CoCo Ichibanya Japan Guide for Tourists: How to Customize, Spice Levels & Prices

Quick Facts

What it is

Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, affectionately known as "CoCoICHI" and operated by Ichibanya Co., Ltd. (part of the House Foods Group), is Japan's largest and most famous Japanese curry restaurant chain with over 1,200 locations nationwide. It is celebrated worldwide for its total customization system, allowing diners to tailor their meal step-by-step—from curry base sauces (pork, beef, hash, or vegetarian) to exact rice portion weights, spice levels, and dozens of savory toppings. Customers sit at comfortable counter seats or booths, order verbally or via digital tablets, and enjoy freshly made curry accompanied by free pickled radish (fukujinzuke). With extensive multilingual menus, vegetarian options, and comprehensive cashless payment acceptance, CoCoICHI is a reliable comfort-food favorite for travelers across Japan.

How to order

Ordering at CoCo Ichibanya follows an easy 4-step customization formula:

1. Take an open counter seat or booth: Sit down and pick up the printed picture menu or touchscreen tablet (switchable to English).
2. Follow the 4-step customization system:
   • Step 1: Choose your Curry Base Sauce: Pork Curry (the house standard), Beef Curry, Hash Beef, or Plant-Based Vegetarian Curry.
   • Step 2: Choose your Rice Portion: The default standard size is 300g. You can downsize to 200g (which discounts the price slightly) or upsize in 100g increments (400g, 500g, etc.) for a small extra charge.
   • Step 3: Choose your Spice Level: Options range from Mild (Amakuchi) to Regular/Standard (Futsu—equivalent to medium-spicy Japanese curry). For spice enthusiasts, levels climb from Level 1 (standard hot) to Level 5 (very fiery) up to Level 10 (intensely scorching).
   • Step 4: Select your Toppings: Choose from popular toppings including crispy pork cutlet (Rosu Katsu), melted cheese, spinach, stewed chicken, fried chicken pieces, or boiled eggs.
3. Submit your order: Give your custom combination verbally to the server or enter it on the ordering tablet.
4. Enjoy free tabletop condiments: While waiting a few minutes for your freshly prepared curry, take advantage of the free red or brown sweet pickled radish (fukujinzuke) and extra chili seasoning (Tobikara Spice) on the table.
5. Pay at the register after eating: When finished (no tipping is required in Japan), take your paper bill slip to the front cashier counter by the exit to pay.

What to order first

All menu items below are verified on the CoCo Ichibanya Official Website and the Official Ordering Guide:

• *Pork Cutlet Curry (Rosu Katsu Curry)*: CoCoICHI's number-one bestselling dish—a golden, crispy panko-breaded pork loin cutlet sliced over hot curry sauce and steamed rice; priced around ¥900–¥1,100 tax-included (as of September 14, 2026; subject to price adjustments).
• Cheese & Spinach Curry: A beloved vegetarian-friendly pairing where melted stringy cheese softens the curry's heat alongside sautéed spinach.
• *Chicken Cutlet Curry (Chikin Katsu Curry)*: Lean and juicy breaded chicken cutlet fried to crispy perfection.
• CoCoICHI Plant-Based Vegetarian Curry: An animal-free vegetable curry sauce formulated without meat or animal broths, available at participating branches.
• Sausage Curry & Scrambled Egg Curry: Popular comfort favorites featuring crisp Japanese pork sausages or a soft, fluffy scrambled egg blanket draped over the rice.

Payment & practical info

Operating hours and payment methods across the CoCoICHI restaurant network:

• Accepted Payment Methods: Accepts cash, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay), transit IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.), electronic money (Rakuten Edy, iD, QUICPay, nanaco, WAON), and QR code apps (PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d-barai, au PAY, Merpay, Alipay, WeChat Pay).
• Late-Night Surcharge (after 22:00): A 7% late-night surcharge is added to all orders placed between 22:00 (10:00 PM) and closing time.
• Tax-Free Status: Not eligible for tax-free shopping. Dining services consumed in Japan are excluded from tourist tax exemptions.
• Wi-Fi & Power Outlets: Varies by store; select modernized branches provide customer AC electrical sockets at counter seats.

Good to know / Common mistakes

• Underestimating the standard spice level: At CoCoICHI, "Regular / Futsu" already has a mild peppery kick equivalent to typical Japanese medium curry. Level 1 is hot, and Level 5 or higher is intensely scorching. If you cannot tolerate spice, be sure to request "Mild / Amakuchi".
• Overestimating your appetite on rice portion sizes: The default standard serving of rice is 300g (over 10 ounces), which is a hearty portion. If you are a light eater or want room for desserts, ask for 200g to avoid wasting food.
• Paying for pickles: The crunchy red or brown pickled daikon (fukujinzuke) sitting in jars on the counter is 100% free self-service—add as much as you like to cut the richness of the curry sauce.
• Late-night 7% fee: Orders placed after 22:00 carry an extra 7% late-night surcharge.

Sources

• CoCo Ichibanya Official Website: https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/ (Verified: 2026-09-14)
• CoCo Ichibanya Official Store Locator: https://tenpo.ichibanya.co.jp/ (Verified: 2026-09-14)
• CoCo Ichibanya Official Ordering Guide ("How to Order Curry"): https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/menu/order.html (Verified: 2026-09-14)