In Tokyo's traditional area of Asakusa, restaurants that are steeped in history stand next to each other, making the neighborhood one of Tokyo's leading gourmet spots.
With their recipes and dishes reaching back many generations, these long-established stores continue to uphold their reputation for exquisite food. Join us as we introduce you to five restaurants in Asakusa that you shouldn't miss when visiting the historic area!
- Table of Contents
1. Asakusa Mugitoro
The signature dish of this restaurant that first opened its doors to customers in 1929 is, as the name suggests, mugitoro.
This dish is made by grating Japanese yam which is both known for its sticky consistency as well as its sweetish taste. When this yam porridge is blended with dashi, fish stock, it becomes a dish called tororo. Poured plentifully over wheat rice creates mugitoro.
Appetizers and sashimi are served along with the traditional dish, and deep-fried delicacies are served in a menu called "Tororo Irodori-zen", available for 2,800 yen (tax excluded).
A special recommendation is the Mugiroro Viking, an all-you-can-eat buffet that lets you enjoy delicacies such as tamagoyaki (Japanese fried egg), various boiled dishes, and a variety of pickles for only 1,000 yen (excluding tax), every weekday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
-
Asakusa Mugitoro浅草むぎとろ
- Address 2-2-4, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo-to, 111-0034
2. Daikokuya Tempura
Opened in 1887, Daikokuya Tempura is known for the perfect degree of crispiness in its tempura coating, fried exclusively with sesame oil.
The "Ebitendon", four crispy fried shrimp on top of a bowl of rice for 1,950 yen is our special recommendation. The shrimp are so giant in fact that their tails hang over the edge of the bowl, promising a very satisfying meal and the sweet-sauce with which they are served complements the seafood's own taste extremely well. Another must-try is the "Tendon" for 1,500 yen which contains three types of tempura: fried shrimp, fried sillago, and fried different vegetables.
-
Daikokuya Tempura大黒家天麩羅
- Address 1-38-10, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo-to, 111-0032
3. Kaminarimon Sansada
Said to be the oldest tempura restaurant in Japan, Kaminarimon Sansada was founded in 1837, maintaining a superb reputation since the Edo period.
The "Jotendon" boasts huge fried shrimp alongside smaller, bite-sized ones, as well as fried octopus and vegetables in one bowl for a mere 1,820 yen. This hearty dish is sure to sate your appetite! This extremely delicious sesame oil style tempura isn't only popular among the locals but also among tourists, which is why the restaurant offers its menu in English as well as in Thai.
-
Kaminarimon Sansada雷門三定
- Address 1-2-2, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032
4. Otafuku
Since 1915 this restaurant has served the Japanese specialty oden to its guests. Oden is a type of soup made out of kelp or bonito in which different ingredients are boiled for a long time. Popular oden ingredients are konnyaku (konjac), hanpen (fish cakes), or Japanese daikon radish.
At Otafuku, between 35 to 40 different ingredients are available for order at all times! To fully bring out the flavor of the different food they are each simmered for different amounts of time. Radish, for example, cooks for three days until it is soft enough to be cut in half with chopsticks. The ingredients usually cost around 110 yen to 540 yen, while seasonal options are also available.
-
Otafuku大多福
- Address 1-6-2, Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0031
5. Kamiya Bar
Japan's very first bar opened here in 1880. Kamiya Bar's specialty is a brandy-based cocktail for 270 yen called Denkiburan, a unique recipe that has been passed down ever since the bar's first day.
The name of the cocktail translates to "electric brandy" - the reason for this lies in the era in which the drink was invented. During this time, electric light was still a novelty and even the term denki, meaning electricity in Japan, was an entirely new word. Attaching the word denki to pretty much anything to make it sounds new and interesting was a popular trend back then, even if there was absolutely no connection to actual electricity at all! Initially, the drink had an alcohol content of a whopping 45 percent, spreading a numbing feeling on one's tongue - just like electricity.
-
Kamiya Bar神谷バー
- Address 1-1-1, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo-to, 111-0032
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
What's Changing for Japan Travel in 2025? Updates on Tax-Free Shopping, Pre-Clearance, and More
-
2024 Ranking of Top-Rated Onsen Ryokan with Exceptional Baths—Must-Visit Hot Springs in Japan!
by: Nemi Lin
-
Explore Autumn in Hyogo Prefecture: Two-Day Road Trip to See Stunning Foliage and Top Attractions
by: Hide
-
SENSE ISLAND/LAND Art Event in Yokosuka: Discover Unique Performances on the Uninhabited Island of Sarushima
-
Mister Donut x Pokémon 2024: Catch Limited-Edition Donuts and Fun Collectibles!
-
Celebrate 25 Years of Nikko's UNESCO Sites: 2 Limited-Time Plans to Explore Buddhism and the Samurai Spirit
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
Shinjuku Gourmet Walk: Snacking Through Metro Shokudo-gai’s Traditional Restaurants and Eateries
-
Ikebukuro Station Area Guide: Top 15 Spots When You Escape the Station's Maze!
-
Healthcare in Japan for Tourists: What to Do When You Get Sick or Injured in Japan
-
Kichijoji – Explore Tokyo’s Top-Rated Stylish Suburb in Half a Day!
-
Tokyo’s Tastiest Tempura
-
3 Popular Tempura Shops in Asakusa - Tokyo's Traditional Old Neighborhood!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks