Koran-en in Fushimi, Nagoya: A Beloved 70-Year-Old “Machi-Chuka” Spot Loved by Locals

19/11/2025

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My Visit to Koran-en, a Classic “Machi-Chuka” Restaurant in Nagoya’s Fushimi District

On a weekday evening around 8:30 PM, I visited Koran-en, one of the most popular long-standing Chinese restaurants in Fushimi, Nagoya. Despite the late hour, the restaurant was already completely full, a sign of how beloved this place is among locals.

Two Types of Chinese Restaurants in Japan

To understand why Koran-en is special, it helps to know that Japan generally has two types of Chinese restaurants:

“Gachi-Chuka” (Authentic Chinese)
These restaurants are usually run by Chinese or Taiwanese owners and feature bold, authentic seasonings. For many Japanese people, the flavors can feel unique or foreign. In Nagoya, this style is especially common in the Shinsakae area—for example, Hakumi Shokudo is a well-known “Gachi-Chuka” spot.
“Machi-Chuka” (Japanese-Style Chinese)
Usually run by Japanese owners, these restaurants offer dishes adapted to local tastes—lighter, milder, and more familiar to Japanese diners.

Most Japanese people understand the difference and choose between the two depending on their mood.

Koran-en: A Local Favorite for Over 70 Years

Koran-en falls into the “Machi-Chuka” category. It has been operating for more than 70 years, and its reputation makes it one of the busiest Chinese restaurants in Fushimi.

When I arrived, the place was full, so I wrote my name and phone number on the sign-in sheet at the entrance and waited. After about 20 minutes, I was called and seated at the counter.

Inside the Restaurant

The interior feels like a classic, old-school Chinese diner—simple, nostalgic, and lively. You can hear the energetic sounds of woks and pans from the kitchen, but it’s still easy enough to chat with the person next to you.
Menus are written in Japanese, as this is very much a local neighborhood restaurant.

What I Ordered

I ordered pan-fried gyoza, boiled gyoza, and fried rice.

The gyoza were small and delicate, with thin wrappers—quite different from the thicker skins found in “Gachi-Chuka.” I dipped them in the soy sauce provided on the table. The flavor was gentle, balanced, and distinctly Japanese-style Chinese.
The fried rice took about 20 minutes to arrive, but it was worth the wait. It was packed with finely chopped pork char siu, giving it great volume and richness. The seasoning was strong enough to be satisfying but still well balanced.

A Constantly Full House

I stayed until around 9:30 PM, and the restaurant remained full the entire time. With just five staff members working nonstop, it was clear how demanding the dinner rush is here.

Koran-en is so popular that it’s said to attract not only locals but also Japanese celebrities and even professional athletes, including Major League Baseball players, who visit quietly. You’ll likely need to wait in line, but it’s absolutely worth it for anyone who wants to experience Japanese-style Chinese cuisine at its best.

If you’re exploring Nagoya—especially the Fushimi area—Koran-en is a must-visit spot for a truly beloved local flavor.

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I’ve compiled a list of Nagoya’s places that I’ve personally visited. Is Nagoya boring? Not at all! While it has developed as an industrial city, it also hides interesting places full of history and culture. Use this guide to explore Nagoya and discover its hidden gems.