Enjoy a delicious, hearty meal at the oldest tempura restaurant in Japan: San-sada

San-sada is located next to Kaminarimon in Asakusa, Tokyo. It was built in 1837, making it the oldest tempura restaurant in Japan. It has been a beloved establishment filled with the rich aromas of sesame oil and tempura for over 180 years. There are many wonderful dishes like the seasonal tempura mix or Kaki-age (かき揚げ, fried batter dish). One dish that remains popular is their Tendon (天丼, rice bowl with tempura). It’s the perfect blend of crispy tempura and their special sauce. They have 6 different types of Tendon at all times.

The toppings overflow from the bowl. It’s popular with tourists as well. The Tendon is hearty and filling, but the airy tempura and aromas mean you’ll be done before you know it. At the entrance, they sell items you can take to-go like Kakiage, tempura, and fried manju. It is said that San-sada was the first place in Asakusa to sell these fried manju. Fill up on Tendon and tempura, and then take some of these to-go for later.