Sawayaka is a regional cult-favorite hamburger-steak chain found only in Shizuoka Prefecture. Locals treat it like a must-eat comfort food; many visitors make a point of trying it while they’re in the area.
Quick snapshot
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What it is: Casual family-style restaurant famous for the “Genkotsu (げんこつ) Hamburg” — a fist-shaped, charcoal-finished hamburger steak.
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Where: Only in Shizuoka Prefecture (multiple branches across cities like Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Gotemba, Kakegawa, Fuji, etc.). Check the official shop list for the branch nearest your plans.
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Price level: Very reasonable — most meals are in the ¥1,000–¥2,000 range (sets vary). Prices change, so treat listed numbers as approximate.
Why people travel for Sawayaka — the signature: Genkotsu Hamburg
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100% beef, carefully sourced and processed. Sawayaka emphasizes food safety and uses only beef (no pork or chicken in the Genkotsu), with strict handling and quality controls. That’s why they serve the patty rare/medium-rare in the classic presentation.
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The theatrical tableside finish. The patty arrives mostly seared on the outside; staff cut it open and finish it on your hot plate right at the table. The sizzling moment, the aroma of charcoal, and the juiciness are all part of the experience. Expect this ‘live’ finishing — it’s one reason the dish is so Instagrammable.
What to order (and how the menu works)
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Genkotsu Hamburg (げんこつハンバーグ) — the full-size, fist-shaped 250 g-ish signature. You’ll often see a smaller “onigiri” (rice-ball-shaped) version too. Typical sets allow you to choose rice or bread and add soup/coffee/salad.
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Sauce choices: Onion-based sauce is the popular choice; demi-glace is sometimes offered. Many locals recommend the onion sauce for a balance of sweet-savory umami.
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Set options: A / B / C / Wafu (Japanese-style) sets—e.g., rice or bread, salad, soup, coffee — choose according to appetite. Special limited-time menus sometimes appear (seasonal fairs).
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Cooking preference: The classic serving is finished table-side to a medium-rare/mid-rare center. If you prefer well-done, you can request “yoku-yaki (よく焼き)” — many branches will accommodate.
How it’s prepared (brief technical notes)
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Charcoal finish: The patties get a charcoal-sear that gives the smoky aroma and the signature crust.
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Safety & source: Sawayaka states the beef is 100% block meat from specified suppliers (processed under hygiene controls) and that they take surface-sterilization and HACCP-style steps so the product can be served rare. That’s part of why their ‘rare’ option is safe by their standards.
Practical visitor tips — queues, reservations, & timing
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No reservations. Sawayaka does not accept reservations at any store. You must go to the branch and take a numbered ticket (受付/整理券) at the entrance; some locations provide QR updates or text notifications so you can shop nearby while you wait. Plan for waits on weekends and holidays.
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Expect long waits at peak times. Popular branches (weekends, holiday afternoons, Gotemba outlet, around lunchtime) can have waits from 30 minutes up to several hours; many visitors recommend getting a ticket first then exploring nearby shops/attractions.
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Best strategy: Arrive early (just before opening) or off-peak (weekday mid-afternoon/dinner hours) to reduce waiting. If the branch shows a “no wait” sign, you can walk straight in.
Languages, menus, and accessibility
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Menu guides are available in multiple languages on the official site (MENU GUIDE / 菜单指南 links), but in-restaurant staff might have limited English — bring a translation app or show photos of the menu item you want.
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Payment: Many branches accept credit cards and IC/e-money at least at major locations, but payment options can vary by branch — if you’re unsure, bring a card and some cash. (Branch pages and Tabelog listings show cards/IC accepted at many stores.)
Dietary & allergy notes
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Meat content: The flagship patty is 100% beef (no pork or chicken). If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, consult the restaurant’s allergen chart — Sawayaka publishes allergen and ingredient info online and in-store.
Where to find good branches for tourists
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You’ll find Sawayaka branches near major Shizuoka hubs: Shizuoka City (several), Hamamatsu (many), Kakegawa, Gotemba (Premium Outlets), Fuji, Numazu, and more. If you’re visiting Mount Fuji / Gotemba Outlet, the Gotemba outlet branch is a convenient stop; if you’re in Shizuoka city or Hamamatsu, pick the branch nearest the station or shopping center. Check the official shop list for addresses and the branch nearest your travel route.
Other useful visitor hints
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Bring time or a plan to spend your wait (shopping mall branches are great because you can browse while your number approaches).
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No tipping in Japan. Service is included; tipping may confuse staff.
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Photo-friendly: The tableside sizzle is photo/video-friendly — many visitors record the moment. Be polite if filming staff and nearby diners.
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You can’t buy the Genkotsu patty everywhere. Sawayaka warns their hamburg product is sold only at their Shizuoka shops (and not generally by mail/third parties), so if you want the “real thing,” eat it in Shizuoka.
Why it’s worth trying (short)
Sawayaka combines local pride, a theatrical live cooking moment, affordable comfort food, and a distinct smoky flavor you won’t easily find outside Shizuoka. For many visitors the combination of juiciness, the onion/demi sauce, and the tableside finish make it a memorable bite of regional Japan.
Quick checklist before you go
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Bring time (or plan activities while you wait).
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Get a numbered ticket at the door — no reservations.
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Try the Genkotsu with onion sauce; get a set (rice or bread + soup/coffee) if you want a full meal.
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If you’re worried about rare meat, ask for “yoku-yaki” (well-done) when ordering.
Related articles
Official Website
https://www.genkotsu-hb.com/news/menu-guide.php
Accommodation sites
Agoda
