Top 10 All-You-Can-Eat Chains in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Foodies

Discover the top 10 all-you-can-eat chains in Japan—from sizzling yakiniku to sushi, shabu-shabu, and desserts. Perfect for tourists craving variety, value, and a true Japanese foodie adventure.
Food & Drinks

Japan isn’t just about sushi and ramen—it's also a paradise for all-you-can-eat lovers! Whether you're craving juicy grilled meat, endless sushi, or sweet desserts, Japan has a wide variety of buffet-style chains ready to satisfy your appetite. Here's a list of the 10 most popular all-you-can-eat (tabehoudai/食べ放題) restaurant chains in Japan, including their specialties, pricing, and why they’re worth a visit.

🔥 1. Yakiniku King (焼肉きんぐ)

Over 350 locations nationwide
What to Expect
Yakiniku King is a high-volume, family-friendly yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) chain that offers table-order buffets. Using touchscreens, you can choose from a wide selection of meats, vegetables, sides, and desserts.
Why Go?

  • Multiple buffet plans (Standard, King, Premium)
  • Kid-friendly, with special pricing for children
  • Unlimited soft drinks and dessert options

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥3,168–¥4,708
  • Kids under 12: Discounted
  • Time limit: 100 minutes

Best For

  • Families, large groups, and BBQ lovers

🥩 2. Gyukaku Buffet (牛角食べ放題専門店)

About 38 locations
What to Expect
A spin-off of the popular Gyukaku brand, this buffet version offers three course tiers with premium cuts of beef, pork, and chicken grilled at your table.
Why Go?

  • Signature marinades and sauces
  • Affordable and high quality
  • Fast and friendly service

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥2,800–¥4,200
  • Kids: Reduced pricing
  • Time limit: 90 minutes

Best For

  • Students, young travelers, and BBQ fans on a budget

🍲 3. Shabu-Yo (しゃぶ葉)

About 301 locations
What to Expect
Part of the Skylark group, Shabu-Yo is a value-oriented shabu-shabu chain with a strong focus on vegetables, dipping sauces, and buffet-style side dishes.
Why Go?

  • Multiple broth choices (kombu, spicy miso, soy milk)
  • Fresh veggies, noodles, and rice
  • DIY sauce bar

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥1,800–¥3,000
  • Time limit: 100 minutes

Best For

  • Health-conscious eaters, vegetarians, families

4. On-Yasai (温野菜)

Around 211 locations
What to Expect
Known for its cozy atmosphere and premium shabu-shabu offerings, On-Yasai provides a semi-upscale hot pot dining experience.
Why Go?

  • Choose two broths per pot
  • High-quality meat and seasonal vegetables
  • Variety of dipping sauces

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥3,000–¥4,500
  • All-you-can-drink options available

Best For

  • Couples, small groups, quiet dinners

🐂 5. Kisoji (木曽路)

126 locations
What to Expect
Kisoji is a traditional Japanese restaurant offering set courses, but also provides seasonal or limited-time all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu plans.
Why Go?

  • Elegant setting with private rooms
  • Excellent service and authentic presentation
  • High-quality wagyu beef options

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥5,000–¥7,000

Best For

  • Special occasions, business dinners, traditional food lovers

🍣 6. Sushizanmai (すしざんまい)

46 locations
What to Expect
Famous for tuna and high-end sushi, Sushizanmai occasionally offers time-limited all-you-can-eat promotions in select locations.
Why Go?

  • Quality sushi made by trained chefs
  • Iconic brand recognized across Japan

Price Range

  • Around ¥4,000 for special buffet events

Best For

  • Sushi aficionados, repeat travelers, adventurous eaters

🌿 7. Kappa Sushi (かっぱ寿司)

296 locations
What to Expect
A major conveyor belt sushi chain, Kappa Sushi offers a “Tabehoo” all-you-can-eat plan only at select locations and times. Typically available on weekdays during limited hours, and requires online reservation in advance.
Why Go?

  • Budget-friendly sushi experience
  • Fun, casual atmosphere
  • A great way to sample many types of sushi at once

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥1,980–¥2,480
  • Time limit: 60 minutes

Best For

  • Families with kids, tourists on a budget

Important Notes

  • Available at select locations only
  • Usually limited to weekdays and afternoon hours
  • Reservation required via official website or app

🍰 8. Sweets Paradise (スイーツパラダイス)

19 locations
What to Expect
All-you-can-eat desserts including cakes, tarts, fruits, and even savory items like pasta and curry. Often collaborates with anime and game brands.
Why Go?

  • Unlimited cakes and soft drinks
  • Fun and colorful interior

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥1,500–¥2,000
  • Time limit: 70 minutes

Best For

  • Sweet lovers, couples, pop culture fans

🍛 9. Grand Buffet / Festa Garden (by Nillax)

48 locations
What to Expect
Western and Asian dishes, salad bars, live cooking stations, and desserts. Many locations are in shopping malls.
Why Go?

  • Diverse menu for all ages
  • Frequent seasonal food fairs

Price Range

  • Adults: ¥2,000–¥2,800
  • Time limit: 90 minutes

Best For

  • Families, mixed groups, picky eaters

🥩 10. Steak Gusto (ステーキガスト)

81 locations
What to Expect
Steak Gusto offers affordable steak meals, but it is not an all-you-can-eat steak restaurant. Instead, it includes a self-serve buffet bar with unlimited salad, soup, rice, curry, and dessert options.
Why Go?

  • Great balance of meat and side dishes
  • Free refills on soft drinks

Price Range

  • Set meals from ¥1,500+
  • Salad bar included or optional upgrade

Best For

  • Budget diners, solo travelers, casual meals

✨ Tips for Buffet Dining in Japan

  • Reservation: Book ahead for popular places, especially sushi chains.
  • Time Limits: Ranges from 60 to 120 minutes.
  • No Tipping: Service charge is included.
  • Waste Policy: Many places charge extra for leftover food. Take only what you can eat.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

Japan's all-you-can-eat culture offers incredible variety, quality, and value. Whether you want to dive into grilled meat, explore the world of shabu-shabu, or indulge in sweet treats, these top 10 chains deliver unforgettable experiences.

 

Ready to feast? Share your adventure with #TabehoudaiJapan!