Showaken
Founded in 1927 (Showa 2). A long-established diner 3 minutes from Shinano-Omachi Station. A dedicated 'sauce katsudon' specialist beloved by locals for 98 years. The signature thick-cut pork cutlet, draped in a proprietary sauce continuously replenished since the founder's recipe, is a steal at 850 yen. Lunch crowds often spill outside. Takeout available.
Consistently praised: 'A long-established restaurant since Showa 2, famous for sauce katsudon near Shinano-Omachi Station,' 'The sauce inherited from the founder hasn't changed,' 'The thick, tender meat with special sauce is superb.' Tabelog 3.43/145 reviews, 3,252 saves. TripAdvisor 4.0/10, #15 in Omachi. 'Revisited after 40 years' regular voice confirmed. No sakura suspicion.