CoCo Ichibanya

If you want to experience the true taste of Japanese comfort food, the popular Curry House CoCo Ichibanya chain is an excellent choice. Located in the city of Misawa, this restaurant offers guests legendary Japanese curry, which has long been a culinary icon of Japan.

Curry House CoCo Ichibanya. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This chain is known worldwide and was even listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind. In Misawa, the restaurant is well-loved by both locals and tourists thanks to the high quality of its ingredients and the ability to completely customize your order. It is not just a place for lunch, but a part of Japan's modern culinary culture.

The main feature of CoCo Ichibanya is its flexible menu. Visitors can choose the rice portion size, the spice level (from mild to extremely hot), and add any of the 40 types of toppings, including juicy tonkatsu pork cutlets, seafood, or vegetables. This concept makes every visit unique.

For your convenience, we have gathered the restaurant's main contact information in one place:

The main activity here is the creative process of designing your perfect curry dish. You will be invited to choose a base and then complement it to your liking. You can experiment with spice levels from 1 to 10—but be careful, the top levels are intended for true fans of fiery spices!

Be sure to try adding popular toppings: crispy shrimp, cheese that melts mouthwateringly into the hot sauce, or a classic meat cutlet. Besides curry, the menu always features fresh salads and a variety of Japanese side dishes that help balance the flavor of the main course.

The restaurant's atmosphere is perfect for a quiet family lunch or a quick solo bite. Many branches offer vegetarian options where the sauce is prepared exclusively on a vegetable base, making the establishment accessible to travelers with different dietary preferences.

The restaurant is located at Minamiyama-71-13, making it easily accessible for both residents and travelers. If you are coming from Misawa Airport, a taxi or rental car ride will take only about 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer the railway, the nearest landmark is Misawa Station. From there, you can reach the establishment on foot in 5–10 minutes or use local transport. City buses also run to the Minamiyama area, which is convenient for budget-friendly travel.

If you are traveling by car, parking is provided next to the restaurant, which is standard for Japanese chain establishments. Using a GPS with the exact coordinates will help you easily find the right turn in the residential area.

The history of this gastronomic giant began in 1974, when the Munetsugu couple opened a small cafe. Their unique curry recipe was so well-received by customers that by 1978, the first specialized restaurant under the CoCo Ichibanya brand opened in Aichi Prefecture.

The chain's rapid growth led to its presence in all 47 prefectures of Japan by 1994. A major milestone occurred in 2013, when the chain was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest chain of curry specialty restaurants.

International expansion began in 2004 with China, later reaching the USA, Thailand, and Europe. The restaurant in Misawa is part of this massive success story, offering the same flavor that the founders first created in their family cafe.

A visit to the restaurant typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. This time includes waiting for your order and enjoying a relaxed meal. Thanks to the efficient service characteristic of Japanese chains, dishes are served quite quickly.

If you plan to visit during peak hours (lunchtime or weekend evenings), it is worth allowing an extra 15–20 minutes for a potential wait for a free table. Overall, it is an ideal place for those who want quality hot food without spending half the day on it.

The restaurant is welcoming to visitors every day from 10:45 AM to 10:00 PM. The daily schedule without breaks allows you to stop by for either an early lunch or a late dinner.

Before visiting on holidays, it is recommended to check the information on the official website, as there may be minor changes to the schedule.

After a satisfying meal at the restaurant, you can take a walk around the neighborhood and explore the local culture. The Misawa area offers both quiet memorial sites and modern entertainment venues.