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Dining recommendation / Tokyo / 5 min

Tenmasa(天政) Tokyo: A Luxury Tempura Experience Worth Trying Once

If you want to experience authentic Tokyo high-end dining, Tenmasa is an outstanding choice. This guide explains what makes their counter-style tempura course so memorable, helping you plan a meal that combines master craftsmanship, fresh seafood, and elevated views near Ginza.

Tokyo recommendation

Our verdict

Tenmasa offers an exceptional, traditional tempura meal that completely justifies booking for a high-end Marunouchi dining splurge.

Visited
Dinner service
Cuisine
High-end counter tempura
Location
35th Floor, Marunouchi (near Ginza)
Course
Matsu Course (JPY 22,000)

A historic tempura house in Tokyo

Founded in 1937, Tenmasa brings decades of culinary tradition to its current 35th-floor location in Marunouchi. Sitting high above the city near Ginza, it offers an inviting space that immediately sets the stage for a memorable meal.

  • Arrive early to locate the correct tower elevator to the 35th floor.
  • Enjoy high-floor views overlooking the surrounding Marunouchi and Ginza districts.

Welcoming horigotatsu counter atmosphere

The dining room features a semi-circular counter designed with horigotatsu seating, which provides comfortable sunken legroom beneath tatami floor settings. This layout fosters an intimate, easygoing atmosphere where international travelers can feel completely comfortable interacting with staff.

  • Sit comfortably at the semi-circular bar without needing to cross your legs.
  • Watch the entire cooking process directly from your designated counter seat.

Highlights of the Matsu dinner course

We ordered the Matsu course, which features an appetizer, sashimi, four shrimp, squid, abalone, two seasonal seafood items, and four seasonal vegetables. Each piece is crisp on the outside while staying tender and fresh inside.

We also added the uni tempura, which was incredible. The meal finishes with kakiage, your choice of Tenbara, Tencha, or Tendon rice, miso soup, pickles, and dessert.

  • Savor fresh ingredients fried individually so every bite arrives hot and crispy.
  • Choose your preferred style of rice dish to complete the main course.
Travel scene

Important planning and booking considerations

Booking ahead is essential if you want to secure seats at the counter. Keep in mind that adding extra items like sea urchin will increase the final bill, though major credit cards are accepted when you are ready to settle up.

  • Reserve online in advance to guarantee your spot at the counter.
  • Pay conveniently using major credit cards at the end of your meal.

A good fit

Travelers looking for a memorable luxury dining experience centered on fresh seafood and counter interaction with the chef.

Diners who prefer comfortable sunken tatami seating while enjoying expansive top-floor views near Ginza and Tokyo Station.

Think twice

You are traveling on a strict budget, as high-end tempura courses here represent a significant financial splurge.

You prefer a fast-paced meal rather than a relaxed multi-course service paced item by item.