The Best Restaurants In Asakusa

Historic Asakusa is home to countless traditional Japanese restaurants, some of which have been in business for a hundred years or more. With Senso-ji, Kaminarimon and access to the Sumida River, it also sees its fair share of tourist traffic. This means visitors are spoiled for choice. These are our top picks for the best restaurants in Asakusa.

1. Nakasei

Restaurant, Japanese

A tempura restaurant that has been going strong since 1870. Nakasei’s atmosphere is fitting, with traditional Japanese décor, seating and even a pond stocked with carp. Their shrimp and clam kakiage don is one of their most popular dishes.

2. Hyotan

Restaurant, Japanese

Hyotan makes delicious monja and okonomiyaki batter to be cooked by the customer right at their table. The restaurant’s signature dashi stock is what keeps bringing people back. It’s a traditional restaurant where customers are seated on cushions around large, flat grill tables. Some staff speak English.

3. Kamiya

Restaurant, Japanese

Kamiya specializes in donburi, but they carry a wide selection of traditional Japanese and washoku dishes for reasonable prices. A small, unassuming shokudo that gets very busy around lunchtime. English menus are available.

5. Oyanagi

Restaurant, Japanese

The special treat of the protagonist’s grandfather in Socrates in Love, eel is still often considered an expensive delicacy in Japan. For those new to it, Oyanagi is a safe choice for a taste test.

6. Imahan Sukiyaki

Restaurant, Japanese

Sukiyaki lunch at Imahan | © Ryo FUKAsawa/Flickr

A sukiyaki restaurant in business for over 120 years. Sukiyaki is cooked at the table, similar to nabe, hotpot and shabu-shabu. Their secret sauce recipe and the quality of the ingredients ensure Imahan has a steady flow of regular customers.

7. Ogiya

Bar, Restaurant, Japanese

Asakusa’s Ogiya serves up yakitori and small plates in a casual, laidback atmosphere. It offers a wide selection of beer and other drinks. An English menu is available.

8. Tsukemen Kobo

Restaurant, Ramen

In an alley off Kototoi-dori, this noodle shop dishes out tsukemen, a type of ramen where the noodles and ingredients are dipped in the broth rather than served together as a soup. It’s simple, delicious food, far enough away from the main tourist areas that you won’t have to battle for counter space.

9. Masaru

Restaurant, Japanese

One of the most famous tempura restaurants in Asakusa. Masaru’s tempura is fresh and crispy, while their house recipe sauce is addictive. It’s no wonder that even celebrities are rumored to visit from time to time.

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