In fact, many people don’t realize that DomDom is one of Japan’s earliest hamburger chains, having opened its doors as far back as 1970—long before American fast-food culture fully swept across the country. Its retro red-and-white signage and the gentle, endearing elephant mascot, Domuzō-kun, accompanied countless Japanese people through after-school cram sessions, quick student dinners, and weekend family outings. For many, it remains an irreplaceable taste of the Showa era.

As times changed, DomDom went through a period of decline, with the number of stores shrinking dramatically and the brand nearly fading from memory. However, after being taken over by a new team, DomDom began making bold moves, launching a series of highly creative, buzzworthy menu items that brought it back into the spotlight. Among them, the most outrageous, visually striking, and social-media-friendly creation is without a doubt the whole soft-shell crab burger.

Step into the Hanayashiki Amusement Park branch, and the first thing that catches your eye is the striking photo of the crab burger. The signature burger features an entire deep-fried soft-shell crab tucked inside the bun, wrapped in a golden, crispy batter, with the crab’s legs boldly sticking out as if waving hello. It’s especially perfect for photo ops when paired with a Yae kimono—the retro Showa-era amusement park backdrop and the over-the-top burger create an irresistibly eye-catching scene. Take a bite, and you’re met with a satisfying crunch on the outside, sweet and tender crab meat on the inside, finished with DomDom’s signature sweet-and-spicy sauce and a soft bun that brings everything together, letting rich ocean flavors burst across your palate.

So the next time you visit Asakusa, consider planning a full day here: start your morning strolling past Kaminarimon Gate and along Nakamise Street in a Yae kimono, stopping for photos along the way. In the afternoon, step into Asakusa Hanayashiki to soak up the atmosphere of Japan’s oldest amusement park, then wrap up your day by sitting down inside or just outside the park with a DomDom crab burger in hand. This journey—blending a kimono experience, Showa-era nostalgia, and a buzzworthy bite—will surely become one of the most unforgettable memories of your Asakusa walk.