The long-standing Ginza Kitcho, one of the birthplaces of the world-famous Japanese Cuisine which continues to spread Japan's proud cuisine and food culture to the world.
Mikawa Zezankyo
みかわ 是山居
TOKYO
/
Tempura
An iconic Edomae tempura restaurant led by Chef Saotome, revered as the “God of Tempura".
- Counter Seating
- Private Room
- Solo Diner Accepted
- Open for Lunch
- Babies and Small Children
Revered as the “God of Tempura,” Mikawa Zezankyo is a legendary Edomae tempura restaurant in Monzen-Nakacho, drawing devoted diners from across Japan.
Owner-chef Tetsuya Saotome began his career just two days after graduating junior high school, washing dishes at the historic Ueno tempura restaurant Tensho. After fifteen years of unwavering training, he opened his own restaurant at the age of 29. The name Zezankyo—evoking a life of discipline and refinement—reflects his lifelong devotion to craft. Even now, in his eighties, Chef Saotome continues to fry tempura daily, driven by a desire to do better than the day before.
Although awarded a Michelin star in 2011, he has never cooked for ratings. To Chef Saotome, tempura is monozukuri—true craftsmanship—where technique and ingredients are only the starting point. What matters most is sensibility, expression, and the spirit behind each piece.
His long-held vision of creating a restaurant that is also an art space is realized here, with the building itself functioning like a gallery and a third-floor salon displaying artworks for guests.
At its core, Edomae tempura is defined by seafood from Edo—today’s Tokyo Bay—ingredients uniquely suited to this style.
Mikawa Zezankyo is not a place to visit simply because it is famous. It is a destination for those who seek to understand food culture itself—through tempura that quietly awakens the senses.
A true pilgrimage for anyone searching for the essence of Japanese tempura.
| Address | 1-3-1 Fukuzumi, Kotoku, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Business hours | Lunch: From 12:00 to 13:30 Dinner: 17:00 to 21:00 |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Directions | 8 min walk from Monzen-Nakacho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line / Toei Oedo Line) |
| Price | ￥29,700 |
| Seating | 1st Floor: Counter seating (up to 9 guests) 2nd Floor: Two private rooms (tatami seating / sunken kotatsu: room type cannot be selected) ※ Private rooms are available for parties of 2 guests or more |
| Smoking | Prohibited |
| Children | Children are welcome when using a private room only. Guests aged 13 and older are required to order a course and may be seated at the counter. |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Language | None |
| Parking | None |
| Dresscode | Smart Casual required. ※ Beach sandals, athletic wear such as sweatpants, T-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, and short pants are not permitted. ※ Guests wearing strong perfume or cologne will be denied entry. |
| Payment method | 【Advance payment for online reservation】 PayPal or Credit Card 【Payment for additional orders at the restaurant】 Cash or Credit Card |
| Cancellation Policy | The terms for cancellations and changes may differ based on the restaurant's policies, reservation date, time, and number of guests. Before making your reservation, please review and agree to the terms and policies listed on the reservation form. |
| Concierge Service Fee | 10% |
1-3-1 Fukuzumi, Kotoku, Tokyo
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