondue sets	Quirky and casual	¥350–¥700
Dom Dom Burger	1970	Japan’s first burger chain	Nostalgic, retro	¥300–¥600
Freshness Burger	1992	Gourmet & healthy burgers	Café-like, premium feel	¥600–¥1,000

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Before You Go:

• Most locations have English menus or picture menus, and ordering is simple.
• Takeout is common, and many places offer limited seating.
• You can find seasonal or regional exclusive items, so keep an eye on the menu!

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🍔Final Thoughts:

Exploring Japanese burger chains is a tasty way to see how Western food has been uniquely transformed in Japan. Whether you’re in the mood for a rice burger or shrimp patty dipped in cheese, these homegrown brands offer something you won’t find anywhere else.

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