I passed by the restaurant and was intrigued for a few years. I arrived on a weekday at 11:20 and there were already customers waiting in line. The opposite side of the restaurant was in the shade, so I decided to wait in line there to avoid direct sunlight. The restaurant opened at 11:30, and I was able to place my order right away. Although they also offered tempura set meals, I was craving for a tempura bowl. The tempura bowl ranged from 1000 yen (excluding tax) to around 1600 yen for the premium option with conger eel, shrimp, squid, vegetables, and seaweed. I was torn between the conger eel and the conger eel and shrimp bowl, but I was drawn to the conger eel, so I went with the premium option. The miso soup and pickles were included, and customers could request extra rice for free. The conger eel was fluffy and delicious, but the shiso leaves were slightly undercooked. I wondered if the owners of the restaurant were a married couple. They were very polite from the moment I entered, and they explained to the customers who arrived later that there would be a wait. As the first to third customers waited for 30 minutes, the wait time increased to 40 minutes for the fourth and fifth customers. It was a bit tiring to wait, especially in the heat. The restaurant was air-conditioned and had fans, but it was still hot. Although there were handheld fans available, I wouldn't recommend them for those who don't want to sweat. I really liked the atmosphere inside the restaurant. I paid in cash to receive a service tax exemption, which was more pleasant than being told about credit card fees. I was happy to find out about the price increase in June 2023 through a notice inside the restaurant. I visited in July 2023, but I was late. Overall, it was a delicious meal.

I took the train to Ueno to see a calligraphy exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. After exploring Ueno Park, I visited the calligraphy exhibition. Oh no, I'm hungry. I had decided on having tempura since the day before, so I set the destination of a tempura restaurant on my navigation app, which was more than a 20-minute walk away. Too far. I searched for a nearby option and found this place. I arrived 15 minutes before opening time with no line. Huh, are they cleaning now? Will they make it in time for opening? They ended up opening 2 minutes late. The tempura was okay. I didn't really like the sauce, so I won't be visiting again.

Platt, today's lunch was an exploration around Ueno Station. I walked around the area near the North exit of JR Ueno Station, turned left after exiting the ticket gate, then turned right outside and walked along the road under the train tracks towards Akihabara. I turned right at the first T-junction (passing between buildings including the Mikado Building) and immediately on my right was the restaurant I visited today, "Tendon Makotoya". The restaurant opened in 2015 and I arrived at 12:10 on a weekday. Upon entering, a young waitress guided me to a counter seat right in front of the entrance. Inside, there were a total of five customers - two pairs at tables and one individual at the counter. I sat at the counter and checked the menu which included various tendon bowls, set meals, and drinks. I chose the "Tendon" and placed my order with the waitress. After a 10-minute wait, my "Tendon" set arrived with pickles and miso soup. The tempura consisted of shrimp, white fish, eggplant, pumpkin, shiitake mushroom, and shiso leaf. The tempura was crispy and not too greasy, with a gentle sweet and savory sauce. Each ingredient had a different texture, making it enjoyable to eat. I finished the meal by eating the pickles, sipping the miso soup, and enjoying the "Tendon". It was a quick and satisfying meal for me today. Thank you for the meal.

Paying in cash is more advantageous. I visited on Friday at 5:55 PM and there was one customer already there. The counter seats were occupied with bowls stacked, so I opened the door to confirm if they were open for business, and they were. Since the counter seats were taken, I sat at a table. I chose the "tendon" bowl with eel. Shortly after ordering, a couple entered and asked if they were still serving, to which they were assured that they were and were seated at a table. The tendon bowl arrived in about 15 minutes, accompanied by pickles on a tray and the miso soup would arrive shortly. The miso soup, with seaweed and green onions, arrived quickly. Now, about the tendon bowl - the squid and shrimp were cooked just right, tender and delicious. The vegetables included eggplant, green beans, and pumpkin, and the eel was also tasty. I saw a long line during the day, and now I understand why. The total bill was 1500 yen including tax if paid in cash, but if using a card, it would be 1500 yen before tax plus consumption tax, so I opted for cash payment. They mentioned that there might be a price increase around June, so if you want to try it, do so soon. Looks like inflation isn't stopping anytime soon.

