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Tsunahachi

つな八

The tempura institution since 1923

Introduction

Tsunahachi (つな八) is Japan's century-old tempura institution, founded in 1923 in Ginza. This prestigious chain of over 30 restaurants has maintained the traditional art of tempura for a century, passed down from master to apprentice. Tsunahachi represents absolute excellence in Japanese frying, with ancient techniques and exceptional ingredients.

👑 Century-old mastery

  • Founded in 1923 - A century of tempura expertise
  • Traditional techniques - Master-apprentice transmission
  • Premium ingredients - Rigorous daily selection
  • Art of frying - Absolute technical perfection

🏮 Prestigious history

Tsunahachi was founded in 1923 by Tsunaji Hirata in the Ginza district, during its reconstruction after the Great Kantō earthquake. The original restaurant, a simple tempura counter, revolutionized the art of frying by standardizing techniques that had been kept secret by master cooks since the Edo period.

🎓 Tempura school

More than a chain, Tsunahachi is a true training school for tempura arts. Each cook undergoes a minimum 5-year apprenticeship before mastering all techniques. The company has trained thousands of chefs who have then opened their own restaurants, spreading Tsunahachi standards throughout Japan.

🌊 Art of tempura batter

Tsunahachi's tempura batter follows a century-old recipe: ice water, special flour and minimal mixing technique to avoid gluten formation. This batter, prepared in small quantities throughout service, guarantees an ultra-light and crispy texture that never masks the flavor of the ingredients.

🔥 Temperature mastery

Each ingredient at Tsunahachi is fried at a specific temperature: 160°C for delicate vegetables, 170°C for shrimp, 180°C for white fish. This thermal precision, controlled to degree, allows achieving perfect texture for each tempura, with a tender heart and ideal golden crust.

🦐 Exceptional selection

Tsunahachi sources exclusively from the best suppliers: live shrimp from Kumamoto, mountain vegetables from selected producers, line-caught fish from Tokyo Bay. This premium quality, visible in every bite, justifies the legendary reputation of the brand among Japanese food connoisseurs.

Exceptional Tempura Menu

🦐 Premium Seafood Tempura

🌊 Exceptional freshness

All seafood is selected live in the morning and prepared according to traditional Japanese rules to preserve their natural texture and flavor.

English Name日本語DescriptionPrice
Giant Shrimp大海老天ぷらTiger shrimp from Kumamoto, 20cm+¥800
Anago (Conger Eel)穴子天ぷらTokyo conger eel, melting texture¥650
Kohada (Gizzard Shad)小肌天ぷらSmall silver fish, delicate¥580
Kisu (Japanese Whiting)鱚天ぷらFine white fish, pearly flesh¥520
Fresh Squid烏賊天ぷらCrispy tentacles¥480
Seafood Kakiage海鮮かき揚げMixed shrimp and shellfish¥750

🥬 Seasonal Vegetable Tempura

English Name日本語DescriptionPrice
Japanese Eggplant茄子天ぷらPurple nasu, melting inside¥380
Shishito Pepperししとう天ぷらGreen sweet pepper, slightly spicy¥320
Lotus Root Renkon蓮根天ぷらCrispy perforated root¥350
Shiitake Mushroom椎茸天ぷらPremium meaty mushroom¥420
Chrysanthemum菊花天ぷらEdible flower, delicate bitterness¥450
Vegetable Kakiage野菜かき揚げJulienned seasonal vegetables¥480

🍱 Traditional Tendon Sets

English Name日本語DescriptionPrice
Classic Tendon天丼Shrimp + vegetables on rice, sweet sauce¥1,200
Ebi Tendon海老天丼Double premium giant shrimp¥1,800
Anago Tendon穴子天丼Grilled conger eel, refined flavor¥1,650
Kakiage Tendonかき揚げ天丼Giant vegetable and seafood fritter¥1,380
Vegetarian Tendon精進天丼Seasonal vegetables only assortment¥1,150
Deluxe Tendon特上天丼Chef's premium selection¥2,500

🍽️ Kaiseki Tasting Sets

English Name日本語DescriptionPrice
Discovery Setお試しセット5 tempura + rice + soup + vegetables¥1,580
Tradition Set伝統セット8 tempura + tendon + dessert¥2,200
Master Set職人セット12 tempura served progressively¥3,500
Imperial Set御膳セット15 premium tempura + accompaniments¥5,000
Chef's OmakaseおまかせコースSurprise menu based on daily arrivals¥6,800

