Chick-fil-A Coming to Japan? (2025 Travel Guide)

Quick answer: No, Chick-fil-A has no locations in Japan as of 2025. While Japan is known for embracing American fast food brands, Chick-fil-A hasn’t made the leap across the Pacific just yet. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with tasty alternatives and what to expect.

Why Isn’t Chick-fil-A in Japan?
Chick-fil-A has taken a cautious approach to international expansion. While brands like McDonald’s and KFC have thrived in Japan for decades, Chick-fil-A has focused primarily on the U.S. and Canada.

Reasons they haven’t launched in Japan:
- Cultural barriers: Chick-fil-A’s religious branding and closed-Sunday policy may not align well with Japanese consumer expectations.
- Menu localization: Japan’s fast food scene requires significant adaptation (e.g. teriyaki flavors, rice options).
- Real estate competition: High rent and strict zoning make it harder for newcomers to break in.
- Focus on North America: Chick-fil-A is still expanding aggressively within the U.S. and hasn’t prioritized Asia yet.

Where’s the Closest Chick-fil-A to Japan?
Your nearest Chick-fil-A fix would be:
- United States (Hawaii is closest)
- Canada (British Columbia)
- Possibly South Korea or the Philippines in the future if the brand expands into Asia

But as of now, Japan is Chick-fil-A–free.

Chick-fil-A Alternatives in Japan
Just because there’s no Chick-fil-A doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy juicy fried chicken, waffle fries, or crispy sandwiches. Japan does fried chicken extremely well.

American Chain Alternatives:
- KFC Japan – Popular year-round, not just on Christmas. Offers original and spicy chicken, chicken sandwiches, and local favorites like “Chicken Rice Bowls.”
- MOS Burger – Japanese chain that offers grilled and fried chicken sandwiches with unique sauces.
- McDonald’s Japan – Seasonal items often include crispy chicken sandwiches with teriyaki or yuzu pepper sauce.

Local Fried Chicken Options:
- Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) – Found in convenience stores, izakayas (pubs), and train stations. Usually served in bite-size, juicy pieces.
- Chicken Katsu – Breaded chicken cutlet served over rice or in curry dishes.
- FamilyMart and Lawson – Convenience stores with surprisingly delicious hot fried chicken to-go.

What About the Sides?
Missing Chick-fil-A waffle fries and sauces? Try this instead:
- Waffle-style fries – Rare, but sometimes found in Western-style burger cafés
- Japanese fries – McDonald’s and Lotteria offer excellent thin fries
- Dipping sauces – Look for wasabi mayo, garlic soy, and sweet chili at local spots

Want to Make Your Own Chick-fil-A?
If you’re staying at an Airbnb or have access to a kitchen, try this:

Grocery Store Run:
- Frozen chicken filets or tenders (スーパー or コンビニ)
- Brioche-style buns or sandwich rolls
- Pickles
- Japanese mayonnaise or tonkatsu sauce
- Oven-baked frozen fries

You won’t fool a Southern grandma, but it’ll hold you over.

Why Chick-fil-A Could Eventually Come to Japan
There’s definitely demand for American-style chicken in Japan, and Chick-fil-A already has name recognition with expats and international travelers.

If they ever enter Asia, Japan would be a likely market thanks to:
- Strong infrastructure for fast food
- High-income urban populations
- Familiarity with U.S. dining culture in cities like Tokyo and Osaka

Still, there are no signs of this happening soon.

Where to Eat Instead (Top 5 Chicken Chains in Japan)
1. KFC Japan – Closest in branding to Chick-fil-A
2. Torikizoku – Yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) izakaya chain
3. MOS Burger – Chicken nanban sandwiches and rice bun options
4. 7-Eleven Japan – Fried chicken cutlets, nuggets, and sandwiches
5. Komeda’s Coffee – Fast-casual breakfast and sandwich chain with crispy chicken on toast

Final Verdict
Is there a Chick-fil-A in Japan?
Nope. Not yet.

But with Japan’s deep love for fried chicken and a fast food culture that embraces experimentation, you won’t go hungry. Whether you find comfort in a KFC chicken sandwich, crispy karaage, or a rice bowl with cutlet, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your cravings—no waffle fries required.