Tucked into the lively streets of Asakusa—a neighborhood where old Tokyo still lingers between souvenir stalls and shrine paths—tempura has long held a special place in local cuisine. Light, crisp, and deceptively simple, this battered-and-fried classic is a fixture of Japanese dining, often elevated to an art form in the hands of the right chef.

One such place is Tempura Asakusa SAKURA, a restaurant that’s quietly become a standout for travelers craving not only excellent tempura, but also a sense of warmth, inclusivity, and celebration. The ingredients are top-tier, the kitchen is open and intimate, and the entire experience feels less like dining out and more like being invited into something festive—something thoughtful.

Tempura Asakusa SAKURA: An Intimate Dining Experience Near Asakusa Station

You’ll find Tempura Asakusa SAKURA just outside the Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway Asakusa Station, on the 7th floor of an unassuming building.

Step inside and look up: the ceiling is in full bloom year-round, hung with cascading sakura (cherry blossom) installations. It’s not just decorative—it’s a nod to hanami, the Japanese custom of gathering beneath cherry trees in spring to eat, drink, and enjoy the fleeting beauty of the blossoms. That atmosphere—joyful, communal, and just a bit romantic—carries through to the counter-only seating, where chefs fry each piece of tempura just a few feet in front of you.

With only ten seats, Tempura Asakusa SAKURA offers an intimate setting where guests are close enough to watch the golden batter crisp as it hits the oil, to ask questions, and to hear stories. English-speaking staff are available throughout the day, ensuring an atmosphere that invites conversation but never demands it—much like a hanami party under the cherry blossoms, where strangers sometimes become friends simply by sharing the same view.

📒Note: Seating is limited to 10 counter seats, so online reservations are strongly encouraged—walk-ins are only accepted if seats are available.

Tempura for Every Diet: Gluten-Free, Halal, and Plant-Based Choices

Tempura Asakusa SAKURA is designed to be inclusive from the ground up. Every dish on the menu is 100% gluten-free, from the tempura batter to the dipping sauces. That’s thanks to their use of rice flour and careful selection of wheat-free ingredients—no shortcuts, no compromise. It’s not just safe for those with allergies; it’s also lighter and less oily than typical tempura.

The restaurant also holds a 2-star Halal certification, making it a trusted choice for Muslim travelers. Alcohol is served, but drinks are poured into separate glasses for those observing dietary rules. If you’re vegetarian or even vegan, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. While not formally certified, the default preparation excludes dairy and egg, and staff are happy to work with dietary requests if given notice.

A Hearty Recommendation: The Combo Tempura Bowl That Does It All

Tempura Asakusa SAKURA’s meal menu is mainly divided into two types: tempura bowls and course meals.

If you’re simply craving something satisfying and flexible, the Deluxe Combo Tempura Bowl (¥7,800) is a solid pick. It’s a well-balanced mix of top-grade wagyu beef, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables served over rice—generous without being overwhelming. Like the rest of the menu, it’s entirely gluten-free, made with rice flour batter and fried to a crisp, light finish.

You’ll be guided through how best to enjoy it—starting with the tempura as-is, then adjusting the flavors with condiments, and finally finishing with a pour of warm dashi for a comforting bowl of chazuke (broth-soaked rice). The texture shifts, the seasoning deepens, and it feels like a second course hidden within the first.

One element that often surprises and delights guests is the shrimp head, which is served separately from the body. Lightly fried until crisp, it’s rich and full of flavor—a crunchy treat for those willing to give it a try. If it’s your first time, the staff are happy to explain how to eat it (or reassure you that it’s okay to leave it if it’s not your thing).

And if the Deluxe isn’t quite your style, there are several other combo bowls to choose from, including seafood-only and Wagyu-focused variations. Each one reflects the same attention to detail, with seasonal ingredients and thoughtful touches from start to finish.

More Than One Way to Tempura: The All-Round Omakase Tempura Course

While the combo bowl is the best option for a meal, there’s plenty more to explore.

The SAKURA Omakase Tempura Course (¥7,800) is a 14-dish progression that starts with tofu, continues through seasonal vegetables, and ends with one of several rice dishes, including tamago kake gohan (rice topped with raw egg) or dashi chazuke. The second half of the course leans into seafood, with standout pieces like smoked squid, lightly charred with cherry wood and coated in a subtle charcoal batter, and buttery, thick-cut kisu fish.

Vegetarians are well looked after, too. The 10-Vegetable Omakase Course (¥6,800) celebrates Japan’s seasons with ingredients like summer eggplant, crisp carrot kakiage, and sweet potatoes in winter. The third dish in the lineup is usually the visual highlight—a colorful tower of seasonal vegetables that feels like it was plucked straight from a harvest festival.

📒Note: Course menus are unavailable from 3 to 5 pm, but tempura bowls can still be ordered during that time.

Sake and Beer Pairings That Elevate Your Tempura Experience

Because the restaurant is all counter seating, the experience is interactive by nature. You’re not just watching your meal be made—you’re often chatting with the chefs, learning about the ingredients, the region, or even local sightseeing spots. Ask for a sake or local beer recommendation and you might end up with a full explanation of why that bottle pairs with a certain kind of tempura. Even if you don’t ask anything, they’ll still serve with quiet attentiveness.

The kitchen curates a thoughtful sake pairing list—from champagne-like brews to bold, dry favorites like Dassai. In 2025, they even added ORYVIA, a gluten-free craft beer made with 100% rice and sake fermentation techniques which tastes like a refreshing cross between lager and sparkling sake.

Between the fresh ingredients, the open kitchen, the ease of communication, and the warm, floral atmosphere, Tempura Asakusa SAKURA offers more than just a good meal. It’s a glimpse into Japanese hospitality, shaped for the modern traveler. You leave full, yes—but also just a little bit charmed.

How to Get to Tempura Asakusa SAKURA from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa

Tempura Asakusa SAKURA is about a 15-minute walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa. Head southeast toward Kaminarimon-dori Street, pass the famous Kaminarimon gate, and continue along the main road toward Asakusa Station. Look for THE CITY Asakusa Kaminarimon building across from the station’s A4 exit—Tempura Asakusa SAKURA is located on the 7th floor. Take the elevator up and step into a world of sizzling tempura and blooming cherry blossoms.

So come for the Asakusa tempura, stay for the year-round cherry blossoms, and don’t be surprised if you walk out with a new favorite food—or a new appreciation for it.

Tempura Asakusa SAKURA
Address: 7F THE CITY Asakusa Kaminarimon, Kaminarimon 2-18-16, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm (last seating at 7:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Access: 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway Asakusa Station (Exit A4)
Website: https://tempura-asakusa.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tempura_asakusa/

Writer

Lisa Wallin
A curious sojourner, Lisa Wallin has lived in Japan for about 15 years, along with 7 other countries. She has an insatiable appetite for local narratives, with a focus on regional culture, crafts and food. When not chasing stories, she enjoys coffee, visiting shrines, and exploring the country both with and without her dogs.