10 Best Tempura Restaurants Asakusa Guide – Ultimate Dining Experience

Asakusa, a historic and culturally rich district in Tokyo, is renowned for its traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly its exquisite tempura. For those seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience, here are the top 10 tempura restaurants in Asakusa that you should consider visiting.

1. Aoi Marushin

Located in the heart of Asakusa, near Senso-ji Temple, Aoi Marushin offers a diverse range of Japanese dishes, including tempura, sushi, and sashimi. The restaurant is famous for its giant kakiage, a type of tempura where vegetables and seafood are finely cut, battered, and molded into a ball shape before being deep-fried. The fish used for sushi and tempura is freshly procured daily, ensuring the crispiest and best condition for each dish. The "Oanago Ten-don" is a must-try, featuring a large whole piece of anago (conger eel) tempura, but be sure to arrive early as only 30 servings are available each day.

2. Nakasei

Nakasei is a traditional tempura restaurant situated in an alley opposite the Asakusa Public Hall. This historic restaurant has been a favorite among famous writers and locals alike. The building itself is a standout, and the tempura served here is a testament to the traditional Edomae style, using sesame oil and carefully selected ingredients.

3. Daikokuya

Founded in 1887, Daikokuya is one of Asakusa's most iconic tempura restaurants. Initially a soba noodle shop, it transitioned to tempura after discovering the immense popularity of soba tempura. Daikokuya's tempura is known for its unique, dark color due to the sesame oil and a secret sauce that has remained unchanged since its inception. The tempura here is moist and firm, rather than crunchy, which can be a delightful surprise for those accustomed to the usual texture.

4. San-Sada

Established during the Edo period, San-Sada is another historic gem in Asakusa. This restaurant has maintained its traditional tempura recipes over the centuries, offering a genuine taste of the past. While specific details about the menu are scarce, its long-standing reputation speaks to its quality and authenticity.

5. Akimitsu

Akimitsu, though relatively new compared to other Asakusa tempura restaurants, has quickly gained a reputation for its dynamic ten-don arrangements. The "Anago Ten-don" is particularly popular, featuring a large whole anago tempura. The restaurant also offers unique dishes like the "Hiyashi Ten-don," which includes frozen and cold broth, making it a fun and varied dining experience.

6. Kinsen

Kinsen is a tempura and Japanese cuisine restaurant with over 100 years of history. During lunch hours on weekdays, it offers great tempura teishoku, ten-don, or kaisen-don at reasonable prices starting from 1,000 yen. The ten-don here is carefully made to avoid strong or bland flavors, and the rice is particularly delicious. The signature "Kakiage-don" is a bowl of rice topped with kakiage made from shrimp, squid, shellfish, and lotus roots.

7. Tempura Kondo

While not as old as some of the other establishments, Tempura Kondo has carved out a niche for itself with its high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The restaurant offers a variety of tempura dishes, including seasonal specials, and is known for its welcoming atmosphere.

8. Asakusa Imahan

Asakusa Imahan is a well-known restaurant that offers a range of traditional Japanese dishes, including tempura. The restaurant's tempura is made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. It is a great place to experience authentic Edomae tempura in a cozy setting.

9. Narisawa

Narisawa is another reputable tempura restaurant in Asakusa, known for its innovative approach while maintaining traditional techniques. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients and offers a unique dining experience with its carefully crafted tempura dishes.

10. Yoshihashi

Yoshihashi is a hidden gem in Asakusa, offering exquisite tempura made with the freshest ingredients. The restaurant's focus on quality and presentation makes it a must-visit for tempura enthusiasts. While less known than some of the other restaurants, Yoshihashi's tempura is highly regarded by locals and visitors alike.

Tips for Visiting Tempura Restaurants in Asakusa

• Arrival Time: Many of these restaurants, especially those with limited servings like Aoi Marushin's "Oanago Ten-don," require early arrival to secure a spot.
• Reservations: Some restaurants may not take reservations, so it's wise to check ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Tempura restaurants in Asakusa often feature seasonal ingredients, so the menu can change frequently. Be prepared to try new and unique dishes.
• Traditional Atmosphere: Many of these restaurants offer a traditional Japanese dining experience, so be respectful of local customs and etiquette.
• Payment Methods: Some restaurants may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

By visiting these top 10 tempura restaurants in Asakusa, you will experience the authentic flavors and traditions of Edomae tempura, making your dining experience truly unforgettable.