Here are five recommended Tendon (Tempura Rice Bowl) restaurants in Tokyo, along with their overview, typical menu items, price range, and access information.
1. Kaneko Hannosuke (日本橋 天丼 金子半之助 本店)
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Overview: Kaneko Hannosuke is a highly popular and often crowded Tendon restaurant known for its affordable yet authentic Edomae-style tendon. The signature dish features perfectly fried tempura (shrimp, squid, fish, and vegetables) generously drizzled with a secret sweet and savory sauce over a bowl of rice. The atmosphere is lively and traditional, embodying the spirit of old Tokyo. Expect a queue, but the quick service makes the wait worthwhile.
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Menu:
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Edomae Tendon (江戸前天丼): The signature dish, typically includes anago (conger eel), shrimp, squid, and various seasonal vegetables.
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Miso Soup (味噌汁): Often served as a side.
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Pickles (漬物): Complimentary pickles are usually available.
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Price: Around JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,500 for a Tendon.
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Access:
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Address: 1-11-15 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo
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Nearest Station: Approximately a 3-minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line) or Shin-Nihonbashi Station (JR Sobu Line).
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Official website : https://kaneko-hannosuke.com/
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2. Daikokuya Tempura (大黒家天麩羅)
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Overview: Established in 1887, Daikokuya Tempura is a historic and iconic restaurant in Asakusa, famous for its unique, dark-colored tempura. Unlike the light, crispy tempura found elsewhere, Daikokuya's tempura is fried in pure sesame oil, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and slightly softer texture that is deeply soaked in their traditional sweet and salty sauce. It offers a nostalgic, old-Tokyo dining experience.
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Menu:
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Tendon (天丼): Features shrimp, mixed tempura, and kisu (sillago fish).
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Ebi-Tendon (海老天丼): A bowl with four large prawn tempura.
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Tempura (天ぷら): A la carte tempura options are also available.
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Set Menus (定食): Include tendon or tempura with appetizers and clear soup.
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Price: Around JPY 1,700 - JPY 3,000. (Cash payment often preferred, credit cards may not be accepted at the main branch).
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Access:
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Address: 1-38-10 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
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Nearest Station: Approximately a 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line).
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3. Tempura Nakayama (天ぷら 中山)
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Overview: Located in Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Tempura Nakayama is a well-regarded local spot known for its "Kuro Tendon" (Black Tendon), characterized by its thick, crunchy batter and a dark, robust sauce with soy and caramel notes. It offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere and is popular among locals and those seeking a unique tendon experience distinct from the lighter Edomae style.
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Menu:
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Kuro Tendon (黒天丼): The signature dish, featuring various tempura items with the distinctive dark sauce. Specific ingredients may vary but typically include shrimp, fish, and vegetables.
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Other Tempura Dishes: A la carte tempura options may be available.
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Price: Around JPY 1,000 - JPY 2,000.
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Access:
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Address: 1-10-8 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo
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Nearest Station: Approximately a 2-minute walk from Ningyocho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Asakusa Line).
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4. Tempura Fukamachi (てんぷら 深町)
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Overview: Tempura Fukamachi is a Michelin-starred tempura restaurant known for its refined and delicate approach to tempura. While it's primarily a high-end tempura course restaurant, they are also highly regarded for their Tendon, which reflects the same meticulous preparation and high-quality ingredients. The batter is thin, light, and crisp, and the sauce is well-balanced, offering a more elegant tendon experience. Reservations are highly recommended.
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Menu:
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Tendon (天丼): Typically served at the end of a tempura course, or as a standalone lunch option. Ingredients are seasonal and of premium quality, often including shrimp, sea urchin, and various fish and vegetables.
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Tempura Course (天ぷらコース): The main offering, with the tendon often being the concluding rice dish.
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Price: Lunch Tendon can be around JPY 2,000 - JPY 5,000. Dinner courses are significantly higher, starting from JPY 15,000.
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Access:
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Address: 2-5-2 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo
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Nearest Station: Approximately a 3-minute walk from Kyobashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) or a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station (JR Lines).
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5. Dote no Iseya (土手の伊勢屋)
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Overview: Dote no Iseya is another historic Tendon restaurant located near the Sumida River in Taito City, with a history dating back to the late 19th century. It offers a classic, rustic atmosphere and is known for its generous portions and flavorful tempura, fried in sesame oil. The sauce is sweet and balanced, and the batter has a medium thickness with a light crunch. It's a popular spot, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a potential wait.
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Menu:
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Tendon (天丼): Features a variety of tempura, often including shrimp, fish, and vegetables.
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Iroha Tendon (イロハ天丼): A popular option with a selection of tempura.
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Other Tempura Bowls: Various combinations of tempura on rice.
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Price: Around JPY 2,000 - JPY 3,000.
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Access:
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Address: 1-9-2 Nihonzutsumi, Taito City, Tokyo
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Nearest Station: Approximately a 7-minute walk from Minami-Senju Station (JR Joban Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tsukuba Express). It's a bit further out but offers a unique, traditional experience.
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