Japan, being a technologically advanced nation and in close proximity to South Korea, naturally hosts global corporations. In Japan, you can find McDonald’s establishments, similar to those seen in South Korea.
McDonald’s, a worldwide corporation, has expanded its presence globally. The “Big Mac Index,” based on the menu item “Big Mac” available at McDonald’s worldwide, has even emerged as an economic indicator measuring purchasing power in different countries.
McDonald’s in Japan: “Maku” or “Makudo”
In Japan, McDonald’s is often referred to as “Maku” or “Makudo.” The Japanese pronunciation of McDonald’s is “Makudonarudo,” and it is commonly shortened to “Maku” or “Makudo.” The naming convention varies; for instance, in the Tokyo area, it might be called “Maku,” while in Osaka, it might be referred to as “Makudo.”
McDonald’s Store near Shinagawa Station, Tokyo
After exploring Odaiba in Tokyo, I returned to the vicinity of Shinagawa Station, where my accommodation was located. As it was quite late for dinner, my attention naturally turned to fast-food establishments that kept their doors open until late.
Originally, I planned to visit a Lotteria store, but as I couldn’t find one nearby, I decided to visit the McDonald’s store that caught my eye. The McDonald’s near Shinagawa Station didn’t differ significantly from those in South Korea.
While the menu was similar, I noticed a unique item not found in South Korea—a hamburger with an egg. Intrigued, I decided to order and taste it.
Ordering at McDonald’s in Japan in English
Since I was in Japan, the menus at the stores were in Japanese. Many Japanese people may struggle with English, so when placing an order in English, it’s essential to speak slowly. Additionally, it’s common for them not to understand terms like “Combo,” so it’s better to say “set menu” as we do in South Korea.
Moreover, unlike in South Korea, they may not provide ketchup by default. If you need ketchup, it’s good to know the phrase “Kechappu, kudasai” (ケチャップ、ください), meaning “Ketchup, please.”
McDonald’s in Shinagawa, Japan:
- Address: 4 Chome-10-18 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0074, Japan
- Phone: +81 3-3443-4474
- Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:00 AM