Authentic Iowa BBQ Spotted in the Most Unlikely City on Earth

How far would you go for some good ribs? 25 miles? 45 miles? What about across the largest ocean on the planet?

Iowa BBQ is legendary all over the world and now we have the proof - you just have to be up for a measly 6,000 mile road-trip.

Amazingly, there's an authentic Iowa BBQ restaurant tucked away inside the world's second largest city. And how it got there in the first place is quite the story indeed.

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Welcome to Big Iowa BBQ, Located in the Heart of Tokyo, Japan

Hidden inside Tokyo's Roppongi District, Big Iowa BBQ is hidden in between neon lights and skyscrapers - but make no mistake, this is some good, old fashioned, Iowa food. But it's not just a gimmick. This restaurant has gone above and beyond to bring a little slice of Iowa across the Pacific Ocean.

You might be wondering "How did an authentic Iowa BBQ restaurant get to Tokyo in the first place?" As it turns out, it's a testament to the strong trade and agricultural ties between Japan and the United States.

Back in 1959, Japan was devastated by two massive Typhoons, effectively destroying the agriculture industry in the country. Master Sergeant Richard Thomas, an Iowan who was stationed in Japan, had the idea of sending hogs from his home state in an effort to rebuild.

Less than a year later, in 1960, a mission called the "Iowa Hog Lift" flew 35 Hogs (donated by Iowa farmers) to Japan on a U.S. Air Force plane. During the long flight, the hogs had to be sprayed with water several times so they wouldn't overheat.

That one mission led to a decades long partnership between the country of Japan and the U.S. state of Iowa.

Big Iowa BBQ opened in Tokyo in 2021 and been a big hit. A big reason is for its unique "Iowa Feel" and imported Iowa food and drink. Its pork comes straight from Berkwood Farms in Des Moines. They serve St. Louis style ribs, pulled pork, and even beef brisket.

As for the beverages, they serve Templeton Rye from the Templeton Distillery in Iowa. Also, the world famous craft beer, Toppling Goliath is imported straight from Decorah. And that's not all.

The walls are covered in Iowa Hawkeye memorabilia, making any Hawks fan feel like they're basically at a home game in the heart of Japan.

So, next time you're thinking about a road trip, make it a 6,000 mile endeavor to the Roppongi District of Tokyo and find a little slice of Iowa in Japan.