I finally got to visit the restaurant I had marked as wanting to go to. Located in a nice atmosphere in a back alley leading to Yoshiike Building off the side of Ueno Matsuya, it is operated alongside a sushi restaurant. The tempura set was only 900 yen, but I didn't want to get too full, so I settled for the tempura assortment and a draft beer. I was the only one in the restaurant at the time, so I was able to leisurely enjoy the luxurious feeling. The tempura was freshly fried and served with salt and tempura dipping sauce. The crispy fried fish, squid, shrimp, shiso leaf, eggplant, etc., were all delicious. I felt very elegant for only 1500 yen. Thank you for the meal.

A tempura restaurant located in a back alley near Ueno Station. I arrived around 1:20 pm on a Friday, just after the lunch rush, but it was still about 80% full. There are 2 tables and 3 counter seats, so it's comfortable even for solo diners. I ordered the basic tempura rice bowl. With only one chef and one waitress, it seemed like it might take a while, but I didn't mind waiting in the relaxed atmosphere. The tempura on the rice bowl was crispy and delicious, with a nice not-too-sweet sauce. Each piece was fried meticulously. The overall experience was enjoyable. I look forward to trying the premium tempura rice bowl next time.

I came from the standing-drink triangle area in Ueno. I actually came yesterday, but it was closed, so I came back for revenge during Golden Week, 8 months later. I lined up behind one person in front of the store. Inside the store, there is one owner who serves at the counter with 2 seats and 2 tables with 1-person seating, so it was full with 4 people. I ordered a lunch set with draft beer and tempura rice bowl. It's a style where you pour sauce over freshly fried tempura on a light rice, served with miso soup and pickles. I enjoyed it and finished it deliciously. Thank you for the meal.

Near Ueno Station, there is a favorite tempura restaurant called "Makotoya". As usual, it takes quite some time, but I patiently wait while watching NHK programs on the TV in the shop. The tempura bowl (shrimp, yellowtail, eggplant, pumpkin, bell pepper, mountain vegetables, served with miso soup and pickles) costs 900 yen. The preparation is meticulous, and the dipping sauce is exquisite. This is the true tempura bowl.

I happened to pass by and visited for the first time during lunchtime. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait and was able to sit down. I intended to order the 900 yen tempura bowl, but I was drawn to the words "spring bowl" on the menu. It took over 20 minutes from ordering to being served as the place seemed to have only one cook. The spring bowl had wild vegetables like butterbur sprouts, rapeseed blossoms, and bamboo shoots, as well as shrimp and white fish. I was surprised by the variety and it was very delicious. I will definitely come back.

Today, on April 7, 2023, I visited the National Museum of Western Art for the "Yearning for Brittany Exhibition" and the Tokyo National Museum for the "Tokufukuji Exhibition" and also checked out the permanent exhibition. I wanted to visit "Tensan" in Ueno-okachimachi Station on the Oedo Line, but my main purpose was to visit the art museums. The distance between Ueno-okachimachi and Taharamachi is a bit far, so I decided to stop by "Makotoya" for the "Spring Tempura Bowl" at 11:25 near Ueno Matsuzakaya, behind the Higekatsu no Houraiya. The restaurant was still closed when I arrived, but it opened shortly after. I sat at a table for four and ordered the "Spring Tempura Bowl" with an additional "Squid Tempura". The owners, a couple perhaps, run the small restaurant. They served hot tea and paper towels first, and I enjoyed the wait. The tempura was crispy and delicious, perfect for spring. The bowl was filled with shrimp, whitebait tempura, taranome (Japanese angelica shoots), fava beans, and the additional squid tempura. The presentation was beautiful with miso soup and pickles on the side. I savored every bite and paid in cash without additional consumption tax. The total was 1200 yen plus 250 yen for the extra tempura. It was a reasonable price. I hope to visit again soon!

It's been a while since my last visit. I ordered the Tempura Set Meal for 1,200 yen (includes shrimp, fish, squid, eggplant, pumpkin, mushrooms, and shiso leaves) and the Spring Mountain Vegetable Plate for 800 yen (includes butterbur sprouts, rapeseed blossoms, bamboo shoots, and broad beans). The total including tax was 2,000 yen. I paid in cash and received a service tax exemption. The tempura dipping sauce was slightly sweet with grated daikon radish on the side. The salt seemed to be rock salt. It had a rich flavor with a hint of sweetness. The butterbur sprouts had a refreshing aroma and a hint of bitterness that reminded me of spring. They were fried with the leaves open. It's best to eat them with just a bit of salt to fully appreciate the natural flavors of the ingredients.

