Best Tempura Restaurants in Japan
Restaurant Type
Destinations
Tokyo
Ginya is a quiet, exclusive tempura establishment operated by a husband and wife duo in Shirokane, holding 2 Michelin stars. A warm and comfortable restaurant uses a minimalist décor; the interior's simple wood and tile design is accented with a delicate arrangement of Japanese flowers. Chef Ginya works the center stage tempura pot with a beautiful rhythm, and with his simple oil-frying method brings out each dish's best flavors, textures and colors. Signature dishes of daily-selected, fresh seafood are interspersed with seasonal vegetables to create Ginya's memorable courses, which start at ¥15,000.
Tokyo
Tempura Uchitsu is a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars tucked in the neighborhood of Hiroo, where guests notice a large window overlooking the beautiful garden growing behind the restaurant. With cherry blossoms and bamboo growing so near, one can hardly believe that bustling Tokyo is just outside. Chef Uchitsu delights the palates of his guests with his tempura specialty seafood dipped in a light batter that leaves a crispy texture and distinct umami flavor. The menu is made up of seasonally-alternating courses of local vegetables and mouthwatering seafood such as blanched fugu pufferfish or sashimi. Courses start at ¥20,000.
Tokyo
Tempura Motoyoshi, a Michelin 1-star extablishment neatly hidden in the backstreets of Tokyo's Aoyama neighborhood, offers guests a warmly lit space that celebrates contrasting textures, with a countertop of smooth teak wood, and artfully arranged handmade cups along the stucco walls. Chef Motoyoshi uses light batter fried in sesame and canola oil to bring out each ingredient's distinct flavors, skillfully creating his signature dish - a shiso leaf delicately topped with uni sea urchin. The chef takes guests on a seasonal odyssey through traditional, hand-picked seafood and vegetables, beautifully arranged on pottery of his personal collection. Courses start at ¥15,000.
Kyoto
Tempura Kyoboshi, in Kyoto's Gion area, guards a secret recipie for its tempura that has earned the establishment a Michelin star for the past 9 years. Within the restaurant's ideally simple interior, Chef Sakakibara cherishes the recipies handed down from his grandfather to entertain his guests with delightfully tasty tempura dishes. Crunchy, crisp, and yet carefully arranged like tempura art - such as the green beans stacked as a leaning tower, or a halfbeak fish with braided tail. The menu includes an international twist, as the chef glazes his sweet potatoes in brandy and sugar before frying them to sweet perfection. Kyoboshi's courses start at ￥15,000.
Osaka
Shunsaiten Tsuchiya, in the neighborhood of Toyotsucho in Osaka, is a small but memorable tempura establishment rated at 2 Michelin stars. From behind a smooth counter of polished red lacquer, Chef Tsuchiya brings out a heavenly aroma in each dish through use of a local cottonseed tempura oil that brings out each piece's innate flavors while carefully avoiding oversaturation. The chef procures his ingredients only from local vendors to ensure the freshest produce possible. Delights such as the classic shrimp tempura, scallops, sweet tilefish, and fried puffer fish are well-liked among Tsuchiya's guests, who devour courses that start at ￥10,000.
Japan is known for having some of the most lavish spas, succulent cuisine, and of course, a rich history and culture to captivate any traveler. See below for examples of the luxury you can find in Japan. Browse our collection of exclusive Extraordinary Experiences carefully hand-elected by our professional Japan travel specialists. Our Luxury Hotel Collection lists Japan's grandest, most comfortable hotel accommodations with every possible amenity. Our collection of Luxury Ryokan offer the tranquil atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn paired with world-famous hot spring baths. Finally, check out our listing of Best Dining Experiences for world-class, Michelin-star restaurants in every major city to appeal to every taste.
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After a long day of experiencing Japan, steep yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of a traditional Ryokan, complete with world-renowned hot spring baths.
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Japan offers some of the best dining scenes on the planet. Enjoy dining and culinary experiences you won’t want to miss when visiting Japan.
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