Tsunahachi つな八 is a historic tempura shop in Shinjuku. This year it celebrates 100 years.

I love the branch at Shinjuku Takashimaya as it’s brightly lit and conveniently located near the station. The main shop has an old retro feel to it, which is also cool. At Takashimaya we requested counter seats and could wait for the counter to open up. My favorite way to enjoy tempura.

Spring is famous for sansai mountain vegetables that are enjoyed for slightly bitter flavors. My sansai tempura lunch included:

tara no me – angelica buds

fuki no to – butterbur

na no hana – rape blossoms

kogomi – fern

udo – spikenard (Aralia cordata)

The kakiage cake of chopped vegetables ends the meal. My friends had the traditional lunch of shrimp, fish and vegetables and the tendon tempura over rice with a sweet soy sauce.

Tsunahachi @tsunahachi_official

Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku 3-31-8

Tsunahachi at Shinjuku Takashimaya is on the 13th floor (I believe that’s correct!).