Japan Express Introduce
For residents of North Carolina, the pursuit of authentic and flavorful international cuisine often leads to discovering hidden local gems. In the vibrant city of Durham, one such establishment that has carved out a niche for itself in the Japanese dining scene is Japan Express. This restaurant is known for its quick service and satisfying portions, making it a popular choice for those craving classic Japanese comfort food. From sizzling hibachi dishes to rich teriyaki and hearty noodle bowls, Japan Express aims to deliver a taste of Japan right here in the heart of Durham. It's a place where locals can easily access their favorite Japanese-inspired meals without a long wait or a hefty price tag, making it a staple for many in the community.
Conveniently located in Durham, North Carolina, Japan Express is easily accessible for a wide range of local customers. You'll find this Japanese eatery at 3409 Hillsborough Rd # K, Durham, NC 27705, USA. Situated on Hillsborough Road, a major thoroughfare, the restaurant is well-positioned for both those living in the immediate vicinity and those commuting through the area. Its location within a commercial plaza often means ample parking is available, making it a hassle-free stop for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you're heading home from work, running errands, or simply in search of a delicious and convenient meal, Japan Express on Hillsborough Road offers a straightforward and accessible dining solution. The visibility from the road and easy ingress/egress from the parking lot contribute to its local appeal, ensuring that finding and visiting the restaurant is a smooth experience for patrons from across Durham and surrounding communities. This strategic placement helps it serve as a go-to spot for those seeking quality Japanese fare without needing to venture far.
Japan Express prides itself on providing efficient and satisfying services to cater to the diverse needs of its Durham clientele. The primary focus is on quick service and delicious food, making it ideal for various dining scenarios.
- Dine-in Service: While often described as a "hole in the wall" or a casual spot, Japan Express typically offers a simple dine-in area where customers can enjoy their meals immediately after ordering. This setup is perfect for a quick, no-frills meal by yourself or with a small group.
- Take-Out Service: A significant portion of Japan Express's business comes from its robust take-out service. Customers can call ahead or place their order at the counter for quick pickup, allowing them to enjoy their favorite dishes at home, at work, or on the go. This convenience is a major draw for busy individuals and families in Durham.
- Lunch and Dinner Menus: Japan Express typically serves both lunch and dinner, offering a consistent menu throughout the day. This allows customers to satisfy their cravings for Japanese cuisine at various times, whether it's a midday refuel or an evening meal.
- Customization Options: The restaurant aims to accommodate dietary preferences and requests where possible. For instance, customers can often request modifications like "no rice" or "extra vegetables," though consistency in such requests can vary, as noted in some customer feedback.
Japan Express in Durham is celebrated for several key features that make it a local favorite for Japanese fast-casual dining. While it might be a modest establishment in appearance, its culinary offerings are what truly stand out to its dedicated customer base.
- Flavorful Teriyaki and Hibachi Chicken: Many patrons consistently praise the quality and taste of the teriyaki and hibachi chicken. These dishes are often cited as highlights, known for their tender meat and well-balanced flavors, making them a cornerstone of the menu.
- "Top Tier" Chicken Udon: The chicken udon has garnered specific acclaim, with customers describing the noodles as "nice thick and chewy," indicating a focus on quality ingredients and proper preparation that leads to a satisfying texture and taste. This dish provides a comforting and hearty option beyond the grilled meats.
- Generous Portions: Japan Express is often noted for providing substantial portions, ensuring that customers feel they are getting good value for their money. This makes it an appealing choice for those with a hearty appetite.
- Focus on Core Dishes: The restaurant tends to concentrate on a well-executed selection of popular Japanese dishes like hibachi, teriyaki, and udon. This specialization allows them to refine their core offerings and consistently deliver on customer expectations for these specific items.
- Quick Service: As an "express" establishment, speed is a key feature. Customers can typically expect their orders to be prepared quickly, making it an excellent option for a fast lunch break or a convenient dinner when time is short.
