As the second-largest fast-food chain in the world, people around the world recognize McDonald’s. But have you ever wondered if Japan has McDonald’s?
I’m going to get into all of the details regarding whether or not McDonald’s is in Japan, and if so, what kind of food items you’ll find at a Japanese McDonald’s, so keep reading!
Key Takeaways
Does Japan Have McDonald’s In 2022?
Japan does have McDonald’s, and there are more than 2,900 locations within Japan as of 2022. That said, McDonald’s has immense popularity in Japan since people love the cleanliness and quick service they get. Also, you can order unique food at McDonald’s in Japan, such as Teriyaki Burgers, McFloats, and Mega McMuffins.
Keep reading to learn all about McDonald’s in Japan, such as the food, how popular it is, and more!
How Many McDonald’s Are In Japan?
Currently, there are about 2,900 McDonald’s locations in Japan, which puts Japan in third place in terms of the number of McDonald’s locations within a country.
However, the number of McDonald’s locations has been decreasing in recent years. For example, at one point, there were more than 3.600 McDonald’s locations in Japan.
Is McDonald’s Popular In Japan?
Yes, McDonald’s is very popular in Japan, as evidenced by the fact that the country is third to only the United States and China when it comes to the number of McDonald’s locations globally.
Additionally, the people in Japan have grown fond of American hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and fries.
Also, the cleanliness and quick customer service have helped McDonald’s become more popular in Japan over the years and entice more people into the restaurant.
On top of that, you can charge your phone in McDonald’s locations in Japan, which is another reason people love going to McDonald’s and end up eating the food while there.
When Did McDonald’s Start In Japan?
McDonald’s first started operating in Japan in 1971, after obtaining a license from the McDonald’s Corporation.
Further, Japan received its first McDonald’s in Tokyo, Japan, located in the Ginza district.
What Does McDonald’s Serve In Japan?
The McDonald’s in Japan serves traditional McDonald’s food, but it also has a lot of unique items that you won’t find anywhere else, including:
Teriyaki Chicken Filet-O
At McDonald’s in Japan, the Teriyaki Chicken Filet-O is similar to a chicken sandwich in America, but it’s smothered in a rich peppery, sweet teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki Burger
In Japan, McDonald’s offers two different teriyaki burgers, with the sauce being the main difference. With that, the traditional Teriyaki Burger has standard teriyaki sauce.
McFloat
A McFloat is a drink that contains soft-serve vanilla ice cream on top with a flavored Fanta soda as the base.
Furthermore, you can get Grape, Melon, Coffee, and Coke Fanta, so it’s like a regular root beer float but with Fanta.
Hawaiian Burger
The Hawaiian Burger features one beef patty that’s one-quarter pound, cheese, egg, bacon, gravy sauce, and lettuce. Also, the bun has grated cheese on the top of it.
Mega Potato
In Japan, McDonald’s restaurants offer a Mega Potato, which is French Fries that are double the size of American fries.
McPork
The McPork is a sandwich featuring a pork patty that has garlic and black pepper sauce, and it comes with some lettuce to bring some texture to the sandwich.
Ebi-Filet
If you enjoy the Filet-O-Fish, you may want to try the Ebi-Filet if you get the chance since it’s like a fish sandwich but made with shrimp instead!
Furthermore, the patty is stuffed with shrimp and features coleslaw on top of it and a Sesame seed bun.
German Sausage Chicken Sandwich
Available only for limited times throughout the year, the German Sausage Chicken Sandwich features a pork sausage patty and a piece of fried chicken.
Furthermore, there’s sauerkraut on the top of the meat to give more flavor to the sandwich. Also, it’s not only German-inspired but inspired by the McRib since it has sauce on it.
Chocolate Fries
Chocolate Fries are very popular in Japan. That said, these fries are simply fries with a chocolate sauce on top, which are different colors depending on which holiday is coming.
Additionally, you can get Ume, or Sour Plum French Fries, which feature a sour pink sauce on top of the fries.
Mega McMuffin
The Mega McMuffin is twice as big as the regular sausage, egg, and cheese McMuffin. With that, it’s a massive breakfast sandwich meant to fill you up and keep you full all day!
The Full Moon Cheese Tsukimi Burger
Only available in Autumn to celebrate Tsukimi, a festival during the full moon, the Full Moon Cheese Tsukimi Burger features a hamburger patty, a big round egg patty, and cheese.
What Are Prices At McDonald’s In Japan?
Prices of McDonald’s menu items in Japan are similar to American prices, although the Yen has devalued over the years, making it fairly cheap.
Additionally, a Bai Big Mac is $4.32, which is 490 Yen, and you can get a basic Big Mac for 390 Yen, which is $3.44.
Moreover, the prices will change depending on where you are in Japan and which location, but sometimes you can get a cheeseburger for $1.
To know more about McDonald’s, you might also be interested in reading up on whether or not Hawaii has McDonald’s, if Russia has McDonald’s, and if North Korea has McDonald’s.
Conclusion
McDonald’s is very successful in Japan and has more than 2,900 locations throughout the country.
Additionally, you’ll find that the prices are very comparable to America, but might be cheaper on some items depending on the location and city.
Furthermore, you’ll be able to eat fun and quirky items on the menu, such as McFloats, the German Sausage Chicken Sandwich, and the Full Moon Cheese Tsukimi Burger.