Tensho Uenohirokojiten

We have been going here on our yearly visits to Tokyo since being introduced by Japanese friends to this wonderful little eatery at least a decade ago. It offers the best tempura that we’ve had anywhere in Japan and indeed worldwide. The batter is so light that it is almost invisible, allowing the f...ull flavor of the freshest of seafood and seasonal vegetables to predominate. This restaurant offers a few private rooms, where diners sit on the floor, and a small L- shaped bar with an upclose view of the tempura chef at work. On our most recent visit for dinner, we sat at the bar, right in front of the chef. It was great fun to watch his skill with a knife as he prepared fish and other items. Some of the other customers seemed to be dining a la carte, but we had only been given a few complete menu choices in English. I ordered the 5400 Yen (about $54 U.S.) “Only Tempura” menu, while my husband opted for the 4300 Yen (about $43 U.S.) Menu B, which included items such as soup, rice and pickles as well as ice cream for dessert. When the food started to arrive, it became obvious that I had also been given Menu B. I decided to just go with the flow as no one working in the restaurant speaks English and my Japanese is limited to a few polite phrases. The chef put each item on plates positioned on a ledge above us and we would take the delicacy with our chopsticks when ready. Throughout the meal, we each received about eight pieces of seafood and four vegetables. Everything proved to be superb. We knew no more would be coming when the chef’s assistant said, “Complete.” This visit occurred on a weekday night around 8 p.m. The private rooms were full, but there were five vacant seats at the bar. So we got in easily without reservations. Tensho is two blocks down the street from the Yushima Shrine.

Visited November 2017