While Japan Express is known for its consistent value, specific, publicly advertised promotions or special offers are not consistently highlighted as a main feature of their business model. Many "express" style Japanese restaurants often rely on their regular pricing and quick service to attract customers rather than frequent, rotating discounts. However, it's always recommended for local patrons in North Carolina to inquire directly with the restaurant about any current specials they might be running, especially for lunch or during off-peak hours. Sometimes, local establishments might offer in-store promotions that aren't widely advertised online. It would be advisable to call ahead or check their physical location for any posted deals. Given the nature of a local, casual eatery, word-of-mouth and consistent quality at a fair price often serve as their primary "promotion."
For those in Durham, North Carolina, looking to enjoy the offerings of Japan Express, or to inquire about their menu and services, here is the direct contact information:
- Address: 3409 Hillsborough Rd # K, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Phone: (919) 384-9897
For residents across North Carolina, especially those in and around Durham, Japan Express stands out as a reliable and convenient option for Japanese cuisine. Its appeal lies in its focus on serving well-loved dishes like teriyaki, hibachi, and udon, which many locals crave. Despite being described by some as a "hole in the wall," this only adds to its charm for those who appreciate unpretentious, quality food. It鈥檚 a place where the emphasis is squarely on the taste and satisfaction derived from the meal itself, rather than elaborate decor or fine dining experiences. The consistent praise for its chicken udon and flavorful teriyaki and hibachi chicken suggests that Japan Express excels in delivering on its core offerings. For individuals and families seeking a quick, flavorful, and filling Japanese meal, whether for a lunch break or a casual dinner at home, Japan Express on Hillsborough Road provides an accessible and often praised solution. Its commitment to efficient service and popular menu items makes it a suitable and enduring choice for many within the Durham community. While some minor inconsistencies might occur, the overall sentiment points to a local establishment that reliably provides comforting and satisfying Japanese-inspired fare.
Japan Express Photos










Japan Express Location
Japan Express
3409 Hillsborough Rd # K, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Japan Express Reviews
I am a diabetic so rice is a no no for me. I ordered a hibachi chicken with no rice and add extra vegetables. I also told them I would pay extra if I have to. They gave me a dish that was 80% onions and they were old and slimy. When I complained the owner looked under the shelf to see who I was and then gave me 5 pieces of broccoli to compensate my complaint. I felt like he was judging me based off of how I looked
Apr 21, 2025 路 Luis PietriLittle hole in the wall can鈥檛 even lie. Teriyaki and hibachi chicken is amazing. I just tried the chicken udon and it鈥檚 top tier. Nice thick and chewy noodles 5 stars. Forgot to ask for no zucchini though馃槶.
Mar 17, 2025 路 William HarrisI should have looked at reviews before ordering. The service was fine. Everyone working the front seemed to be in their late teens. No complaints. Young man answered the questions I had about the food. The food was absolutely not worth returning for another visit. I ordered one hibachi steak and one hibachi chicken and shrimp. This was the driest steak I have EVER had. You can see in the picture how dry it is. Without sauce it would have been inedible. The shrimp did not taste fresh and I could not eat more than a few bites of it. The rice was fine; the only decent things in the plates. Portions are small. I usually don't eat an entire hibachi plate at once. The plates look bulky only because there is a thick later of onions and zucchini under the protein. This is among the worst hibachi spots in the area.
Jul 22, 2024 路 D NickelsonService was good. Place was pretty much empty so I was able to walk right up to the front and ordered but I knew something was up when I placed my order for hibachi shrimp & steak and it was ready in 2min. Steak is over cooked and chewy, barely any veggies mostly onions, shrimp tasted like they thawed it out and put it on the plate. Absolutely no seasoning. Way better hibachi elsewhere with the same price point and larger portions. It鈥檚 located in a plaza with plenty of other options and the main street it鈥檚 on has plenty of restaurants. I love hibachi but this will be my first and last time here.
Jul 30, 2024 路 T TIf you are looking for something quick food to eat you can come here and enjoy your fill.
Jan 02, 2025 路 Patrick Slaughter
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