フレッシュネスバーガー
(Freshness Burger)
■Franchise / Hamburger / Price per Person: ¥1,000-¥1,500
※Prices are based on my visit and may vary by location or time.
Freshness Burger (FRESHNESS BURGER, often pronounced “Hureshinesu” in Korean, closer to the Japanese pronunciation “Fureshunesu”) is a hamburger chain that has been loved across Japan for many years. It is operated by Freshness Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. The brand concept is “a hamburger café where adults can relax,” aiming to provide a calm and comfortable atmosphere rather than the fast and casual image typical of fast food.
Freshness Burger was founded in 1992 by Mikio Kurihara, one of the co-founders of the well-known Japanese bento chain Hotto Motto’s predecessor, Hokka Hokka Tei. Unlike conventional burger chains, he envisioned a brand that emphasized fresh ingredients and a healthier concept.
The menu goes beyond hamburgers, offering salads, fries, coffee, and desserts, while the interior design creates a cozy, café-like environment. As a result, Freshness Burger is not just a fast-food shop but also a place where customers can enjoy a relaxing break with coffee and a meal.
Freshness Burger: A cozy and warm-toned interior
The store I visited was the Osaka Uehonmachi branch, located near my home. The interior was decorated entirely in pastel tones, giving off a warm and calm atmosphere as soon as I stepped inside. Unlike the bold, solid colors often seen in typical fast-food restaurants, this branch felt far more refined and even carried a touch of elegance.
The harmony of the walls, lighting, and furniture created the coziness of a small café, making it comfortable enough to enjoy even when dining alone. The atmosphere was calm and stable, without the noise or restlessness often associated with fast-food chains, allowing me to fully savor the natural taste of the burgers. It was also the kind of place where you could relax with a cup of coffee, making the experience both relaxing and inviting.
Freshness Burger: Side dishes that add joy to your meal
Freshness Burger generally offers slightly larger portions compared to many other hamburger chains in Japan. For example, when I ordered a set meal, the medium-sized coffee was served not in a small paper cup but in a large mug, filled almost to the brim. The medium-sized french fries also came in a generous portion, and when paired with a burger, I sometimes found myself unable to finish them all.
The side menu also offers a wide variety of options. In addition to the standard french fries, there are crispy churros, bite-sized chicken nuggets, hearty fried chicken, uniquely flavored lotus root fries, warm and creamy corn potage, and refreshing coleslaw salad. Thanks to this variety, Freshness Burger provides choices that can be enjoyed not only with burgers but also as light snacks or accompaniments to coffee.
Freshness Burger: Burgers filled with fresh ingredients
Near where I live, there are almost all the major hamburger chains you can think of — Freshness Burger, McDonald’s, KFC, MOS Burger, and Burger King. When it comes to Japanese hamburgers, many people might immediately think of MOS Burger, but honestly, after trying it a few times in the beginning, I haven’t visited for years. MOS Burger, in my opinion, feels somewhat similar to McDonald’s, whereas Freshness Burger stands out as a place I can still confidently recommend as one of the tastiest hamburger chains in Japan.
There are three main reasons why I like Freshness Burger. The first is taste. Personally, McDonald’s is still my favorite overall, but if I had to choose the next best, I would definitely go with Freshness Burger. The second is the fresh ingredients. The crisp lettuce looks fresh and inviting, and the tomatoes, onions, and patties all come together to create a perfect balance. The third is portion size. It’s not simply that the servings are large, but rather that each bite gives me the satisfying feeling of eating a “real hamburger.” Some people might say Freshness Burger is a bit expensive, and it’s true that the prices are slightly higher than other chains. However, considering the taste, ingredients, and portion size, I find the pricing to be reasonable.
On a more personal note, I usually order a cheeseburger whenever I eat hamburgers because I love cheese. But Freshness Burger is the exception. I started with their cheeseburger, but eventually switched to their Salt Lemon Chicken Burger.
The juicy, tender chicken can sometimes feel heavy, but the addition of just the right amount of salt and a refreshing touch of lemon makes it both rich and refreshing. This unique combination of flavors is something I can only experience at Freshness Burger, and it has become one of my favorites.
■Freshness Burger
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