If you don’t mind queuing a little for a good and reasonably-priced meal, head over to tempura stalwart Tsunahachi in Shinjuku.
Tsunahachi - image © Florentyna Leow
In Japan, a queue usually indicates good eating. There’s usually a moderate line outside Tsunahachi, an unassuming-looking tempura restaurant in Shinjuku, and the meals here are certainly worth waiting a bit of time for. They opened in 1923 and have been going strong ever since. Almost 100 years of customers are unlikely to be wrong. The lunch sets are fairly inexpensive for the quality and quantity of food, starting at around JPY1500 per person.
Tsunahachi - image © Florentyna Leow
Like most tempura restaurants, their sets consist of a mix of vegetables and the occasional fish or prawn fritter. There are options to add extra tempura pieces such as anago (sea eel). What distinguishes them from more basic tempura restaurants is the attention to detail: several different dipping salts to choose from, and a miso soup made with as much care as the tempura. The tempura itself is light and crispy, with fresh ingredients shining through.
If possible, have a seat at the counter. Not only is it fun to watch the chefs prepare and cook your tempura right in front of you, your food also arrives faster - straight from the hot oil to your plate. Any remaining stomach space should be spent on dessert, which at Tsunahachi means tempura ice cream. Expect nothing less from a tempura specialist.
You might not want to stand in line for lunch while you’re on holiday. But if you’re willing to wait for good tempura, it might not be a bad use of your time. Just bring a book.
For more Tokyo tempura choices, see our Best Tempura in Tokyo page.
English name:
Tempura Tsunahachi (tempura)
Japanese name:
天ぷら新宿つな八
English address:
3-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Japanese address:
〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿3-31-8
Opening hours:
11am-10:30pm
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 2-minute walk from exit A4 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines, and Toei Shinjuku line.
Train: 3-minute walk from the central east exit of Shinjuku Station.
Telephone:
+81-3-3352-1012
Website:
Official website (English)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Tsunahachi on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Tsunahachi is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
More Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations:
See all tempura restaurants we recommend on our Best Tempura in Tokyo page and get the complete list for all cuisines on our Best Tokyo Restaurants page.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