🍚 Traditional Accompaniments

English Name日本語DescriptionPrice
Plain Rice白ご飯Premium Japanese Koshihikari rice¥300
Miso Soup味噌汁Traditional wakame broth¥200
Pickled Vegetablesお漬物Assorted house tsukemono¥350
Tentsuyu Sauce天つゆTraditional dipping sauce¥150
Grated Radish大根おろしFresh daikon, natural digestive¥200
Fresh Wasabi生わさびFreshly grated wasabi¥300

🍵 Traditional Beverages

Premium Teas

  • Sencha green tea - ¥400
  • Imperial gyokuro - ¥800
  • Roasted hojicha - ¥350
  • Genmaicha - ¥300

Premium Sake

  • Junmai Daiginjo - ¥1,200
  • Local Edo sake - ¥800
  • Hot sake kan - ¥600
  • Non-alcoholic amazake - ¥450

Other Beverages

  • Asahi draft beer - ¥500
  • Traditional ramune - ¥300
  • Mineral water - ¥200
  • Plum ume juice - ¥400

The Century-Old Art of Tempura

🎭 Preparation ritual

At Tsunahachi, each tempura follows a century-old protocol: ingredients at room temperature, ice-cold batter prepared in small batches, oil maintained at precise temperature for each type of food.

  • Ice water mandatory - Prevents gluten development
  • Minimal mixing - Deliberately lumpy batter
  • Immediate frying - No waiting time
  • Direct service - Tasting within the minute

🌡️ Thermal mastery

  • • Tender vegetables: 160-165°C
  • • Thick shrimp: 170-175°C
  • • White fish: 175-180°C
  • • Fine kakiage: 180-185°C
  • • Constant thermometer control

⏱️ Cooking timing

  • • 20cm shrimp: 2-3 minutes
  • • Eggplant slice: 1-2 minutes
  • • Fish fillet: 1.5-2.5 minutes
  • • Vegetable kakiage: 3-4 minutes
  • • Constant batter bubble observation

👨‍🍳 Traditional training

Each Tsunahachi chef follows a minimum 5-year apprenticeship: 1 year ingredient preparation, 2 years temperature mastery, 2 years batter technique and timing. This rigorous training guarantees constant excellence in all chain restaurants.

Expert Tasting Guide

🍤 Perfect tempura initiation

  1. 1. Start with discovery set to appreciate variety
  2. 2. Taste immediately, tempura cools quickly
  3. 3. Dip lightly in tentsuyu, don't drown
  4. 4. Alternate with grated radish to cleanse palate
  5. 5. Observe chef's technique if counter available

🥇 Prestige initiation menu

  • Tradition set - Complete experience (¥2,200)
  • Sencha tea - Perfect accompaniment (¥400)
  • Pickled vegetables - Palate cleanser (¥350)
  • Extra grated radish - Digestive (¥200)
  • Total: ¥3,150 for authentic discovery

👑 Expert gourmet menu

  • Chef's omakase - Surprise menu (¥6,800)
  • Imperial gyokuro - Premium tea (¥800)
  • Fresh wasabi - Noble accompaniment (¥300)
  • Junmai sake - Perfect pairing (¥1,200)
  • Total: ¥9,100 for ultimate experience

🎯 Expert tasting tips

  • Reservation recommended - High popularity guaranteed
  • Counter preferred - Watch chef at work
  • Lunch cheaper - Advantageous lunch sets
  • Seasonal menu - Special seasonal ingredients
  • Japanese etiquette - Respect traditional atmosphere

Essential Information

Hours
11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Closed some Mondays
Location
30+ premium restaurants
Ginza, Shinjuku, Kyoto
Payment
Cards accepted
Cash preferred
Average budget
¥2,000-6,000 per person
Excellence justified

👑 Tips for International Visitors

Century-old institution
Authentic traditional tempura experience
Exceptional quality
Premium ingredients, ancient techniques
Reservation advised
High popularity, limited seats
Justified prices
Absolute excellence, memory investment

🎭 The Art of Tempura

Perfect batter
Ice water + minimal mixing = lightness
Precise temperature
Each ingredient has its optimal temperature
Critical timing
Immediate tasting mandatory
Premium selection
Live ingredients, maximum quality

🏮 Tradition Since 1923

Tsunahachi has preserved the authentic art of Edo tempura for a century. This institution has trained generations of tempura masters and maintains the highest standards of traditional Japanese cuisine. Each visit is a journey through Japan's culinary history.