This is a tempura restaurant in Okachimachi. It's about a 5-minute walk from the station, located in a narrow alley. There are many long-established shops in this area, and this restaurant is also one of them. One thing to note is that the speed of serving tempura is slow. Despite the small store with only 6 customers, it took 45 minutes for my order of mixed tempura to arrive. The chef, an older man, was cooking alone in the kitchen, taking his time to prepare each dish. This is a place for those who can patiently wait. The regular tempura bowl is 900 yen, and the vegetable tempura bowl is also 900 yen. The mixed tempura bowl and the seasonal spring tempura bowl are 1500 yen each. They also offer tempura set meals and a variety of side dishes. It might be a good idea to enjoy tempura as a snack in the evening, but be prepared to wait longer than during lunchtime. I ordered the mixed tempura bowl, priced at 1500 yen. It came with eel, shrimp, squid, seaweed, eggplant, shishito pepper, and perilla leaf. The tempura was crispy and delicious, featuring high-quality ingredients. The dipping sauce was not too thick or watery, allowing the tempura to shine. If you're willing to wait for a reasonably priced and tasty tempura bowl, this place is worth a visit. Thank you for the meal.

On regular days, I go to Ueno for lunch. The first choice restaurant was closed, so I wandered around and found this place. I liked the atmosphere of the restaurant and decided to try their tempura bowl. I arrived just before 1 pm and the place was already full, so I was seated at the counter. I ordered the "joten-don" which had conger eel, shrimp, squid x2, eggplant, pumpkin, and seaweed on top. Compared to top-tier restaurants, it had a decent variety of ingredients. The tempura batter was crispy and went well with the elegant sauce. For the price of 1500 yen with all these toppings, I have no complaints. I enjoyed it and finished it quickly. Maybe I should have ordered extra rice. Even at this time, the place was bustling with customers. The cheapest tempura bowl starts at 900 yen, making it affordable for everyone. Plus, you can get free extra rice, so it's a great place for those who love tempura. I will definitely come back here when I'm in need of a good meal.

This is a tempura restaurant near Ueno Okachimachi Station in Tokyo. ★3.46★ When you turn off the main street, you will find a row of Showa-era nostalgic and classic restaurants. There is a famous pork cutlet shop, a sushi shop next door, and a Chinese restaurant with a hundred famous dumplings a short walk away! I visited on Friday around 1:00 PM, dining alone. I had decided it was tempura day, but it seemed I wouldn't make it to the shop I had in mind, so before transferring to the Oedo Line, I searched near Ueno Okachimachi Station and found this place that I had saved before. The white noren curtain stands out, giving the shop a nice feeling. Looking through the frosted glass into the shop, it was packed. I decided to wait outside. Just as the customers were leaving, I was able to enter right away. The L-shaped counter had seats spaced out for three people, and I sat in the middle. I ordered the "kamiten-don" which includes conger eel, shrimp, squid, eggplant, pumpkin, and green beans. I greedily opted for the extra large rice portion for free. The previous customers were elderly and were leisurely enjoying the tempura in this quiet back alley. It was served in about 15 minutes. The tempura rice bowl, with its lightly fried ingredients piled high, had a very elegant feel. The sauce was slightly spicy and refreshing. It was cut into two pieces, but the conger eel was a whole piece. The tender squid and large shrimp were hidden at the bottom. The extra large rice portion was satisfyingly generous. It's a nice old-fashioned restaurant, and with miso soup and pickles included, the price of 1,500 yen feels like a great value for money. Thank you for reading until the end. Ah, it was delicious! Thank you for the meal!

Tempura Rice Bowl for 900 yen. I revisited this place after 4 years for their delicious tempura rice bowl. It's always crowded at lunchtime, but luckily there was no line on this day. The tempura is fried after you order and includes shrimp, fish, eggplant, pumpkin, and mushrooms (contents may vary) all for this price! Even though it went up by 50 yen, it's still a great value for such a refined tempura rice bowl. It was delicious!

