A Little Piece of Texas Is Hiding in the Heart of Tokyo

When I think of Japan, I think of sushi, ramen, tempura, and all the incredible food I'd want to try if I ever visited.

You know what I DON'T think of? Chicken-fried steak, cowboy boots, and a good old-fashioned Texas honky-tonk!

But apparently, halfway across the world, in the middle of Tokyo, Japan, there's a little slice of the Lone Star State. And as a Texan, I am absolutely fascinated by this discovery!

I'm talking about a place called Little Texas Bar n' Grill, and if I ever find myself in Tokyo feeling a little homesick, I now know exactly where I'm going!

Little Texas Bar n' Grill Brings a Texas Honky-Tonk to Tokyo

Located in the Meguro district of Tokyo, Little Texas Bar n' Grill is exactly what its name suggests: a Texas-themed honky-tonk right in the heart of Japan!

The bar was established in 2005 by Takeshi and Natsuco Yoshino, a couple who developed a serious love for the Lone Star State. And when I say they love Texas, I mean they REALLY love Texas!

Inside, you'll find wood-paneled walls, Texas flags, neon signs, and all kinds of memorabilia collected during their trips to Texas. There's even Buc-ee's merchandise!

According to a previous interview with Click2Houston, when Takeshi was asked why he wanted to open a Texas-themed bar in Japan, his answer was simple:

"We love Texas! Texas pride."

I mean, how can you NOT love that?!

Chicken-Fried Steak and Country Music in the Heart of Japan

Of course, you can't have a proper Texas honky-tonk without some good food and country music!

Little Texas serves up Texas and Tex-Mex favorites, including chicken-fried steak, barbecue ribs, and even Texas-shaped waffles.

And if you're wondering about the entertainment, they've got that covered, too!

The bar features live country music, with local musicians performing and a dance floor where guests can show off their Texas two-step.

Visitors have shared videos online giving fellow Texans a glimpse inside this unexpected little piece of home.

And I have to say, watching footage of this place makes me feel like it's 1994 in El Paso and I'm walking into Denim & Diamonds!

Who would've thought you could travel halfway around the world and end up somewhere that reminds you of an old-school Texas country bar?!

This Texas Bar in Japan Has Some Serious Lone Star Pride

Here's something that makes this place even more impressive: the owners' love for Texas actually earned them a pretty special honor!

In 2011, Takeshi and Natsuco Yoshino were named Honorary Texans by the Governor of Texas.

That's right. Their dedication to celebrating Texas culture was so impressive that Texas basically said, "You know what? You're one of us now!"

And I think that's pretty awesome.

Japan has always been on my list of places I'd love to visit, and while I'd definitely spend most of my time exploring the food, culture, and everything else the country has to offer, I think Little Texas just earned itself a spot on my imaginary itinerary.

Because if I ever find myself thousands of miles away from El Paso, missing home, and craving a little Texas comfort, it's nice to know there's a place in Tokyo where I can grab some chicken-fried steak, listen to country music, and pretend I'm back in the Lone Star State.

Now, my only question is: Do they know how to make a proper Texas-sized margarita?!