森宮さん
On a Sunday in late June, just before the rainy season, Asakusa, one of Tokyo's premier tourist attractions, was bustling with visitors. The area around Senso-ji Temple was so diverse that one might think there were more international tourists than locals. I wandered through the vibrant atmosphere, hurrying to my destination. Located just a stone's throw from the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, "Tempura Asakusa SAKURA" can be found immediately after exiting the A4 exit of Asakusa Station, on the 7th floor of a stylish building. This restaurant just opened two months ago, with the concept of providing "the best Japanese food experience to people from all over the world," focusing primarily on tempura for international guests. The interior features only 10 counter seats in an open-kitchen design, allowing patrons to closely observe the craft of the tempura chefs and experience a lively atmosphere. The warm wooden counter exudes a touch of luxury befitting a Japanese dining experience. A notable feature is the ceiling adorned with blooming cherry blossoms, creating a stunning backdrop as you enjoy delicious tempura beneath the softly lit pink flowers—what a delightful touch.
Today, I tried their new menu item: the Wagyu Sirloin Tempura Donburi. The idea of deep-frying Wagyu sirloin into tempura is incredibly luxurious. They reportedly use top-grade Shiretoko beef, A5 ranked, with a BMS of 12, which is the highest marbling class available. This carefully selected Wagyu sirloin is lavishly coated and fried to create a dish that, even before tasting, I instinctively knew would be "surely delicious." After about 10 minutes of waiting while enjoying the view of the cherry blossoms, my bowl arrived, and it looked spectacular. The tempura donburi piled high with "Wagyu sirloin," "soft-boiled egg," "kakiage," "nori," "shiso," "pumpkin," and "maitake" was so voluminous it overflowed from the bowl. The most striking element, of course, was the Wagyu sirloin, elegantly fried and lightly coated. It radiated divine appeal, resembling a heavenly being clad in a robe.
The piping hot tempura was served over steaming rice with plenty of a special sauce drizzled on top, elevating my appetite to new heights. Following the enthusiastic encouragement from the staff, I dove into the meal enthusiastically, perhaps startling the international guests around me with how eagerly I devoured the donburi. The Wagyu was incredibly tender, and with each bite, the savory flavors exploded in my mouth. Indeed, it was top-tier beef. The sweetness of the meat combined perfectly with the rich sauce, creating an impeccable harmony with the rice. When I broke open the soft-boiled egg, the rich yolk cascaded down over the Wagyu sirloin and rice, enhancing the dish's creaminess. To switch things up, I added toppings of green onions, wasabi, and shredded nori, allowing the donburi to reveal new flavors. As a final touch, I enjoyed it in a chazuke (rice with tea) style. The staff poured the dashi from a teapot, creating a dish reminiscent of hitsumabushi that intrigued me, and with a spoonful, I was met with a familiar, comforting flavor. It reaffirmed my love for chazuke as a quintessential Japanese dish.
This restaurant also offers tempura made with rice flour instead of wheat flour, providing a gluten-free option. The batter is light yet effectively encapsulates the ingredients' natural flavors, showcasing the skill of the chefs. Additionally, they use a unique blend of plant-based oils, such as white sesame and canola oil, and practice a special frying technique to minimize oil absorption, resulting in healthier tempura. Remarkably, unlike previous experiences after indulging in tempura, I felt no heaviness in my stomach this time. This place provides an exquisite tempura experience, merging Japan's traditions with modern techniques—a truly exceptional setting for enjoying Japanese cuisine. The staff's polite service added to the welcoming atmosphere, making it a delightful experience.
For international visitors to Asakusa, this restaurant promises a unique tempura experience. Although I have few friends in Japan and none abroad, if I did, I would want to take them to this restaurant first. I predict that after exploring the historic buildings and culture of Asakusa, visiting Senso-ji Temple and Kaminarimon, enjoying top-notch tempura at "Tempura Asakusa SAKURA" will become a popular itinerary. It will not only soothe the fatigue of sightseeing but also enrich travel memories through an extraordinary dining experience. Thank you for the excellent meal!