Often referred to as the soul food of Japan, gyudon, which literally translates to beef bowl, dates back to the 1800s. Its origin can be traced to an izakaya in Yokohama but by the early 20th century, gyudon had become a staple of urban working-class life, especially with the rise of fast, inexpensive eateries such as Yoshinoya, which helped standardize and popularize the dish nationwide. Now, Kikiya (㐂㐂屋), a new eatery, is reimagining one of Japan’s most-familiar dishes.
Opening on March 28, 2026 within the NEWoMan TAKANAWA shopping mall, Kikiya seeks to elevate the humble beef bowl, transforming it into a more expressive, sensory experience rooted in Japanese food culture. The elevation begins with ingredients. Kikiya uses carefully sourced wagyu such as Hitachi, Yamagata, and Kobe beef, paired with rich tamari-based sauce designed to amplify the meat’s natural flavors. Even the rice is treated with intention, cooked in a traditional hagama pot and served as part of a composed set meal.
Equally important is the setting. A sweeping marble counter and open kitchen place diners in direct view of the cooking process, emphasizing both technique and theater. In contrast to the utilitarian counters of legacy chains, Kikiya’s interior is designed to slow the experience down.
Kikiya is located on the 3rd floor of NEWoMan TAKANAWA. The gyudon set begins at 3,200 yen.
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