I tried the special tempura rice bowl, but I found it to be overpriced at 1500 yen. The ingredients were small, with just shrimp, eggplant, and mushrooms. It also felt a bit greasy, like the oil wasn't drained properly. The service was good and sincere, but after waiting outside in the cold for 45 minutes, I was left feeling disappointed. There are plenty of other delicious tempura rice bowls out there. If this had been a basic one priced in the 800 yen range, it would have been more reasonable and better value for money.

Ueno Station just before the store I was interested in until 3:00 lunch time already 2:38 pm outside the menu, there was a winter tendon with oysters and shirako, first visit, I opened the door and asked if it was still okay. The staff member with a lovely smile said it was okay. There was one customer at the counter, which has 3 seats, and I thought I would sit there, but I was recommended the 4-seat table at the back, where there was a TV!! Tea was served, I asked for water, and in about 6 minutes, the tray was served with a nice aroma. The batter was thin, the presentation was good and visually appealing, the taste was good and crispy. There were 3 types of vegetables, including eggplant, which made me happy. The pumpkin was thick and sweet. The tempura dipping sauce was sweet and lightly flavored, but had a richness to it, and it was light on the amount, allowing the deliciousness of the ingredients to stand out. The cooking was done thoroughly, but the oysters were large and juicy. The crab sticks were large and sweet, and the shrimp was long. The shirako was slightly firm and refreshing, but also rich. The seaweed was a bit firm. The rice was not too sweet, steamed just right, and went well with the tempura. It was so delicious that I wanted a little more. The miso soup was full of ingredients, with a strong dashi and miso flavor, slightly salty, which went well with the tempura. The pickles had 3 types, all finely chopped, not getting in the way of the tempura, each with a different taste, all exquisite. After eating, the staff member had a lovely smile and a good vibe, and the chef from the back also said, "Thank you!" with a cheerful voice. The toilet was on the first floor and was small, with a compact Japanese-style toilet. There was a notice on the wall saying that the prices had been raised, apologizing for any inconvenience caused. The winter tendon with oysters, shirako, large crab sticks, shrimp, and 3 types of vegetables for 1500 yen was a bargain. Cash payment was appreciated, as there was a fee for card payments. The cozy restaurant had 2 four-seat tables and 3 counter seats. You can enjoy the taste of the ingredients and the unique flavor of tempura, with a thin batter and a light amount of tempura dipping sauce, which I liked. The portion was quite generous, but it felt like you could eat more. The winter tendon was a good deal. Thank you for the meal. It didn't seem like they offered takeout.

In Ueno, I found a tempura restaurant in Okachimachi. After watching a movie on a Saturday holiday, I searched online for a place to have lunch and came across a tempura restaurant in Okachimachi. I decided to have a tempura bowl, as the price was reasonable. I got off at Naka-Okachimachi on the Hibiya Line and found the restaurant located in a narrow alley about a 5-minute walk away. There were already two people waiting outside when I arrived, so I joined the line. After about 15 minutes of waiting, we were seated inside. The restaurant had a small layout with counter seats and table seats. The counter seats were spaced out, possibly due to COVID-19 measures, with room for three people normally, and an extra chair added for couples. I ordered the "tempura bowl," which came with a free extra serving of rice. The previous customer had added shrimp to their tempura bowl. The sound of sizzling tempura could be heard from the back of the counter. The tempura included shrimp, smelt fish, eggplant, pumpkin, and green beans, all for 900 yen, which was a great deal. The tempura was crispy and delicious, with a slightly sweet dipping sauce. It was a satisfying meal.

Access: 1 minute walk from Okachimachi Station, down a side street. Arrival: 11:50 AM, 4 people at the full counter. Atmosphere: No music, just the sound of tempura frying. Staff: Friendly and polite. Menu: Tempura rice bowl, shrimp tempura rice bowl, mixed tempura rice bowl, vegetable tempura rice bowl, lunch beer. Food: Tempura rice bowl was delicious with a light, not too sweet sauce. Payment: Cash payment includes service tax, but credit card payment does not.

=R4.9= After 2 years and 7 months, I revisited the restaurant on a weekend close to 2 PM. I was seated at the counter just as the crowd was changing. I decided to try the "hamo" (pike conger) tempura rice bowl priced at 1200 yen, which I had never had before. The hamo tempura had a unique taste, different from the fluffy texture of eel tempura, with a slightly chewy texture that was also delicious. I enjoyed it and finished every last bite. Thank you for the meal.